Dayton, Ohio – Dayton has been selected as one of 300 cities worldwide to participate in a major climate initiative aimed at helping young people develop solutions for environmental challenges facing their communities.
The city announced it will join Bloomberg Philanthropies’ newest round of the Youth Climate Action Fund, a global program designed to support climate-focused projects created and led by young residents.
Through the initiative, participating cities will organize innovation competitions where youth-led proposals will compete for funding and technical support. Dayton officials said selected projects will receive access to a $50,000 funding pool along with guidance to help participants carry out their ideas successfully.
The program focuses on empowering people between the ages of 15 and 24 to create projects addressing climate-related concerns in their communities. Potential projects could involve improving infrastructure, reducing disaster risks, increasing environmental resilience, or developing other local climate solutions.
City leaders said Dayton’s Office of Sustainability will work directly with young participants throughout the process, helping guide projects from the planning stages through final completion.
Dayton Youth Will Lead Climate Solutions
Officials said the city plans to formally open its proposal process by July 31, 2026. To qualify, proposed projects must be led by youth who live in Dayton, take place within the city, and be submitted through nonprofit organizations.
“The Youth Climate Action Fund is helping city halls around the world work alongside hundreds of thousands of young people to take action on climate challenges and improve their communities,” said Patricia E. Harris, CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Dayton Mayor Shenise Turner-Sloss praised the city’s selection, calling it an opportunity for local youth to directly shape positive changes in the community.
“This is an incredible opportunity for the City of Dayton,” said Mayor Shenise Turner-Sloss. “Being selected for the Youth Climate Action Fund uplifts the outstanding work of our Office of Sustainability and gives Dayton’s young people real power to create meaningful change in their own community. I could not be more excited about what they will accomplish through this initiative.”
The 300 participating cities selected for the newest round of the program span nearly every part of the world. Organizers said the group includes 76 cities from Central and South America, 63 from North America, 60 from Africa, 58 from Europe, 35 from Asia, six from Oceania, and two from the Middle East.
Bloomberg Philanthropies first launched the Youth Climate Action Fund in 2024. According to organizers, research from the first round showed that young participants developed stronger confidence in their ability to address environmental issues and contribute to their communities.
Officials also said Dayton could receive an additional $50,000 in funding if the city’s first round of projects proves successful. That extra support could help expand participation and fund even more youth-led climate initiatives in the future.
City leaders say the program represents more than environmental work alone. They believe it also gives young residents a chance to develop leadership skills, strengthen civic engagement, and play a direct role in shaping Dayton’s future.
