MINNETONKA — Bloomberg Philanthropies awarded the City of Minnetonka a $50,000 grant through its Youth Climate Action Fund, a program aimed at supporting young people ages 15 to 24 in developing and leading climate action initiatives.
Minnetonka is one of 300 cities worldwide selected for the program this year and one of just 56 cities in the United States to receive funding. Since launching in 2024, the Youth Climate Action Fund has partnered with nearly 100 municipalities across five continents.
“The city is deeply honored to have been selected for this global opportunity,” Ally Sutherland, Minnetonka’s Sustainability Coordinator, said. “The city is passionate about empowering innovative youth leaders to get involved with programming, and with the Youth Climate Action Fund grant, the city will be able to directly support young people as they create tangible climate projects in Minnetonka.”
The city plans to redistribute portions of the grant through microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Funding will support youth-led climate action projects throughout the community.
Eligible applicants will include youth clubs and organizations, youth-serving nonprofits and sponsor organizations such as schools, museums and community groups.
City officials said the program aligns with Minnetonka’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, adopted in 2024, which outlines strategies to address climate-related challenges facing the city.
Officials said Minnetonka’s goal of reducing per capita greenhouse gas emissions by 63% by 2030 is among the most ambitious climate targets in Minnesota and will require participation across multiple sectors of the community.
According to the city, projects funded through the Youth Climate Action Fund are intended to create measurable local impacts while encouraging broader community participation in climate action efforts.
Minnetonka plans to open applications for the microgrant program in September. Additional information about the initiative is expected to be released in the coming months.
More information is available at Minnetonka Matters Youth Climate Fund page.
