People Powered Climate Democracy Accelerator CDA 2025 (10,000 USD in Grant)

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Applications are open for People Powered Climate Democracy Accelerator. The Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA) is a six-month, practice-oriented training and support program that prepares members to plan and implement an inclusive and participatory process for a just climate transition. Participants will develop a project to implement a climate-focused participatory program that addresses the needs and voices of local communities.

Climate change is a global issue affecting every aspect of our modern society, from declining agricultural productivity, rising sea levels, drought, forest fires and catastrophic flooding. To tackle the climate crisis, governments have a mandate to enable and encourage citizens, civil society, activists and more to participate in shaping and implementing climate policies. By expanding public participation and bringing marginalized voices into decision-making, governments can create climate-focused policies that are equitable and responsive to community needs.

People Powered is looking for government and civil society leaders to form a new cohort of innovators interested in launching participatory programs to shape climate policy on topics such as regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, just transitions, clean transportation, decarbonization, and more.

To be selected for this program, applicants must be from governmental institutions, civil society organizations, or non-governmental organizations. The program is open to applicants from all over the world, with 15 spots per cohort.

People Powered Climate Democracy Accelerator Benefits

Selected applicants will have access to a dedicated mentor to guide the development of their program, along with:

Step-by-step resources such as the Participation Playbook , our interactive, online tool for designing participatory programs.
Practice-oriented live sessions and online courses.
A 10,000 USD implementation grant.
The opportunity to apply for an additional 20,000 USD award for the best project developed by program participants.

Eligibility Criteria for People Powered Climate Democracy Accelerator

Who is this program for?

Government officials, staff members and policymakers who want to launch a participatory program for making just climate-related decisions. Please note: Government institutions applying must have a partnership with a civil society organization/non-governmental organization, as the grant recipient must be a non-governmental entity.
Civil society organization staff members and/or climate advocates who want to implement a participatory program focused on climate in partnership with a government institution. Please note: Civil society organizations applying must work in partnership with a government institution, as they must follow up with the implementation of the action plan.

Organizations should nominate a lead participant with professional proficiency in at least one of the following languages: English, French, Portuguese or Spanish. Applications from organizations or governments based in G20 countries are encouraged, especially from Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa and Indonesia. People Powered or Open Government Partnership members will be prioritized.

People Powered cannot give funds to volunteer groups or recently incorporated civil society organizations through this program. To receive funding, your organization needs to:

Demonstrate at least one full year of operations and successful fundraising to support such operations before being short-listed for the program.
Have paid staff and a board of directors or advisory committee.
Be registered as a non-profit organization in the country of operations.