Deadline: November 30, 2025
Applications for the People Powered Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA) 2026 are now open. 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 participatory program focused on regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and climate solutions that address 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 in areas such as clean transportation, renewables, decarbonization and energy efficient homes, air pollution, agroecology and more.
Benefits
Selected applicants will have access to a dedicated mentor to guide the development of their program, along with:
- Step-by-step resources including the Participation Playbook , our interactive, online tool for designing participatory programs.
- Practice-oriented live sessions, online courses and workshops.
- Participation in a country-based peer group, facilitated by the in-country lead partner, for guidance, feedback, and collaboration.
- Localized case studies and resources relevant to participants’ country contexts.
- A $10,000 USD implementation grant for all participants.
- The top five action plans in each cohort will receive an additional $15,000 award.
Eligibility
Open to:
- Government officials, staff members and policymakers who want to launch a participatory program for making just climate-related decisions. 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. 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 prior to being short-listed for the program.
- Have paid staff as well as a board of directors or advisory committee.
- Be registered as a non-profit organization in the country of operations.
Application
Complete the application form and submit the required documents by November 30, 2025, 11:59 pm UTC (check your timezone here).
For more information, visit Climate Democracy Accelerator.
