LWF announces grants for youth-led climate projects 

“Taking a step for the protection of God’s creation” 

(LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has issued a call for small-scale climate projects initiated and led by young people. “Climate justice is a priority advocacy issue,” says Eva Christina Nilsson, Director of LWF’s Department for Theology, Mission and Justice, announcing the new call for proposals. “Climate justice points to the calling and need for everybody to take responsibility for the care of creation, and we see it as a matter of intergenerational justice.” 

The deadline for proposals is 8 May. Each project should be initiated and led by young people aged 30 years or younger and requires endorsement by an LWF member church. Projects should run from July to October. Applications meeting the eligibility criteria must be sent to [email protected] under the subject “Youth Climate Project”. 

The LWF can support project proposals with up to 2,000 Euros. “We want to empower young people to advocate for climate justice,” says Elena Cedillo, LWF’s Program Executive for Climate Justice. “Also, we aim to increase awareness among LWF member churches about the dynamics of mitigation and adaptation regarding climate change.” Cedillo is convinced that it is necessary to continue supporting young people that actively engage in climate action at local and national levels. 

Youth advocating for climate justice 

LWF has previously supported young people initiating climate action and reaching out to schools, youth groups, and student movements. 

„Many staff and volunteers in my church have had many questions about climate justice and sustainability,” says Michelle Schwarz from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saxony, Germany. They asked: What is sustainability? Are we harming the climate that much? Will my behavior change anything for our planet? 

“Through the LWF’s project grant, we could implement our youth project for a climate-neutral church,” Schwarz says. “It is a tiny step to protect creation, but it was a significant step for the community in our church.” 

Schwarz encourages youth leaders in LWF’s member churches to make use of the opportunity to apply for a climate project grant and “take a step for the protection of God’s creation.” 

Stephanie Joy Abnasan from the Lutheran Church in the Philippines recalls the project she coordinated in her church: “Our project aimed to prepare young people to face the impact of a changing climate by increasing environmental awareness. It also encouraged them to take climate action as stewards of God’s creation and adapt to sustainable living methods.” 

How to apply

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By LWF/A. Weyermüller