The City of Savannah announced today Bloomberg Philanthropies has selected Savannah for a $50,000 grant from the Youth Climate Action Fund. 

The Youth Climate Action Fund provides capital and technical assistance to support municipalities in mobilizing residents ages 15–24 in designing and delivering solutions aligned with citywide environmental priorities. Savannah is one of 300 cities worldwide that will receive funding and technical assistance to support youth-driven climate action. 

Specifically, the City’s Office of Sustainability invites young people to share their ideas and proposals. The strongest pitches will be considered for $50,000 in funding and technical assistance from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The Office of Sustainability will support implementation from start to finish, helping young residents lead in carrying their plans through to completion—creating public space, strengthening infrastructure, mitigating disasters, and building resilience.   

"This grant represents an investment not only in Savannah’s environmental future but also the next generation of leaders who will help shape it,” said Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson, II. “Young people bring creativity, energy, and fresh perspectives to some of the most pressing challenges facing our community. Through this initiative, we are giving Savannah’s youth the opportunity to turn their ideas into action and make a meaningful impact on the city they call home."  

Savannah joins the Youth Climate Action Fund alongside 300 city halls around the world. This program builds upon results across 34 countries, where 98 municipalities delivered tangible results for residents. 

"The City of Savannah is committed to building a more resilient and sustainable community, and that work is strongest when it includes voices from every generation,” said City Manager Jay Melder. “This funding will help us engage young residents directly in identifying solutions, developing projects, and creating measurable environmental benefits for our community. We look forward to supporting their ideas and helping bring them to life."  

“The Youth Climate Action Fund is helping city halls around the world work alongside hundreds of thousands of young people to take action on city climate challenges and improve their communities,” said Patricia E. Harris, CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies. “They are showing how local government can be a partner on issues youth and residents care deeply about – and they are building trust along the way. We look forward to expanding on these efforts and inspiring a new generation of civic leaders.” 

Young Savannah residents ages 15 - 24 years are encouraged to visit  www.savannahga.gov/youthclimateaction to learn more about the City of Savannah’s plans for the grant. Later this year, the City’s Office of Sustainability will open an online application process for youth-serving and youth-led organizations to submit ideas to receive funding.