Birmingham residents ages 15 to 24 can apply for grants to turn their ideas for a “healthier, greener and more resilient city” into action through Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund.
Birmingham is among 300 cities worldwide selected to participate in the initiative, which allows young people to design and lead projects addressing local climate and environmental challenges.
The city will provide microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for eligible youth-led projects. Participants also will receive technical assistance, mentorship, project planning support and connections to city departments and community partners.
“This is an opportunity for Birmingham’s young people to help shape the future of the city they will inherit,” Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said. “Young people are already bringing creativity, urgency and fresh ideas to some of our biggest challenges. We want to put resources behind those ideas and empower the next generation to create real solutions for their neighborhoods and our city.”
Projects must address at least one of Birmingham’s four climate priorities:
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Youth engagement—empowering young people to lead climate action
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Nature-based solutions—using nature to reduce climate impacts
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Healthy homes—supporting healthier and more energy-efficient living spaces
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Public health—addressing the health effects of climate change
“The best solutions are often found closest to the challenges themselves,” said Thomas Yuill, director of the Mayor’s Office of Resilience and Sustainability. “This program gives Birmingham’s young people the resources, support and platform to turn their vision into action. We are excited to see what they imagine and how their ideas can help build a more sustainable and resilient Birmingham.”
Individual applicants and team members must be ages 15 to 24. They must apply with or through an approved local partner, school, university or youth-serving nonprofit organization.
Bloomberg Philanthropies created the Youth Climate Action Fund to help cities involve young residents in developing projects that address local priorities. Birmingham joins hundreds of participating cities worldwide.
Bloomberg Philanthropies said it invests in 700 cities and 150 countries, focusing on arts, education, the environment, government innovation and public health. The organization distributed $4.3 billion in 2025.
Young people can learn more and apply at birminghamal.gov/youthclimate.
Applicants must email their submissions to [email protected] by October 9, 2026.
