Second Round of Youth Climate Action Funding

The City of Madison’s Sustainability Program is excited to announce a second round of funding for Youth Climate Action projects. The City has been awarded $100,000 from Bloomberg Philanthropies to support seventeen youth-led projects with $5,000 each. These projects must directly serve residents of the City of Madison, be led by at least 3 youth aged 16-24, and support the City of Madison’s 2024 Sustainability Plan. Applications will be reviewed and recommended for funding by youth from the Madison area with previous experience in the By Youth For Youth program.

In 2024, Madison received $50,000 from Bloomberg Philanthropies, which supported eight youth-led climate projects guided by the City’s 2024 Sustainability Plan. These projects ranged from restoring effigy mounds to supporting participation in green careers. 

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway says that by empowering young people, the funding is advancing the City’s mission of creating a more sustainable and resilient community. 

“Last year’s projects showed me the innovative capacity of our young people and the care they have for our planet and our community. Local governments are at the front line of combatting climate change and Madison has already successfully deployed multiple decarbonization initiatives. I’m excited to see what new ideas emerge from this latest round of Youth Climate Action funding.”

Young people aged 15-24 years old are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. If you are an individual, part of a youth group, or involved with a youth serving organization and are interested in applying for funding through this opportunity, please visit this website. Priority applications will be accepted until March 10, with rolling applications accepted after as funding permits. All projects must be completed by October 31st, 2025.

A co-creation session to support potential applicants in developing their project ideas will be held on February 17th from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom for organizations interested in submitting proposals. These sessions will allow project staff, youth serving organizations, and youth grant reviewers to discuss and develop projects in a way that aligns with organizational competencies and the Sustainability Plan, making them more likely to receive funding.