Eco Champions Germany 2026: Fully Funded Climate Leadership Program for Young Environmental Changemakers Living in Germany

The SOS Children’s Villages has officially launched applications for the 2026 Eco Champions Germany Program, an intensive 1.5-year climate leadership and environmental justice initiative designed to empower young people who are passionate about climate action, sustainability, advocacy, and community-driven environmental solutions.

The programme seeks five motivated young leaders aged 16–26 who are living in Germany and committed to addressing climate change through activism, innovation, awareness-building, or policy engagement.

Through personalized mentoring, financial support, networking opportunities, and international exposure, Eco Champions Germany aims to equip youth with the resources and confidence needed to implement impactful climate-related initiatives within their communities and beyond.

Participants will also gain the opportunity to attend a Global Summit in Nigeria and connect with young climate activists from around the world.

About the Eco Champions Germany Program

Eco Champions Germany is a youth-centered climate and sustainability initiative organized by SOS Children’s Villages. The programme supports young people in:

• Launching climate-related initiatives
• Expanding existing environmental projects
• Advocating for climate justice
• Building sustainable community solutions
• Strengthening youth leadership in environmental policy and activism

The programme runs for approximately 18 months and combines mentorship, project acceleration, training, financial support, and global collaboration.

Main Goals of the Program

The Eco Champions initiative seeks to:

• Empower youth-led environmental action
• Promote climate justice and sustainability
• Support marginalized and underrepresented youth
• Strengthen climate advocacy and leadership
• Build innovative local solutions to environmental challenges
• Encourage youth participation in policy and decision-making

What Participants Will Receive

Selected Eco Champions will benefit from a comprehensive support system designed to help them transform ideas into impactful environmental action.

1. Monthly Seed Funding

Participants receive:

• €300 monthly seed funding

This funding supports the implementation and development of participants’ climate and sustainability projects throughout the programme period.

2. Individual Mentoring and Coaching

Participants gain access to:

• Personalized mentoring
• Leadership guidance
• Project development support
• Advocacy coaching

3. Professional Training

The programme includes:

• Workshops
• Skills development sessions
• Advocacy training
• Project management learning opportunities

4. International Networking Opportunities

Eco Champions will:

• Connect with young climate activists globally
• Engage with international sustainability networks
• Participate in exchange programmes and conferences

5. Global Summit in Nigeria

One of the major highlights of the programme is participation in the:

• Global Summit in Nigeria
• Scheduled for September 21–27, 2026

At the summit, participants will meet Eco Champions from other countries and collaborate on global climate discussions.

6. Collaboration Opportunities with Companies

Participants may collaborate with companies within the SOS Children’s Villages network to support their initiatives and increase project visibility.

7. Opportunities to Influence Decision-Makers

The programme provides:

• Platforms for youth advocacy
• Opportunities to engage policymakers
• Access to national and international climate discussions

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

• Young people aged 16–26
• Individuals residing in Germany
• Youth interested in environmental justice and sustainability
• Young people with project ideas or ongoing initiatives
• Climate activists and policy advocates

Applicants should be able to:

• Communicate in English
• Participate actively for approximately 5–10 hours monthly
• Attend workshops and programme activities
• Participate in the Nigeria Global Summit

Priority Groups Encouraged to Apply

The programme strongly encourages applications from:

• Young women and girls
• Queer youth
• Refugees and migrants
• Young people experiencing racism
• Youth from low-income households
• Individuals with disabilities
• Young people without stable family support
• Youth from non-academic households
• Young people from structurally disadvantaged regions
• Other marginalized or underrepresented communities

Do you need help with your application?

Then register here for the online workshop!

Focus Areas for Climate-Related Projects

The programme accepts a broad range of environmental initiatives including:

Climate Protection Projects

Examples include:

• CO₂ reduction initiatives
• Sustainability innovation projects
• Renewable energy awareness

Environmental Education

Projects focused on:

• Climate literacy
• Awareness campaigns
• Youth environmental education

Advocacy and Policy Engagement

Including:

• Climate activism
• Political advocacy
• Policy awareness campaigns

Community Engagement

Projects that:

• Mobilize communities
• Encourage youth participation
• Build sustainable local solutions

Programme Timeline

Application Opens

April 20, 2026

Application Deadline

May 20, 2026

Online Interviews

Until June 17, 2026

Participant Notification

By June 24, 2026

Programme Start

July 1, 2026

Global Summit in Nigeria

September 21–27, 2026

Programme Duration

18 months (1.5 years)

Program Structure

Phase 1: Introduction and Preparation

July – September 2026

• Orientation sessions
• Community-building meetings
• Global Summit preparation

Phase 2: Global Summit

September 2026

• International collaboration
• Networking with global Eco Champions
• Climate leadership engagement

Phase 3: Mentoring and Accelerator Phase

From October 2026 onward

• Project implementation support
• Continuous mentoring
• Funding support
• Advocacy development

The Program’s Inclusive and Anti-Discrimination Approach

Eco Champions Germany emphasizes:

• Feminist principles
• Anti-racist values
• Inclusion and accessibility
• Respectful collaboration
• Safe participation spaces

The programme actively works to reduce participation barriers and accommodate diverse realities and support needs.

Click HERE to start your application!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: Do participants need to pay to apply or participate?

No. The application and participation are completely free. All programme-related costs, including training, mentoring, exchange activities, and the Global Summit, are fully covered.

FAQ 2: How much funding do participants receive?

Participants receive:

• €300 per month in seed funding

to support their climate and sustainability projects throughout the programme duration.

FAQ 3: Is the programme flexible for students or working youth?

Yes. The programme aims to remain flexible and supportive of participants balancing:

• Education
• Employment
• Care responsibilities
• Other commitments

FAQ 4: What kinds of projects qualify?

Eligible initiatives may include:

• Climate awareness campaigns
• Advocacy work
• Sustainability innovations
• Educational projects
• Environmental activism
• Community engagement programmes

FAQ 5: Are online interviews required?

Yes. Shortlisted applicants will participate in online interviews. The organization also offers support for applicants experiencing internet or device challenges.

FAQ 6: Who evaluates the applications?

Applications are reviewed by a team of SOS Children’s Villages staff members from around the world.

FAQ 7: What selection criteria are used?

Applications are assessed based on:

• Personal story
• Commitment to climate action
• Community relevance
• Leadership potential
• Previous impact
• Originality and innovation

Why This Program Matters

Eco Champions Germany goes beyond traditional youth programmes by providing:

• Long-term support
• Funding access
• International exposure
• Leadership development
• Advocacy opportunities
• Climate justice engagement

The initiative recognizes that young people are essential drivers of environmental change and seeks to amplify their voices and solutions.

Learn more about the Climate Leadership Program for Young Environmental Changemakers Living in Germany HERE.

Official Contact Information

For questions about the programme, applicants may contact:

ecochampions@sos-kd.org

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