YOUNG people in the West Midlands will be the first in the country to access part of a £1million climate action fund.
The Climate Action Fund is made up of equal donations from Airbnb and Energy Saving Trust, which share an ambition to help build a sustainable future for every child and young person.
The first £200,000 has been made available specifically to charities in the West Midlands in a pilot round of funding.
The fund forms part of Airbnb’s wider Birmingham 2022 Legacy Pledge following the 2022 Commonwealth Games to support strategic projects that showcase the region.
The fund will support organisations in the region which focus on young people experiencing inequality and actively engage with them on tackling the climate emergency.
The scheme will improve access to climate education, resources and networks and projects funded by the grants will build the confidence, experience and expertise among the West Midlands’ next generation of climate leaders.
Grants will be made for a period of two years, and organisations can apply for up to £20,000 a year (£40,000 in total).
Eligible charities need to be based in the West Midlands and have an annual income of less than £1million.
The application window closes on March 31, with successful applicants announced in June.
Applications for charities nationwide will open later in the year.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “We want to tap into the tremendous well of talent that exists right across our region in order to surface solutions to tackle the climate emergency.
“That’s why it’s wonderful news that Airbnb and Energy Savings Trust have launched this fund in the West Midlands.
“I cannot wait to see the sustainability leaders this fund will help to empower and I look forward to seeing the local impact it will have in the months and years ahead.”
