Climate Democracy Accelerator: a USD 10,000 grant and mentoring for participatory climate policy programmes
Verified by the editorial team 25 October 2026
Added to the catalogue Added to the catalogue from the 13 October GetGrant export, terms verified on the People Powered programme page
Summary
A six-month People Powered programme for 30 civil society and government leaders worldwide who jointly launch a process for citizens to shape decisions on renewable energy or regenerative agriculture. Every participant receives a USD 10,000 grant to implement the plan, and the top six receive another USD 15,000. Deadline - 27 November 2026.
About the call
People Powered is a global hub for participatory democracy, and the Climate Democracy Accelerator is its programme for those who want to involve residents in climate decisions through participatory budgeting, citizens' assemblies or other deliberative formats. The new cohort covers only two topics: renewable energy (solar, wind, water, community access to clean energy) and regenerative agriculture (soil health, biodiversity, food resilience). Since 2023 the programme has launched more than 50 such initiatives in different countries.
From March to August 2027 the 30 participants work with a dedicated mentor, take online courses and live sessions and develop an action plan; expect 2-3 hours a week. After the training each receives a USD 10,000 grant and has 12 months to implement the plan, and the top six plans receive an extra USD 15,000. Funds go only to a registered non-profit with at least one year of operations, paid staff, a board or advisory committee and at least 12 months of financial records.
Brazil, Indonesia, India and Mexico are priorities, but places are also open to other countries, so Ukrainian NGOs can apply. The required partnership between a civil society organisation and a government institution makes it useful for joint NGO and hromada projects, such as engaging residents on community energy independence or farmers' shift to regenerative practices. The lead participant must have professional proficiency in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish.
Who can apply
- Civil society staff and climate advocates in partnership with a government institution
- Government officials and staff in partnership with a civil society organisation that will receive the grant
- Organisations from any country; priority for Brazil, Indonesia, India, Mexico, and Africa, Asia and Latin America
- The grant recipient must be a non-profit with a year of operations, paid staff and a board
Who cannot apply
- Unregistered volunteer groups and recently incorporated organisations (as grant recipients)
- Government institutions as fund recipients - the grant goes only to the civil society partner
- Former programme participants as lead applicants (they may join a coalition)
What the funds are for
- Implementation of a participatory climate action plan - USD 10,000 per participant
- An extra USD 15,000 for the top six action plans
- Mentoring, online courses and workshops over six months
- Only renewable energy and regenerative agriculture projects
Documents required
Forms and templates are on the call page
- Online application form covering the project, the climate challenge, engagement of marginalised groups and partnership experience
- For shortlisted applicants: 12-24 months of audited accounts, or official financial or tax reports if audits are not legally required
- Proof of registration and non-profit status (statutes)
- Bank details of an organisational account able to receive USD wire transfers
- Memorandum of understanding between the government body and the civil society partner (if a government body applies)
How to apply
- 1Check the applicant and grant recipient requirements on the programme page
- 2Agree a partnership between a civil society organisation and a government institution
- 3Complete the online application form by 27 November 2026, 23:59 UTC
- 4If selected in December 2026 - January 2027, pass due diligence in February-March 2027
Timeline
Questions and answers
- Can Ukrainian organisations apply to the Climate Democracy Accelerator?
- Yes. Brazil, Indonesia, India and Mexico are priority countries, but the programme also accepts participants from other countries worldwide. A civil society organisation must work in partnership with a government institution.
- Who receives the People Powered grant?
- Only a registered non-profit with at least one year of operations, paid staff, a board and at least 12 months of financial records. Government institutions do not receive grants.
Change history
- Added: Added to the catalogue from the 13 October GetGrant export, terms verified on the People Powered programme page
Donor contacts
Email: info@peoplepowered.org
Website: www.peoplepowered.org
