Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors for a Youth Climate Action Fund Grant
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a resolution authorizing an agreement with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors for a Youth Climate Action Fund grant.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution authorizing an agreement with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors for a Youth Climate Action Fund grant.
Staff Contact:
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator, 360.570.5828
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The Climate Program, in collaboration with the Olympia Youth Council, was awarded a Youth Climate Action Fund grant for $50,000. The grant will support 8 youth-led climate action projects with $5,000 each. The youth teams will develop and complete a local climate-related project throughout the 2026-27 school year. We will open the call for applications this summer.
The youth-led projects will advance the following climate priorities: promoting sustainable transportation options, reducing waste and reusing materials, and contributing to community action and stewardship.
Project teams will be made of 2 or more youth aged 15-24 and projects will take place within city limits and/or serve Olympia residents. Over the year long program, the youth teams will manage the schedule, budget, and implement the project with the support of a fiscal sponsor.
Climate Analysis:
This grant award supports the City’s climate goals and policies by implementing Comprehensive Plan Climate Policy PC3.1, “Conduct intentional outreach with frontline communities and youth to enable equitable engagement in the development and implementation of climate action and resilience initiatives”, by engaging youth and supporting youth-led climate solutions. Olympia’s youth have been a motivating force for climate action in our community and will be the city’s next leaders. Their leadership, voice, and ideas for solving the climate crisis are critical for success.
Equity Analysis:
Climate change affects everyone. However, some people and communities in Olympia (sometimes referred to as frontline communities) will experience greater impacts due to their age, race, gender, health, where they live, or what they do for work. Youth will experience disproportionate impacts from climate change throughout their lives and children are more at risk during extreme weather events.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Olympia’s youth have shown continued investment in climate action within the community. Dating back to the Youth Climate Inheritance Resolution in 2019, Olympia’s youth have been actively engaged and have participated in progressing climate action.
Financial Impact:
The Youth Climate Action Fund grant is $50,000. Of the grant funds, $40,000 will directly fund the youth-led climate projects, and $10,000 will be used for staff time. There are no matching funds required for the grant. With successful completion of the grant, the City may be eligible to receive an additional $50,000 grant award.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors for a Youth Climate Action Fund grant.
2. Move to approve the Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors for a Youth Climate Action Fund grant, with specific modifications.
3. Do not move to approve the Resolution Agreement with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors for a Youth Climate Action Fund grant.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement