Dubuque, one of the 90 cities selected for the second round of funding and technical assistance from the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), will receive $100,000 to support youth-led climate initiatives. This funding aims to mobilize tree-planting, public education campaigns, recycling, waste reduction initiatives, mitigation planning, and preparedness programs that align with Dubuque’s community goals, such as meeting decarbonization commitments and reducing consumption-based emissions.

In 2024, Dubuque received $50,000 from YCAF, which supported 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 and youth-driven projects over the next year, further amplifying their impact on local climate action efforts.

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

Ideas for funding include youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, such as youth-led climate education programs, youth climate hackathons, youth-developed climate surveys and research, youth-informed clubs or curricula, and youth-designed public art and awareness campaigns.

Youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects, such as 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, are being implemented.

Co-governed youth climate action plans are also being developed, involvingpartnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy ideas, decisions, or actions,or the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards.

Technical assistance will be provided to youth to support proposal development and the creation of partnerships with the City to implement microgrant-funded projects. Written applications can be submitted online by Tuesday, March 4, or Friday, March 28, at www.sustainabledubuque.org/ycaf. After 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. Two projects will receive cash prizes: 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 crucial step towards meeting Dubuque’s 50% by 2030 greenhouse gas reduction goal.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries worldwide to improve the lives of the most 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 philanthropy, and personal philanthropy, as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities globally. In 2023, the organization distributed $3 billion.

In 2024, 98 cities worldwide participated in the Youth Climate Action Fund, supporting 1,102 projects. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the power of local, youth-led climate action. In the second round, over 90 cities across five continents will receive an additional $100,000 to fund youth-led climate initiatives. This funding will enable cities to collaborate more effectively, support more impactful projects, and inspire the next generation of local youth leaders.

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