25 Communities Project
Building resilient, equitable, and thriving communities.
What is the 25 Communities Project?
At Green Umbrella, we see a bright future for our region, one that is thriving and resilient to the effects of a changing climate. We envision:
Green Umbrella is launching the 25 Communities Project, an initiative that will bring twenty-five new communities into the movement towards a resilient, equitable and thriving region. This ambitious and exciting project will bring the resources, skills, tools, and collaborative connections Green Umbrella has developed over the past 26 years to help historically disinvested communities reduce emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Communities that are historically disinvested are more vulnerable to climate change impacts. These communities are more likely to have outdated infrastructure susceptible to extreme weather events, fewer green spaces, higher temperatures, poorer air quality, and fewer resources to recover after extreme events. The 25 Communities Project will help these communities access the resources, funding opportunities, and technical support they need to take action on their most pressing climate-related challenges and to help them build more resilient, equitable, and thriving communities.
In order to tackle this important work, we need your help.
What support will the 25 Communities receive?
Programming for the cohort of 25 Communities will begin in July 2025 and continue through August 2026. Participating communities will receive monthly offerings tailored for the cohort including trainings, workshops, consultations, and direct project technical assistance from Green Umbrella staff and regional/national partners, community event support, working group access, cohort convenings, and media coverage. Any staff from participating local governments can attend events and leverage available resources.
The 25 Communities will also be eligible for a 2026 Climate Action Fellow during Summer 2026. Our fellowship pairs undergraduate or graduate students and individuals who want to pivot careers into the climate space with Green Umbrella members to develop practical plans and solutions for a changing climate.
Why is this project so important?
With a rapidly changing climate, communities are facing new challenges. Limited budgets, staff, and funding resources are huge obstacles to progress towards climate preparedness. The Green Umbrella team has the experience, skills, and resources to support these communities in addressing some of our region's biggest challenges, including:
- Air Pollution
- Flooding
- Landslides
- Extreme Heat
- Food Resilience and Security
- Rising Energy Costs
Why do we need to act now?
We need to act now because these issues are affecting people’s health, well-being, and livelihoods TODAY and will continue to escalate with the changing climate. Communities that don’t start planning now…
Donate today to this groundbreaking project!
The 25 Communities Project needs your support
The 25 Communities Project will cultivate 25 local communities as climate leaders. Your support will provide Leading Level membership to the Green Umbrella Regional Climate Collaborative to communities with limited resources for resilience and climate preparedness. Membership will give them access to the technical support, toolkits, and training they need to develop policy and programs and apply for funding to put their ideas into action.
Your donation will help us create a more resilient, equitable, and thriving region.
Green Umbrella has played an integral role in the launch of so many of our important city programs.”
-Ollie Kroner, Director of the Office of Environment & Sustainability City of Cincinnati
Green Umbrella has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to collaboration and striving for meaningful community engagement on sustainability efforts across the region."
-Travis Miller, ASLA OKI Regional Council of Governments