People Powered 2026 Climate Democracy Accelerator: Apply for Funding & Mentorship

Communities worldwide face growing threats from climate change, such as severe storms, damaged land, and food shortages. These problems hit local people hardest, but they often lack a voice in the decisions that affect them. The People Powered 2026 Climate Democracy Accelerator and Rising Stars Mentorship Program offer a way to change that by supporting leaders who bring citizens into climate and governance choices.

These programs from People Powered help governments, groups, and advocates build stronger community involvement. Applications opened recently and close on June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC. They focus on linking democracy with climate action to create fairer solutions.

About People Powered

People Powered works to grow participatory democracy around the globe. The group helps governments and community organizations let citizens join in key decisions. They offer training, advice, funds, and tools to make this happen in over 50 countries.

Since 2020, People Powered has trained more than 1,532 people in democracy work. They have backed 178 government programs with citizen input. Their efforts span Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and other areas. This support has led to real changes in climate plans and local governance.

The organization shows that when people take part, climate fixes last longer and work better for everyone.

Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA)

What Is the Climate Democracy Accelerator?

The Climate Democracy Accelerator is a six-month program for governments, civil society organizations, and climate workers. It helps them create climate projects where communities have a real say. The focus includes renewable energy, regenerative farming, community climate plans, and fair shifts to green practices.

Teams pair up from government and community groups to design these projects. Mentors, workshops, and funds help turn ideas into action.

What Participants Receive

Selected teams get strong support to build their projects.

• Dedicated Mentorship: Work one-on-one with experts from People Powered’s network. They guide you on making citizen input effective.

• Training and Workshops: Join live sessions, hands-on workshops, peer groups by country, and talks with global pros.

• Participation Playbook: Use this guide to set up or improve ways for people to join decisions.

• Funding: Start with a $10,000 grant. Five top plans get an extra $15,000, for up to $25,000 total.

Focus Areas

Projects must use citizen input on topics like climate adaptation, renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, community strength, environmental policy input, fair governance, and climate justice.

Who Can Apply for CDA

You need a team from government and civil society. Show your plan for citizen involvement and climate work. Open worldwide, but priority goes to Brazil, Indonesia, India, and Mexico.

Real-World Examples

Past programs made big differences.

In Nigeria, Fundlink International ran a Citizens’ Climate Assembly in Plateau State. It created a climate policy draft, set up a citizen office in government, and spread to 17 local areas.

In India, Himad Samiti held an assembly in the Himalayas. Local councils adopted the forest plans from it.

In Brazil, Amazon communities built climate tools based on local and Indigenous knowledge.

These cases prove citizen-led work leads to practical results.

Rising Stars Mentorship Program

What Is the Rising Stars Mentorship?

This program targets new leaders, groups, and democracy workers. It provides expert advice to start or fix participatory projects. Mentors from People Powered’s network give tailored help.

It fits both fresh ideas and ongoing efforts with roadblocks.

Benefits for Participants

Rising Stars offers direct support.

• Five Mentorship Calls: Have personal sessions with pros to plan your work.

• Practical Guidance: Get tips to sharpen citizen processes, solve issues, boost engagement, and build better models.

• Networking: Link with democracy leaders from many countries and fields.

• Strategic Help: Gain fresh views to make your work stronger over time.

Success Stories

Past participants achieved key wins. One launched Citizens’ Assemblies in Georgia. Another built a youth platform for digital input in Berlin. Many grew their local governance projects.

How to Apply

Both programs share the same deadline: June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC. Check who qualifies and gather your documents. Civil society groups, governments, officials, advocates, and climate workers can apply.

Fill out the online form early to beat any tech problems. For the application, apply here. Learn more at the same page.

These chances bring funding, skills, and connections to make climate democracy real.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to apply for both programs?

Applications for the Climate Democracy Accelerator and Rising Stars Mentorship Program close on June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC.

Who can apply for the Climate Democracy Accelerator?

Teams from government and civil society groups working on climate projects with citizen input can apply. Priority goes to teams from Brazil, Indonesia, India, and Mexico.

What support do participants in the Climate Democracy Accelerator receive?

Teams get dedicated mentorship, training workshops, a participation playbook, and funding starting at $10,000, with up to $25,000 for top plans.

What benefits does the Rising Stars Mentorship Program provide?

Participants enjoy five mentorship calls, practical guidance, networking with global leaders, and strategic advice to improve participatory projects.