Communities around the world are facing increasing climate challenges, ranging from extreme weather events and environmental degradation to food insecurity and economic instability. Yet, despite being the most affected, many communities still have limited opportunities to influence the policies and decisions shaping their future. To bridge this gap, participatory democracy initiatives are becoming powerful tools for inclusive governance and climate action.
In response to this global need, People Powered has officially launched applications for two transformative international programs designed to empower democracy advocates, civil society organizations, governments, and community leaders working to strengthen participatory decision-making processes worldwide.
The two opportunities include:
- Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA)
- Rising Stars Mentorship Program
Both initiatives aim to support individuals and organizations working at the intersection of democracy, climate action, citizen participation, and community-led governance.
Applications for both programs are open until June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC.
About People Powered
People Powered is a global organization dedicated to advancing participatory democracy by helping governments and civil society organizations involve citizens directly in decision-making processes. Through mentorship, training, technical support, and funding opportunities, the organization supports innovative democratic practices across more than 50 countries.
Since 2020, People Powered has:
- Trained more than 1,532 democracy advocates and government reformers
- Supported 178 participatory government programs globally
- Worked with communities across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and beyond
- Helped implement participatory climate and governance initiatives that empower local populations
Their work demonstrates that sustainable climate action and democratic governance are most effective when communities are actively involved in shaping solutions.
1. Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA)
What is the Climate Democracy Accelerator?
The Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA) is a six-month global program created to support governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and climate advocates in developing participatory climate action initiatives.
The program specifically focuses on:
- Renewable energy
- Regenerative agriculture
- Community-led climate governance
- Inclusive climate transition processes
The CDA encourages collaborative partnerships between governments and civil society organizations to ensure that local communities actively participate in climate-related decision-making.
Participants will receive mentorship, technical guidance, workshops, and funding support to develop and implement participatory climate solutions tailored to their communities.
What Participants Will Receive
Selected participants in the Climate Democracy Accelerator will benefit from:
1. Dedicated Mentorship
Participants will work closely with experienced mentors from People Powered’s international network who will guide them in designing effective participatory climate initiatives.
2. Training and Workshops
The program includes:
- Live learning sessions
- Practical workshops
- Country-based peer learning groups
- Collaborative exchanges with global experts
3. Access to the Participation Playbook
Participants gain access to People Powered’s Participation Playbook, a practical resource designed to help organizations build and improve participatory democratic processes.
4. Funding Opportunities
Each selected participant receives:
- A $10,000 grant to support their project implementation
Additionally:
- Five outstanding action plans will receive an extra $15,000
This means some projects may receive total funding of up to $25,000.
Focus Areas of the CDA
Projects should focus on participatory approaches related to:
- Climate adaptation
- Renewable energy solutions
- Regenerative agriculture
- Community resilience
- Citizen engagement in environmental policy
- Inclusive governance
- Climate justice
Eligibility Criteria for CDA
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A partnership between government institutions and civil society organizations
- A commitment to participatory democracy and community engagement
- Interest in climate-focused solutions
Geographic Priority
Although applications are open globally, priority consideration will be given to applicants from:
- Brazil
- Indonesia
- India
- Mexico
Examples of Previous Impact
The Climate Democracy Accelerator has already supported impactful initiatives around the world.
Nigeria
Fundlink International organized a Citizens’ Climate Assembly in Plateau State that:
- Produced a draft climate policy
- Established a government office for citizen participation
- Expanded replication efforts across 17 local government areas
India
Himad Samiti organized a citizens’ assembly in the Himalayas that led to forest management plans adopted by local councils.
Brazil
Amazonian communities developed climate solutions rooted in local and Indigenous knowledge systems.
These examples show how participatory democracy can generate practical and locally driven climate solutions.
2. Rising Stars Mentorship Program
What is the Rising Stars Mentorship?
The Rising Stars Mentorship Program is designed for emerging leaders, innovators, organizations, and democracy practitioners who want expert mentorship to strengthen participatory democracy initiatives.
The mentorship supports both:
- New participatory projects
- Existing initiatives facing implementation challenges
Participants receive personalized guidance from experienced democracy practitioners within People Powered’s international network.
Benefits of the Rising Stars Mentorship
Selected participants will receive:
1. Five Structured Mentorship Calls
Participants engage in five personalized mentorship sessions with experienced experts.
2. Practical Guidance
Mentors help participants:
- Refine participatory processes
- Address implementation challenges
- Improve community engagement strategies
- Strengthen democratic participation models
3. International Networking
Participants connect with global democracy advocates and practitioners from multiple countries and sectors.
4. Strategic Support
The mentorship offers an external perspective that helps participants rethink strategies and improve long-term impact.
Past Success Stories
Previous mentees have successfully:
- Launched Citizens’ Assemblies in Georgia
- Developed youth digital participation platforms in Berlin
- Expanded participatory governance initiatives in their communities
Why These Programs Matter
Climate change and governance challenges require collaborative and inclusive solutions. Participatory democracy helps ensure that the voices of ordinary citizens are included in decisions affecting their lives.
Programs like the Climate Democracy Accelerator and Rising Stars Mentorship:
- Strengthen democratic governance
- Promote community ownership
- Improve climate resilience
- Encourage transparency and accountability
- Foster innovative citizen-led solutions
These opportunities are especially valuable for organizations and leaders seeking global exposure, funding, technical support, and international partnerships.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Review the eligibility requirements and selection criteria
- Prepare the required supporting documents
- Complete the online application form before the deadline
Applications are open to:
- Civil society organizations
- Governments
- Civil servants
- Democracy advocates
- Climate action practitioners
Application Deadline
June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Official Links
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Grant opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
