Climate Democracy Accelerator

People Powered has opened applications for the Climate Democracy Accelerator 2027 cohort. The initiative provides a six-month practice-oriented curriculum consisting of mentoring, training, and peer learning designed to help governments and civil society organizations develop participatory climate policies.

The program offers financial assistance alongside capacity building. Every selected participant receives a USD 10,000 implementation grant, and the creators of the six top-performing action plans will receive an additional USD 15,000 award.

Participation is open to non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and public authorities, with public officials required to apply in partnership with an NGO. The deadline to submit applications is November 27, 2026, at 11:59 pm UTC.

What is funded

The program funds participatory policy programs focused on two thematic areas: renewable energy and regenerative agriculture. Renewable energy projects must address clean power derived from sources like solar, wind, and water to improve community access and reduce fossil fuel reliance. Regenerative agriculture projects must apply holistic farming methods that restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, support water cycles, and build climate resilience while bolstering local food systems.

Support includes direct grant financing and structured program resources for 30 participants. Each participant is allocated an initial USD 10,000 implementation grant, with an additional USD 15,000 available for the six strongest action plans. Non-financial support covers access to a dedicated mentor, localized case studies, peer learning groups, and step-by-step frameworks such as the online Participation Playbook tool.

Who can apply

Eligible entities include civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and governmental institutions or municipalities. Public officials and staff of public authorities are eligible only if they apply together with an NGO partner, as grant disbursements must be received directly by the non-governmental partner.

Geographically, the accelerator prioritizes applicants from four target countries: Brazil, Indonesia, India, and Mexico. A number of cohort spots are also reserved for qualified applicants from other countries worldwide, with a strong emphasis on candidates located across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Conditions and requirements

Selected participants must commit to a six-month training schedule aimed at designing and executing an inclusive, participatory climate transition process. Activities include active participation in live training sessions, online courses, workshops, and country-based peer groups facilitated by an in-country lead partner.

Practical tip. If you represent a public body or municipality, establish a binding collaborative arrangement with a qualified non-governmental organization prior to applying. Because the donor explicitly requires grant funds to be disbursed to the non-governmental partner, clearly outlining financial administration and division of roles will ensure your proposal complies with eligibility requirements.

How to apply

Applicants must complete the official online application form and submit all requested supporting materials before the portal closes. Submissions must be finalized by November 27, 2026, at 11:59 pm UTC.

The evaluation and selection process will be conducted by People Powered in December 2026. Successful applicants will be notified in January 2027 to prepare for the start of cohort activities.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: peoplepowered.org.