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1 RiversideCA.govYouth Climate Action FundRound 1: FY 26-27City CouncilJuly 28th, 2026Office of Sustainability RiversideCA.gov2
1. The Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund began in 2024 to help municipalities mobilize young residents (15-24) in designing and delivering solutions aligned with citywide climate priorities. 2. Riverside is one of 57 American cities that has been selected for the 2026 cohort and are being funded $50,000 to host this program. BACKGROUND
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2 RiversideCA.gov3
1. The City of Riverside is developing a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) that will set ambitious emission reduction targets for the city. 2. The CAAP serves to identify how to achieve citywide carbon neutrality and outline adaptation strategies to address climate change-induced challenges. 3. Youth are a population subset that is disproportionately affected by climate change. They currently experience many of its localized effects in their schools, neighborhoods, and homes.BACKGROUND RiversideCA.gov4
1. The timeline of the Fund goes as followed:1. Design Phase (1-2 months);2. Launch Phase (1-2 months);3. Support Phase (5 months); and4. Amplification and Reporting Phase (1 month)2. Activities for the YCAF will conclude in the second quarter of 2027. 3. The City's Office of Sustainability and the Youth Opportunity Center will collaborate with local and youth organizations to support project development and completion.DISCUSSION 7/15/2026
3 RiversideCA.gov5
What is Provided1. Funding2. Regional Coaching3. Learning Opportunities4. Templates and GuidelinesDISCUSSIONWhat is Expected1. Accountability2. Open Call3. Mayoral Leadership4. Mayor’s Event5. Co-Design6. Review7. Disbursement8. Updates9. Communication RiversideCA.gov6
Round 1–Funding: $50,000•Up to $10,000 may be used for city's administrative costs–Grants: $1,000-$5,000 per project–Projects: 8-40 within city boundaries–Participating Youth: 15-24 years old–Program Period: April 2026 – May 2027Round 2 OpportunityPotential to receive an additional $100,000 to support more youth-driven projects and expand participationDISCUSSION 7/15/2026
4 RiversideCA.gov7
1. Projects are led by young people, but funds must be disbursed to organizations. Eligible recipients include:1. Youth-led organizations (e.g. youth clubs or groups)2. Youth-serving organizations (adult-led organizations supporting young people)3. Sponsor organizations, such as city agencies, schools or other educational institutions, museums, or community organizations2. Each project must include: 1.At least one output, one outcome, and a numerical target for both3. The Office of Sustainability will return to the City Council later in the fall to present the grant agreement template and a list of recommended microgrants to award for this program cycle.DISCUSSION RiversideCA.gov8
That the City Council:1. Authorize the City Manager or designee to sign any and all documents associated with the award of the Youth Climate Action Funds, including any extensions, and making minor corrections as necessary;2. Accept a grant of $50,000, or the actual awarded amount, from Bloomberg Philanthropies, FY 2026-27, to fund the Youth Climate Action Fund project for the purpose of mobilizing young residents ages 15 to 24 to design and deliver solutions aligned with citywide climate priorities; and3. By at least five affirmative votes and upon grant award, authorize the Chief Financial Officer or designee to record an increase in revenues and appropriate expenditures in the amount of $50,000 or the actual grant award amount to the Youth Climate Action Fund Round 1 - FY 26/27 account to be established in 215 Grants and Restricted Funds.RECOMMENDATIONS