Keeling Curve Prize 2026 for Climate Innovators (Up To $50,000)

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Applications are open for Keeling Curve Prize 2026. The fight against climate change demands bold ideas, scalable solutions, and committed leaders from every corner of the world. The Keeling Curve Prize (KCP) stands as one of the most respected global opportunities dedicated to identifying, supporting, and accelerating innovative climate solutions that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Applications for the upcoming cycle are now open, offering climate leaders, startups, nonprofits, and community-based initiatives a unique chance to gain funding, visibility, and strategic support.

The Keeling Curve Prize is more than a financial award—it is a growth catalyst for climate innovation. Each year, the prize identifies and supports projects that demonstrate measurable impact, scalability, and long-term potential to address climate change. After a rigorous and competitive review process, 10 winners are selected, each receiving USD $50,000 to help scale their work and deepen their impact.

Applicants come from over 109 countries, representing a diverse range of geographies, cultures, and sectors. The prize places strong emphasis on inclusion, supporting BIPOC-led, women-led, and community-based organizations, as well as initiatives operating in under-resourced and climate-vulnerable regions. This global and equitable approach ensures that some of the most promising climate solutions—often developed in challenging contexts—receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Keeling Curve Prize Benefits

After a rigorous review process led by our diverse and talented group of experts, 10 winners are awarded $50,000 each to scale and succeed.

Prize Categories

Applicants must apply under one of five core categories, each addressing a critical dimension of climate action:

Carbon Sinks
- This category supports projects that enhance carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) through natural or engineered systems. Eligible projects may include nature-based solutions such as forests, soils, and oceans, as well as innovative technological approaches. Priority is given to solutions that demonstrate long-term sequestration viability, credible verification methods, and real-world applicability.
Energy
- Energy-focused projects work to decarbonize energy systems and expand access to low- or zero-emissions energy. This includes clean energy generation, smart grids, mini-grids, and off-grid solutions that reach underserved and “last-mile” communities. Projects are evaluated on scalability, affordability, equity, and their ability to compete strategically with fossil fuels.
Finance
- Projects in this category address the financial systems that shape climate outcomes. This includes climate finance mechanisms, carbon accounting tools, investment and divestment strategies, policy innovations, and financial empowerment models. Strong applications demonstrate how financial systems can support long-term planetary health while promoting inclusion and verified positive impact.
Social & Cultural Pathways
- This category recognizes initiatives that transform how people think about, engage with, and act on climate change. Projects may focus on behavior change, communication, education, activism, policy influence, or cultural norms. Applicants should demonstrate how social and cultural shifts can lead to measurable emissions reductions and scalable impact.
Transport & Mobility
- Transport and mobility projects aim to reduce emissions from vehicles, fuels, and supply chains. This includes innovations in electric mobility, mass transit, fleet management, rural transport access, travel avoidance strategies, and infrastructure improvements. Projects that challenge the dominance of internal combustion engines and accelerate modal shifts are especially encouraged.

Eligibility Criteria for Keeling Curve Prize

Open to active climate projects or programs worldwide where Climate Curve is legally permitted to distribute funds
Must comply with U.S. laws and OFAC sanctions (applications from comprehensively sanctioned countries/regions and individuals on the SDN list are ineligible)
Current, active projects only; past work, unimplemented ideas, or untested concepts are not eligible
Projects must demonstrate potential for scalable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions
Applications must attempt to quantify emissions reductions and address functional and financial scalability
Incomplete applications or those that do not meet requirements will not be considered
Applications must be submitted in English
Applicants must select one primary prize category (secondary categories allowed), but can only win one category per year
Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in future years
Previous winners may apply only with a new, distinct project using different methods or approaches
Applicants grant Climate Curve permission to share application information; confidential or proprietary information should not be included in the main application and must be shared separately via a secure process.