Deadline: August 15, 2025
Are you a young leader working at the grassroots level to tackle climate change in your community? The Emerging Climate Champions Award 2025 is your chance to gain global recognition and receive flexible, multiyear funding to expand your impact.
Funded by the Enlight Foundation, The Patchwork Collective, and Lever for Change, the Emerging Climate Champions Award 2025 offers $1 million each to approximately 25 youth-led organisations that are driving bold, community-rooted climate solutions.
About the Emerging Climate Champions Award 2025
The Emerging Climate Champions Award 2025 is a $25 million global open call dedicated to uplifting youth-led climate organisations. It aims to address the funding disparity faced by young changemakers—who currently receive a minuscule share of the world’s climate philanthropic funding.
Awardees will receive flexible, multiyear grants of up to $1 million each, disbursed over one to five years, allowing them to scale their initiatives with autonomy and sustainability.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open to community-embedded, youth-led climate organisations globally. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Youth Leadership: At least one leader between the ages of 15 and 35 must hold an executive or board-level role.
- Experience: The organisation must have been operational for at least two years by August 15, 2025.
- Focus: Organisations must be working on climate-related issues, including but not limited to:
- Climate justice
- Community resilience
- Disaster preparedness
- Sustainable agriculture
- Science and technology for climate
- Equity Focus: Groups led by Indigenous, grassroots, women, and historically under-resourced communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Dates and Deadlines
| Activity | Deadline (U.S. Eastern Time) |
|---|---|
| Registration Closes | August 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET |
| Full Application Submission | September 22, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET |
| Participatory Peer Review | November–December 2025 |
| Expert Evaluation | Early 2026 |
| Winners Announced | Summer–Fall 2026 |
Evaluation Process
The application process is designed to ensure fairness and inclusivity:
- Peer Review: Every eligible applicant will review four peer submissions and receive feedback from at least four peers.
- Expert Evaluation: Independent climate and equity experts will assess shortlisted proposals.
- Final Selection: Around 25 organisations will be awarded $1 million each.
What Winners Will Receive
Each selected organisation will receive:
- $1 million in flexible funding over 1–5 years.
- Visibility and recognition as a global Emerging Climate Champion.
- Access to support networks and increased visibility in the climate funding ecosystem.
There are no restrictions on how funds are used, as long as they support the organisation’s mission and community.
Language and Accessibility Support
The application and materials are available in English, with additional support in French, Spanish, Bahasa Indonesia, and ASL interpretation. A July 22 webinar will provide guidance on how to use the submission portal and participate in peer review.
How to Apply
Applying is simple and free of charge. Here’s how to get started:
- Register your organisation via the official Lever for Change portal by 15 August 2025:
👉 Click here to apply - Learn more about the programme, access toolkits and language support, and explore eligibility:
👉 Read full programme details here
We recommend using the Organisation Readiness Tool and reviewing the Open Call Rules before submitting your application.
Why This Matters
Despite being at the forefront of climate action, youth-led organisations receive only around $14 million globally per year—less than 0.1% of total climate philanthropy. The Emerging Climate Champions Award 2025 aims to change this narrative by equipping emerging leaders with the resources and credibility to lead from the front.
✍️ Need Help With Your Application?
Preparing a compelling proposal is key to success. For proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact:
📩 grantsdatabase.org
Don’t miss this chance to become a recognised global voice in the climate movement. Apply today and join a powerful cohort of young, visionary leaders creating real impact.
