Guelph is one of 100 cities internationally, chosen to receive a micro-grant through the Youth Climate Action Fund from Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Bloomberg Philanthropies is an organization aiming to ensure longer lives for the greatest number of people. It's focused in the areas of arts, education, environment, government and public health.
The fund gives mayors the ability to distribute money to youth ages 15 to 24 to design and produce climate solutions in their cities. It also helps give cities tools, techniques and support to encourage youth to collaborate in climate action solutions.
The cities selected will each receive $50,000 for micro-grants. Cities that commit to the initial $50,000 within six months could receive an additional $100,000 for more youth-led initiatives during the year.
After the money is given to the mayors to distribute they will put out open-calls for new climate initiatives created by youth.
Ideas can include youth-led awareness, education, research, development initiatives and climate mitigation and adaptation projects. Or co-governed youth climate action plans like partnerships between the city and youth groups for climate-related policies, decisions and actions.
“Climate change is an all-hands-on-deck challenge, and it’s critical that young people – who have the most at stake – help lead the way,” said Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, in a press release. “This new fund will help mayors mobilize and empower tomorrow’s leaders to take action today,” he said.
Guelph was one of six Canadian cities selected for the fund and one of four Ontario cities. The other Ontario cities are Kitchener, Oakville and Blue Mountains.
