Bellevue residents ages 15 to 24 can apply for grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to lead local climate projects, the city announced Oct. 23.
The Youth Climate Action Fund, backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies, puts $50,000 into youth-led efforts targeting climate change, energy, waste, transportation and natural resources within city limits. Teams of at least two young people can propose community gardens, recycling programs, public art campaigns, education initiatives or projects promoting biking and pollution-free transportation, according to the city's program page.
"Give young people some trust and a little funding, and they can surprise you," Mayor Mo Malakoutian said in the announcement.
Applications are due Thursday, Nov. 5. All projects must take place in Bellevue and be completed by March 30, 2027.
Before the deadline, the city and Bellevue School District will co-host a Sustainability Symposium at City Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The event gives applicants a chance to workshop proposals, ask questions and get help developing ideas. Registration details are available through the school district's EcoLearn Project website.
Bellevue is one of roughly 300 cities worldwide participating in the Bloomberg program. Globally, more than 300,000 young people across five continents have taken part, according to Bloomberg Philanthropies. Participants have planted more than 1.8 million plants and 235,000 trees and created over 1,600 green spaces.
Grant funds will not go directly to youth teams. Instead, the money flows through nonprofit fiscal sponsors. The city said it will match teams that lack an existing relationship with a community-based organization. A single organization can receive up to three microgrants for separate projects.
Applicants must submit an online application form and email a completed budget template to [email protected] by the Nov. 5 deadline. The city plans to announce project selections in November and disburse funding in December 2026.
Eligible expenses include materials, supplies, services and youth participation costs such as transportation and food. The grants cannot fund projects already underway, speaker fees, partisan political activities or direct financial support to individuals.
Projects must align with the city's Sustainable Bellevue Plan and demonstrate environmental or community impact. Youth must be involved in planning, proposal writing and execution.
Residents can contact Jake Sykes at [email protected] or email [email protected] for more information.
