Apply Now: Funding & Mentorship for Democracy Changemakers
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People Powered is now accepting applications for two programs that are shaping the future of democracy around the world. Whether you're looking for support for your climate action project, or a space to explore the challenges your participatory process is experiencing or reimagining how decisions are made, there's a path here for you.
How participation gives power to communities & governments to create change
Communities around the world are continually bearing the brunt of catastrophic climate impacts, from extreme weather to food insecurity, while having limited say in the policies and decisions that affect their lives.
Around the globe, governments and communities are experimenting with bold participatory ways of making decisions — from climate participatory budgeting in rural villages to youth assemblies in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. But great ideas need more than passion: they need funding, mentorship, and global allies.
People Powered's programs provide that support. Since 2020, we've trained over 1,532 democracy advocates and government reformers, and supported 178 participatory government programs in communities around the world.
Impact from past cohorts
In Nigeria, CDA participant Fundlink International organized a Citizens' Climate Assembly in Plateau State that produced a draft climate policy, created a dedicated government office for citizen participation, and is now being replicated across 17 local government areas.
In India, CDA participant Himad Samiti organized a citizens' assembly for forest councils in the Himalayas that created management plans now being adopted by five local councils.
In Brazil, communities in the Amazon developed participatory climate solutions rooted in local and Indigenous knowledge.
Rising Stars mentees have used their guidance to launch a Citizens' Assembly in Georgia and build a youth digital participation platform in Berlin.
Two programs to meet your needs — apply by June 26
Our programs are powered by People Powered global members — practitioners and organizations who serve as mentors, help develop our training resources, and bring real-world expertise from running participatory programs across more than 50 countries. Additionally, People Powered members are prioritized in the selection of these competitive programs. Learn more about membership.
Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA)
To support governments, CSOs and climate advocates in engaging communities in climate action focusing on renewable energy and regenerative agriculture. Applications must show a partnership between governments and CSOs
Eligibility: Open to global applicants, priority spots for participants from Brazil, Indonesia, India, and Mexico.
The Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA) is a six-month program that prepares governments and civil society organizations to plan and implement participatory processes for a just climate transition, with a focus on renewable energy and regenerative agriculture. Participants work with a dedicated mentor to design action plans where decision-making power and solutions are driven by the communities most affected by climate change. The program includes live sessions, workshops, country-based peer groups, and access to People Powered's Participation Playbook. Participants receive a $10,000 grant, and five outstanding action plans will receive an additional $15,000, totaling $25,000.
To provide expert mentorship to individuals and organizations developing participatory democracy programs.
Eligibility: Open to global applicants
The Rising Stars Mentorship is for emerging leaders eager to deepen their participatory democracy impact. It offers five structured calls with an experienced mentor drawn from People Powered's global membership network. Whether you are planning a new participatory process or facing challenges in an existing one, mentorship provides a space to gain an external perspective, refine your approach, and receive practical guidance at critical moments in your work.
How to apply
Applications are open to civil society organizations, governments, and civil servants. Read the program requirements and selection criteria for each program above, then complete the application form and submit it along with the required documents by June 26, 5:00 pm UTC (check your timezone here).