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City of Madison

New Round of Youth Climate Fund Projects

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Mayor Rhodes-Conway speaking with Madison students

The City of Madison is proud to announce funding for 17 new youth-led projects to address climate change, support grassroots community engagement, and spur innovation in the green economy. This second round of projects includes initiatives to create community gardens, educate students on bike repair, and reduce food waste.  

The projects are part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund, which provides technical assistance and funding to activate tens of thousands of young people ages 15 to 24 years old to design, produce, and implement urgent climate solutions across the globe.  

Madison joined the Fund in 2024 and was awarded $50,000 to support eight youth-led climate projects guided by the City’s Sustainability Plan. In the first round of funding, the projects ranged from restoring effigy mounds to supporting participation in green careers. Due to success in 2024, Madison received an additional $100,000 to support more young residents this year.  

The innovative capacity of our young people is impressive, as is their care for our planet and our community. Local governments are at the front line of combating climate change, and the seventeen youth-led ideas from round two will tackle the impacts of climate change in our community and help catalyze a new generation of solution-oriented leaders.”

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Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway

Cynthia Green, from the Madison Metropolitan School District, says these projects are a powerful reminder that our students are not just future problem-solvers — they’re creating change right now.  

From addressing food insecurity to promoting cultural pride and sustainable practices, they’re creating real change in our schools and neighborhoods.

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Cynthia Green, MMSD’s assistant superintendent of teaching and learning

The City of Madison partnered with UW-Madison Extension and United Way of Dane County to administer the Youth Climate Action Fund through the By Youth for Youth Program, a joint program that supports a committee of local youth leaders who decide which youth-led projects to fund. By Youth for Youth has distributed nearly $1,000,000 to over 500 youth-led projects over the past 30 years.  

I’m passionate about community service and local government. I believe small actions can lead to meaningful change in tackling climate change within my community.

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Olivia, a Youth Climate Action Fund committee member

Winners of the second round of Youth Climate Action Fund awards receive $5,000 and support from the City of Madison to implement their idea. Winners of round two include: 

2025 Dane County Youth Climate Conference

Grant for the conference where youth engage with each other and presenters to take action against climate change. Awarded to Dane County Youth Environmental Committee.  

Climate Energy Tracker

Creation of a mobile and web app with info on types of fuel in each zip code area. Awarded to PlanetPatch Inc. 

Powerful Teen Leaders: Graphical Information Systems Introduction

Hands on experience that introduces students to careers options. This will be a four-day workshop where students create their own web map or online story map using Geographic Information System. Awarded to Sustain Dane.  

Act Now Initiative

Campaign to spread awareness about harmful chemicals, food waste reduction and food insecurity. This effort will also include hosting educational workshops at elementary schools and in community that include interactive activities. Awarded to Catholic Multicultural Center. 

Vel Phillips Memorial Bike Club

This effort will cover equipment to help students with bike repair, add more bike racks, and will include a field trip to Trek headquarters to learn more about bike repairs and professions. Awarded to Vel Phillips Memorial Bike Club in collaboration with WI Bike Fed.  

Green Careers Initiative

This program will educate diverse students about environmental careers. Students will shadow professionals, create a green initiative, and finally present their projects at a fair. Awarded to Madison Metropolitan (WI) Chapter of The Links, Inc. 

Black Girl B.L.O.O.M.

One day conference educating at least 50 Black girls on climate change, provide pollinator-friendly plants to promote micro gardens. Awarded to Awarded to Madison Metropolitan (WI) Chapter of The Links, Inc. 

Trees of Tomorrow

This effort will plant trees and provide education on why trees are vital to environment. Awarded to Sanchez Scholars Program. 

Food Equity Program – Building Raised Beds and Community Composting for Food Security and Sustainability

This project will build raised garden beds for older community members to garden. The produce will supply food pantries. Awarded to Kennedy Heights Community Center. 

Indigenous Flora Rain Garden

Youth are taught about and provided with supplies to plant rain gardens. Awarded to PlanetPatch Inc.

Rooted in Urban Agro-Forestry

This project will create a food forest (mimics a natural forest) on the north side of Madison. Awarded to Rooted WI, Inc.

Summer Programming at Food Recovery Network

This project will reduce food waste by gathering excess food from around Madison to be used for summer meals. Awarded to the Madison Chapter of the Food Recovery Network. 

Roots of Resilience

This project will create a community garden at a preschool where youth mentors will teach kids how to garden. Awarded to Freedom, Inc. 

Powerful Teen Leaders – Waste and Recycling

This project will educate people on recycling habits. Awarded to Sustain Dane. 

Powerful Teen Leaders – Madison College Photovoltaic Experience

Teens will learn about photovoltaic labs with a trip. Awarded to Sustain Dane. 

Transitioning to Sustainable Utensils in School Cafeterias

This project will replacing plastic utensils with compostable utensils. Awarded to Madison East Green Club. 

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