Communities worldwide face growing threats from climate change, like severe storms, crop failures, and rising costs. These issues hit local people hardest, but they often lack a real say in the solutions. That’s where programs like the Climate Democracy Accelerator come in, giving governments, groups, and leaders tools to involve citizens directly.
People Powered runs these efforts. This global group helps governments and community organizations bring citizens into decisions. They offer training, advice, and funds to build stronger democracy. Since 2020, they have trained over 1,500 advocates, backed 178 programs in more than 50 countries, and supported climate projects across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and other regions.
Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA)
The Climate Democracy Accelerator is a six-month program for governments, civil society organizations, and climate workers. It helps them create projects where communities join in on climate decisions. The focus includes renewable energy, regenerative farming, community governance, and fair shifts to green practices.
What Participants Get
Selected teams receive hands-on support. This starts with one-on-one mentors from People Powered’s network. They guide project design and rollout.
Training covers live sessions, workshops, peer groups by country, and talks with experts. Participants also get the Participation Playbook, a guide for better citizen involvement.
Funding is key: each project gets $10,000. Five top plans earn an extra $15,000, for up to $25,000 total.
Key Focus Areas
Projects target climate adaptation, clean energy, soil health farming, community strength, citizen roles in policy, fair governance, and climate justice. All must use partnerships between officials and community groups.
Who Can Apply
Teams need a government-civil society link, a plan for citizen input, and climate goals. Open worldwide, but Brazil, Indonesia, India, and Mexico get priority.
Real-World Examples
In Nigeria, Fundlink International held a Citizens’ Climate Assembly in Plateau State. It created a climate policy draft, set up a participation office, and spread to 17 areas.
Himad Samiti in India ran an assembly in the Himalayas. Local councils adopted its forest plans.
In Brazil, Amazon groups built solutions from Indigenous knowledge.
Rising Stars Mentorship Program
This program matches new leaders and groups with experts. It aids fresh projects or fixes issues in ongoing ones. Mentors from People Powered’s network offer tailored advice on democracy and participation.
Program Benefits
Participants join five one-on-one calls. Mentors help refine methods, solve problems, boost engagement, and build stronger models.
They also gain global networks with advocates from many countries. This brings fresh ideas for bigger impact.
Success Stories
Past participants launched assemblies in Georgia, built youth platforms in Berlin, and grew local governance efforts.
Application Details
Both programs accept civil society groups, governments, officials, advocates, and climate workers. Check eligibility, gather documents, and fill the online form.
Deadline is June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC. Apply early to beat glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Climate Democracy Accelerator?
It’s a six-month program that helps governments, civil society groups, and climate workers create projects for citizen involvement in climate decisions, like renewable energy and fair green shifts.
Who can apply to these programs?
Teams with a link between government and civil society, a plan for citizen input, and climate goals can apply; priority goes to Brazil, Indonesia, India, and Mexico.
What support do participants receive?
Selected teams get mentors, training sessions, a Participation Playbook, and up to $25,000 in funding per project.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are due by June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC, so apply early to avoid issues.
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