Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh announced today that the City of Dubuque has been selected to participate in the third round of the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), receiving $50,000 to support youth-led climate action projects. Applications are now open for microgrants of up to $5,000 for projects that align with citywide priorities and address climate challenges in the community.

“We are incredibly excited that the City of Dubuque has been selected. Through previous rounds of the program, our youth have demonstrated that innovative ideas and local solutions can create meaningful change. This new funding will allow even more young residents to turn their passion into projects that strengthen our community, build resilience, and inspire others to take action,” said Mayor Brad Cavanagh. “We are grateful to Bloomberg Philanthropies for their continued support and look forward to seeing the next generation of climate leaders help shape a more sustainable future for Dubuque.”

Projects must be led by at least two young people, ages 15-24, working with a sponsor organization (such as a community group, school, or university). The sponsor organization will be tasked with submitting the grant application, and administering the grant funding, if awarded.

Proposed projects must align with one of four focus areas identified in Dubuque’s 50% by 2030 Community Climate Action and Resiliency Plan:

• Transportation, Land Use, and Mobility
• Food
• Climate Health and Safety
• Solid Waste

Selected projects will begin in November 2026 and must be completed by April 25, 2027.

Applications are open now and will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. Youth and youth-serving organizations interested in applying can find eligibility requirements, project guidelines, and application information at sustainabledubuque.org/ycaf

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:

To date, more than 300,000 young people across five continents have taken part in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, working with their city halls to create over 1,600 green spaces, plant over 1.8 million plants and 235,000 trees, develop nearly 5,000 gardens, launch 268 composting stations, and collect more than 405,000 pounds of trash and recyclables, producing visible improvements in their communities and bettering quality of life for residents worldwide. As part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ longstanding work to strengthen local state capacity through its Government Innovation program, the Fund also provides municipalities and their mayors with a model that extends beyond climate—galvanizing partnership with stakeholders citywide to advance progress on pressing problems—and opportunities—for the people they serve.