Cincinnati steps up once more, calling upon innovators and young minds to take climate action into their own hands. The city’s Office of Environment and Sustainability (OES) is launching a new round of grant applications to support the ongoing ambitions of the 2023 Green Cincinnati Plan. With at least $300,000 up for grabs this year, the GCP Seeds of Change Grant Program is looking to invest in neighborhood-level solutions that target climate emergencies.
"The Seeds of Change program is an investment in community-led climate solutions," said Oliver Kroner, Director of OES, in a statement obtained by the City of Cincinnati. As 2024 saw 69 projects receiving funds, the city has quickly reduced carbon emissions by nearly 40%, a bold step towards its goal of 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. Projects ranged from tackling extreme heat to improving food access, signaling a comprehensive approach to the multi-faced climate crisis.
This year, the focus is also sharply on the younger generation, as the program sets aside funds for Youth Climate Action grants. With applications due by February 28, at least 17 grants will be awarded for youth-led or -impacted projects, commanding amounts ranging between $1,000 and $5,000. And it doesn’t stop there, as the open call for projects with grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 will see a deadline on April 30 and another on October 30, with at least 15 projects set to receive support.
For those interested in applying, the process beckons through the OES website. Past success stories and a comprehensive overview of the inaugural 2024 grants are also available, providing transparency and inspiration for what’s possible in the coming rounds. Together with the Green Cincinnati Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation and support from Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund, OES continues to champion the push towards a sustainable and just city landscape.
The mission of OES, as the city group spearheading efforts to forward the goals of the Green Cincinnati Plan, remains steadfast. This plan serves as a blueprint to reduce carbon footprints and foster equity and resilience within the Cincinnati community. This steady drumbeat for climate action is echoed across the city’s social media channels on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, where citizens are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with sustainability efforts.
