City of Dubuque, IA

01/24/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/24/2025 10:42

Dubuque Receives Round Two of Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund

Dubuque is one of 90 cities that will receive a second round of funding and technical assistance to spur a groundswell of youth-driven climate action

With 84 percent of youth around the world reporting that they are worried climate change threatens people and the planet, Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh announced today that Dubuque will participate in round two of the Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF).

Dubuque will receive $100,000 to distribute as microgrants to fund a second round of youth-led climate initiatives. From mobilizing tree-planting or public education campaigns to launching recycling or waste reduction initiatives to participating in mitigation planning or preparedness programs, efforts stemming from YCAF will advance critical community goals such as meeting decarbonization commitments or reducing consumption-based emissions.

In 2024, Dubuque received $50,000 from YCAF, which was awarded to 10 projects and engaged 14 young leaders in climate-focused initiatives. Building on this success, cities that effectively utilized their initial funding, including Dubuque, were invited to apply for an additional $100,000. This funding will support more innovative, youth-driven projects over the next year, further amplifying their impact on local climate action efforts.

Young residents and organizations serving youth ages 15 - 24 years are encouraged to visit www.sustainabledubuque.org/ycaf to learn more about YCAF, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, and how to submit ideas for the opportunity to receive funding.

Ideas may include:

  • Youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, including youth-led climate education programs; youth climate hackathons; youth-developed climate surveys and research; youth-informed clubs or curriculum; and youth-designed public art and awareness campaigns.
  • Youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects, including youth-led community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, and urban farming campaigns; youth-managed recycling and waste reduction programs; and youth-produced climate resilience workshops and disaster preparedness programs.
  • Co-governed youth climate action plans, includingpartnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy ideas, decisions, or actionsor the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards.

Technical assistance will be available to youth to support proposal development and the creation of partnerships with the City for implementing microgrant-funded projects. Written applications may be submitted online by Tuesday, March 4, or Friday, March 28, at www.sustainabledubuque.org/ycaf. Following each deadline, a selection committee will review applications and choose microgrant recipients.

In addition, ideas can be presented in person at Earth Tank, a Shark Tank-style event on March 4. All projects presented will be considered for microgrant funding. In addition, two projects will receive a cash prize: one chosen as the audience favorite and another selected for best aligning with Dubuque's Climate Action Plan.

Dubuque has long been a leader in the state and region on climate action and the opportunity to involve youth in the solution is a critical step to meeting Dubuque's 50% by 2030 greenhouse gas reduction goal.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg's giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2023, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3 billion.

In 2024, 98 cities worldwide participated in the Youth Climate Action Fund supporting 1,102 projects - an incredible testament to the power of local, youth-led climate action. In round two, more than 90 cities across five continents will receive an additional $100,000 to fund youth-led climate initiatives, offering cities the opportunity to deepen collaboration, support more impactful projects, and inspire the next generation of local youth leaders.

For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, or follow Bloomberg Philanthropies on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.

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