Are you seeking to launch a participatory program for climate action? Apply to receive free training, one-on-one mentorship, an implementation grant and peer support! Watch a recording of the orientation webinar for extra tips on submiting a compelling application.

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. Inclusive policymaking will gain the support of citizens and can help create policies that can adequately address the climate crisis.

People Powered is looking for 15 government and civil society leaders to form a new cohort of the Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA) program. The selected participants will receive funding, free access to online training, expert mentoring and advice, and international peer-learning opportunities to develop a project to launch a climate-focused participatory program.

CDA is a six-month, practice-oriented training and support program that prepares participants to plan and implement an inclusive and participatory process for a just climate transition. Participants from different parts of the world will develop a project to implement a climate-focused participatory program that addresses the needs and voices of local communities. 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.

What is the application process?

Read through the program requirements and selection criteria, sign up for the orientation webinar on November 8, and learn how to submit a compelling application.
Complete the application form and submit the required documents by January 5, 2024.

Program timeline:

October 2023 — January 2024: Applications are open.
February: Selected participants are notified.
March: Due diligence and onboarding.
April: Program begins.
July: Program ends.
August — October: Participants share learnings.
October 2024 — September 2025: Participants implement their action plan.

Who is this program for?

Local 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 are strongly recommended to work in partnership with a government institution, as they must follow up with the implementation of the action plan.

Applications from organizations or governments based in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean are especially encouraged. People Powered or Open Government Partnership members will be prioritized. People Powered is strongly committed to promoting equity and inclusion through its programs. We especially encourage applications from women and gender non-conforming individuals, refugees and displaced people, people from ethnic or racial minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities.

Complete the application by January 5, 2024! If you have any questions, please email us at programteam@peoplepowered.org.

Apply for the CDA