City of Oberlin receives funding from Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund - The Morning Journal
City of Oberlin receives funding from Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund
Oberlin will be one of 100 cities to receive funding from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund.
Communities that are chosen to be a part of the program are asked to engage young people from the ages of 15 to 24 years old in action that addresses environmental and climate issues.
Oberlin received $50,000 through the program and can receive another $100,000 if the initial funds are used within six months after the program launches.
Linda Arbogast, coordinator of Oberlin Sustainability, said the city is looking to reach young people across Lorain County to apply for funds for climate action-related activities.
“We are getting the word out as broadly as possible because the funds can be used throughout the county,” Arbogast said. “That was a choice the city of Oberlin made.
“Bloomberg left it up to us, but we really feel like we want to support the countywide initiative.”
Arbogast said she is confident the $50,000 will be distributed within six months.
There are a wide range of initiatives that people can apply to receive funding for, she said.
“It’s really pretty open-ended,” Arbogast said. “Climate change and sustainability are pretty big areas.
“It could be pollinator gardening, community gardening, murals that focus on the climate or nature, improving recycling, cleaning up waterways, supporting bike culture.”
Arbogast said it’s particularly important for young people to be a part of climate action.
“For young people, it can be pretty overwhelming when they start to be part of a conversation about the changing climate, and it can get scary really fast,” she said. “I think Bloomberg got involved with this initiative, is for youth to be able to see what their role can be and that they don’t have to go through their days based on fear, but on action.”
Applications for funding will open June 1 on the city of Oberlin’s website at cityofoberlin.com.
Related Knowledge Center: Climate legislation
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