Budapest has secured USD 50 thousand, about HUF 15.5 million, from Bloomberg Philanthropies for a Youth Climate Action Fund. The money will support at least eight climate micro-projects led by people aged 18 to 24. The projects must fit the city’s environmental and climate policy goals.
What was decided
At its May 2026 meeting, the General Assembly approved the grant agreement between the Municipality of Budapest and Bloomberg Philanthropies. Under the decision, the municipality will carry out the Youth Climate Action Fund project between 27 April 2026 and 14 May 2027. The project aims to give direct support to youth-led climate and environmental initiatives.
Who can apply and for what
Through an open call, NGOs, youth communities, educational institutions, cultural actors and other organisations working with young people can carry out micro-projects. Eligible themes are green space development, climate adaptation, sustainable transport, waste reduction and community initiatives. Each micro-project can receive at least about HUF 310 thousand and at most HUF 1.5 million.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total grant | USD 50 thousand (about HUF 15.5 million) |
| Minimum number of micro-projects | 8 |
| Grant per micro-project | about HUF 310 thousand to HUF 1.5 million |
| Project period | 27 April 2026 to 14 May 2027 |
| Age of project leaders | 18 to 24 |
How the project will run
A preparation period is followed by the launch and management of the call, then the implementation and professional monitoring of the selected projects. In the final phase, the focus is on presenting the results and making successful initiatives visible. According to the mayor, the official call starts in summer. The city’s Green Budapest page lists an online information session on 9 September from 15:30 to 17:00 and a further session on 18 September from 15:00 to 18:00.
The wider scheme
The Youth Climate Action Fund is an international initiative that aims to involve young people in developing and delivering local climate solutions. Around 300 cities worldwide can launch their own calls, reaching more than 300 thousand young people aged 15 to 24 in total. This is not Budapest’s first international success this year: in February the city announced it was among the winners of the Bloomberg Philanthropies 2025–2026 Mayors Challenge. That award supports the Metropolitan Processing Centre, which will use unsold but usable vegetables and fruit from the city’s markets. Out of more than 630 applicants, 50 cities reached the final, and 24 winners were selected.