Atlanta, Georgia – Mayor Andre Dickens has proudly revealed the first microgrants of the Atlanta Youth Climate Action Fund in a major step towards environmental sustainability. Made possible by a partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, this innovative project distributes $40,000 to support youth-led projects designed to combat climate change and foster resilience around Atlanta.
Targeting young Atlanta residents between the ages of 15 and 24, the fund aims to inspire global climate action through creative environmental solutions development and application.
“The Youth Climate Action Fund can empower our city’s young innovators to develop climate solutions designed for the future,” said Mayor Dickens. “There is no denying that we are in a global climate crisis, and these young minds represent hope for real and necessary change in how we protect our environment. Thank you to Bloomberg Philanthropies and the other partners involved for helping our Administration make additional investments in our youth, and for assisting our efforts in making Atlanta a resilient city built for the future.”

Ten project teams—47 young people from different metro Atlanta educational institutions—have been chosen to get the funding. From energy conservation and trash reduction programs to building green areas and lowering of plastic consumption, the projects covers different things, while trying to achieve the same goal. Among the noteworthy recipients are Georgia Tech and Savannah College of Art and Design’s joint project, the Zero Waste Zone Station at the 5 Points Community Garden and the Amnesty North Atlanta Greenhouse project at North Atlanta High School. Every project shows a strategic approach to environmental problems, catered to advancing Atlanta’s climate action targets.
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Under management by the Atlanta Youth Climate Action Fund Selection Committee, the selection process included thorough evaluations of more than 60 applications. This diverse intergenerational group of community leaders scored projects based on their alignment with the city’s sustainability objectives, the clarity of their goals, budget, and feasibility. Members of the committee, including Alexis Harris from the City of Atlanta and Avery Evans from Park Pride, provided a great abundance of knowledge and dedication to the evaluation process.
“Authentically engaging youth in the decisions we make to advance the City’s climate action goals is a top priority,” said Chandra Farley, Chief Sustainability Officer. “Launching Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund to invest in youth-led projects has been a highlight for our office and we look forward to building upon this engagement for even greater impact.”

Atlanta participates in the Youth Climate Action Fund as part of a worldwide program run by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Reaching across 38 nations and connecting over 62 million people, the city is among 100 chosen from around the globe to take part in this effort. Following Bloomberg’s strict schedule, which calls for disbursing money by September 30, Atlanta is also in the running to get an extra $100,000 to encourage young-led environmental projects.
The city encourages young residents interested in making a difference to stay engaged with the Atlanta Youth Climate Action Fund through its website. This website offers not only details about forthcoming opportunities but also a tool for possible future candidates to get support and ideas for their environmental projects.
As Atlanta is establishing itself as a pioneer in urban sustainability, the Youth Climate Action Fund shows a great way for cities to properly use the enthusiasm and creativity of their younger citizens to support major environmental transformation.