The “Seeds of Change” are sprouting in Cincinnati! This summer alone, you’ll see residents of all ages hard at work on air quality research in Winton Hills, planting pollinator gardens in Mt. Auburn and Lower Price Hill, bike education events in Millvale and Northside, energy assessments in faith communities of all kinds, and community garden buildouts in Avondale, Westwood and The Villages of Roll Hill. These projects, and many more, are in motion thanks to the Green Cincinnati Plan Seeds of Change Grant Program, an initiative led by the Office of Environment and Sustainability that provides funding for community-initiated projects that activate the Green Cincinnati Plan's priorities. Learn more about the recently awarded projects HERE.

The grant program aims to support sustainable, equitable, and resilient efforts led by residents that relieve burdens and increase benefits for those most affected by climate change. There have been two distinct rounds thus far in 2025: Youth Climate Action ($87,500) funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and Open Call ($153,335) co-funded by the City and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. So far in 2025, the City of Cincinnati has invested $240,835 in 35 projects impacting 42 neighborhoods. This brings the total awards for the grant program since its inception one year ago to an amazing $514,826 in investments in 103 projects reaching residents of 47 neighborhoods.

There will be one additional round in October of this calendar year with another $150,000 in awards and more to come in 2026. Outcomes and impact will be shared broadly as soon as a critical mass of funded projects complete final reporting.