(Courtesy of the City of Lincoln/Lincoln.NE.gov)LINCOLN–(News Release Aug. 20–Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird today announced that the City of Lincoln will offer grants up to $5,000 for young community members to lead projects that address climate and sustainability challenges. Lincoln is one of 300 cities selected to participate in the Youth Climate Action Fund program supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Through our new Youth Climate Action Fund, the City will empower the next generation of young climate leaders, while making Lincoln stronger, healthier, and more resilient,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “We are grateful to Bloomberg Philanthropies for resourcing this valuable initiative.” Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird at the news conference were Kim Morrow, Sustainability Director; Alex Tunnison, Lincoln Public Schools Assistant Sustainability Coordinator; and Jacki Petrow, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Student and Vice President of Sustain UNL. To be eligible for grants between $1,000 and $5,000, youth ages 15 to 24 must propose and lead projects that address one of four priority themes from Lincoln’s Climate Action Plan: Climate resilience: Solar energy, flood reduction, tree planting, extreme heat responses, strengthening neighborhood connections Local food: Community gardens, selling locally grown food, food access for those who need it most, reducing food waste Waste reduction: Reduce waste and single-use plastics, composting, recycling, upcycled fashion Transportation: Biking, scooting, walking, transit, electric vehicles, car sharing An independent evaluation committee will choose the projects. Selected projects will represent a variety of climate topics to ensure funding supports a diverse range of ideas and community impacts. A total of $50,000 is available for grants in Lincoln. Morrow said the grant program allows the City to more directly engage young community members regarding climate and sustainability issues. “The Youth Climate Action Fund gives us a clear path to engage our young people – to meet them where they are, to invest in their ideas, and to harness their energy and ingenuity into the work of building a more sustainable Lincoln.  In this way, our youth can directly shape the future of their own community.,” Morrow said. Morrow said potential proposals could include: A fashion show featuring upcycled clothing showing how to reduce waste Food-focused events that feed community members while also strengthening neighborhood connections Transportation-focused efforts such as a contest to encourage people to use more alternative travel methods The City will accept applications August 26 through October 7. Grants are scheduled to be awarded in early November, and teams must complete their projects by April 15, 2027. Project results will be announced on Earth Day, April 22, 2027. Tunnison said that so far this year, Lincoln Public School students have organized a litter cleanup event, planted trees at two high schools, and donated produce from school gardens. “The Youth Climate Action Fund offers these young leaders a chance to co-create a stronger, more sustainable Lincoln through the lens of their unique interests and perspectives,” Tunnison said. “Thank you to the Mayor’s Office for your work to bring this opportunity to Lincoln, and to all the community organizations also supporting the selected projects.” Petrow said young people at UNL are already supporting and leading many environmental initiatives across Lincoln and Nebraska, including organizing school chapters of environmental clubs, planning environmental events, and lobbying for political change on the local, state, and national levels. “Our investment in the future of the earth makes us key participants in sustainability initiatives, and we are so excited to see what Lincoln’s young people accomplish with the new Youth Climate Action Fund,” Petrow said. “It provides the opportunity to empower young people on the most basic level, with the funding and support to see how we, no matter our age, can make a difference.” For more information and to apply, visit lincoln.ne.gov/YCAF. ...read more read less