Evanston residents ages 15 to 24 can apply for grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to fund local climate and community projects, with a total of $50,000 available through a new Bloomberg Philanthropies-backed program.

The Youth Climate Action Fund, announced by Mayor Daniel Biss in a city press release on May 14, is actively accepting applications. The first round closes Thursday, Aug. 6. A second round is due Aug. 27, and all funded projects must be completed by April 2027.

At least eight projects are guaranteed funding.

Depending on project size and scope, up to 50 could ultimately receive awards, according to the city.

Eligible projects include creating or improving public spaces, climate resilience and environmental sustainability efforts, disaster preparedness, infrastructure improvements and community-building initiatives. The Daily Northwestern cited examples such as recycling programs, community gardens, park cleanups and local infrastructure enhancements.

"Addressing climate change requires bold ideas and collaboration across generations," Biss said in the May 14 announcement. "Through this program, we are putting trust in our youth to lead innovative solutions that will strengthen our City for years to come."

Beyond funding, selected participants will receive technical support and guidance from Bloomberg Philanthropies and city staff throughout the process, from proposal development to project completion.

One requirement for applicants: each project must be partnered with a Community Project Sponsor, a nonprofit or public entity in Evanston with a bank account under the organization's name. The sponsor serves as the fiscal agent, receiving and administering grant funds on the applicants' behalf. The city is recruiting sponsors.

Evanston joins 300 other cities worldwide participating in the Youth Climate Action Fund, which Bloomberg Philanthropies launched in 2024. The scale-up triples the program's reach. Patricia E. Harris, CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies, said in the May 14 announcement that the fund is "helping city halls around the world work alongside hundreds of thousands of young people to take action on city climate challenges."

Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $4.3 billion in 2025 across programs in 700 cities and 150 countries.

The second application round closes Aug. 27, and the city is actively seeking mentors, schools, nonprofits and local organizations to sign up as project sponsors through its website.