Bellevue Opens $50,000 Youth Climate Action Fund as Application Workshop Meets Today

Young people in Bellevue can apply for up to $5,000

Young people in Bellevue, in the United States, can now apply for up to $5,000 to turn a local climate idea into action. The City of Bellevue announced its Youth Climate Action Fund on 23 October 2026, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, with $50,000 in grants for youth-led projects that address climate change and build sustainability in the city.

To help young applicants shape their ideas, the city and the Bellevue School District are holding an application workshop at City Hall on Wednesday, 28 October, where young people can workshop applications, ask questions and get support developing project ideas.

“This gives Bellevue’s young people a real chance to turn an idea into action in their own community,” said Mayor Mo Malakoutian. “Give young people some trust and a little funding, and they can surprise you. I’m excited to see what they build.”

What projects can the fund support

Residents aged 15 to 24 can submit projects in five areas: climate change, energy and buildings, mobility and land use, waste and materials management, and natural resources. Projects should tackle local challenges through community events, education, outreach, neighbourhood projects or other activities.

Each project must be led by at least two young people, with each team submitting one application. All projects must take place in Bellevue and be completed by 30 March 2027. Funding is provided through nonprofits that help manage grant funds on behalf of the youth-led projects.

FAKTA: Key facts at a glance

• $50,000 in total grants through Bellevue’s Youth Climate Action Fund, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies.
• Microgrants of $1,000 to $5,000 per youth-led project.
• Open to Bellevue residents aged 15 to 24; each project must be led by at least two young people.
• Applications are due on Thursday, 5 November 2026; projects must be completed by 30 March 2027.
• Application workshop at City Hall on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, with the city and the Bellevue School District.
• Bellevue is one of 300 cities worldwide in Bloomberg’s youth climate programme.

Why small grants for young leaders matter

Bellevue is one of 300 cities worldwide to join Bloomberg’s programme supporting young people as they develop and implement climate solutions in their own communities. Under the programme, participating local governments receive $50,000 and technical support to run climate innovation competitions for young people aged 15 to 24, and cities that make full use of the initial funding within a year receive a further $50,000, according to programme information published by ICLEI, a network of local governments working on sustainability.

The same programme information reports that an earlier phase of the fund engaged more than 100,000 young people and supported 250 green spaces, 118 composting stations, more than 150,000 trees and native plants, 3,000 community gardens and the recovery of more than 325,000 pounds of waste. Bellevue’s fund follows that model: small, youth-led projects, rooted in one city, adding up to wider change.

For readers interested in how young conservation leaders are being supported elsewhere, see also Disney’s $1 million backing for young conservation leaders through Roots & Shoots.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bellevue’s Youth Climate Action Fund?

It is a $50,000 grant fund run by the City of Bellevue in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, offering microgrants of $1,000 to $5,000 to youth-led projects that address climate change and build sustainability in Bellevue.

Who can apply?

Bellevue residents aged 15 to 24. Each project must be led by at least two young people, and each team may submit one application.

What kinds of projects are eligible?

Projects focused on climate change, energy and buildings, mobility and land use, waste and materials management, or natural resources, tackling local challenges through community events, education, outreach or neighbourhood projects.

When is the deadline?

Applications are due on Thursday, 5 November 2026. Projects must take place in Bellevue and be completed by 30 March 2027.

Where can applicants get help?

The city and the Bellevue School District are holding an application workshop at City Hall on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, where young people can workshop applications and ask questions.