New Westminster, B.C. – Local youth can join the frontlines in the fight against climate change through new micro-grants from the City of New Westminster. Applications for the new program launch June 1.

“Youth are the best hope we have to address climate change and assure a better future for New Westminster and the planet,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “These grants will allow youth to implement local solutions to make us resilient to climate change and plan for a post-carbon future.”

The new micro-grant program will support youth aged 15-24 to design, implement, and govern climate solutions. Examples could include school community gardens, waste collection programs, road/waterway clean-ups, renewable energy projects, tree plantings, energy efficiency projects, sustainable transportation projects, hosting events or organizing online or in-person activities. Other ideas are welcome so youth are encouraged to be creative. Grants will range from $1,300 to $6,800.

Applications open June 1 at 8:00 a.m. To learn more about application criteria and to apply, visit www.newwestcity.ca/youth-climate-action-fund, Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis until July 14, 2024 and we encourage applications to be submitted as early as possible.  All funds must be allocated by September 20, 2024 and projects must be completed by December, 2024.

All projects must support one or more of the New Westminster Climate Action Plan’s Bold Steps: Carbon-Free Corporation; Car-Light Community: Carbon-Free Homes and Building; Pollution-Free Vehicles; Carbon-Free Energy; Robust Urban Forest, and People-Centred Public Realm.  To learn more about the Climate Action Plan visit: www.newwestcity.ca/environment/climate-emergency.

New Westminster is one of 100 cities worldwide and one of six Canadian cities to receive funding from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Action Climate Fund. The funding is intended to spur youth-driven climate action to develop innovative projects and solutions to address climate change locally.  In addition to the micro-grants, the City will use the funding to create the Mayor’s Youth Climate Action Caucus and develop a Youth Employment Training Program focused on Climate Action.

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Media Contact:

Denise A Tambellini
Manager Intergovernmental Relations
City of New Westminster
604-340-9373 |

About the Bloomberg Youth Action Fund Action Plan:

With 84 per cent of youth around the world reporting that they are worried climate change threatens people and the planet, Bloomberg Philanthropies launched the Youth Climate Action Fund which will provide technical assistance and funding for 100 mayors to activate tens of thousands of young people ages of 15 – 24 years to design, produce, and govern urgent climate solutions in their cities. The cities in the Fund span 38 countries across six continents, representing over 62 million residents. www.bloomberg.org/press/bloomberg-philanthropies-launches-youth-action-fund-to-activate-tens-of-thousands-of-young-people-in-driving-climate-solutions-in-100-cities-across-the-globe/