Youth Climate Action Takes Root: Announcing 2025 GCP Seeds of Change Youth Climate Action Grant Recipients 

As we celebrate Earth Day 2025, the Office of Environment and Sustainability (OES) is proud to announce the recipients of this year's GCP Seeds of Change Youth Climate Action Grant Program, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Cincinnati's youth have responded enthusiastically to the call, submitting innovative projects aligned with the 2023 Green Cincinnati Plan's goals. 

Local young people ages 15-24 got teams together to develop solutions to climate challenges in their schools, communities, and neighborhoods. These young leaders, and in many cases first-time grant writers, took this opportunity to gain valuable experience in proposal development, project planning, and climate innovation. 

An all-youth evaluation committee reviewed each proposal and played an important role in selection of this year's projects. 

With summer approaching, teams will soon begin implementing their six-month grant projects, running from May through October 2025. The diverse initiatives include citizen science research, summer workshop series, pollinator plots, community gardens, and more! View the complete list of 2025 funded projects here. 

 

Do you have a youth-led sustainability project you want to bring to life? There is still time to apply! Limited funding remains available for the youth grant opportunity. Applications will continue to be accepted through May as funding allows. Contact rachel.bickett@cincinnati-oh.gov for details. 

Neighborhood sustainability projects that don't center youth climate action can apply for the GCP Seeds of Change OPEN CALL Spring 2025 grants. Applications close 4/30/2025. 

 

About the Grant Program 

The GCP Seeds of Change Grant Program provides funding for community-initiated projects that align with the Green Cincinnati Plan's priorities.  The grant program, launched in 2024, aims to support sustainable, equitable, and resilient efforts that relieve burdens and increase benefits for those most affected by climate change in Cincinnati. 

Through Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund, Cincinnati committed to providing dedicated pathways to elevate youth voices in climate action. In 2024, this global initiative included 100 cities, empowering young people across the globe to bring their climate solutions to life. Thanks to the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund, Cincinnati bolstered the efforts of the GCP Seeds of Change Grant program and funded nine youth projects spanning pollinator plantings, composting initiatives, and green workforce education—all addressing key focus areas of the 2023 Green Cincinnati Plan. See the full list of projects from 2024 here.