Applications are open for the Emerging Climate Champions Award, a global initiative that will distribute a total of $25 million to youth-led organizations driving climate action. Supported by the Enlight Foundation and The Patchwork Collective, this opportunity offers flexible, multiyear support of $1 million each to 25 selected groups working to develop impactful, community-based climate solutions.

Created with insight and input from young climate activists around the world, the award reflects a commitment to ensuring that youth perspectives and locally relevant approaches are recognized and supported. Despite the fact that young people are at the frontlines of climate challenges, funding for youth-led environmental action remains scarce. While philanthropy dedicates less than 2% of its global giving to climate-related efforts—around $16 billion—only a fraction of that, approximately $14.2 million annually, reaches initiatives led by young people.

The Emerging Climate Champions Award seeks to correct this imbalance by focusing on organizations where leadership includes individuals aged between 15 and 35, holding senior executive or board roles. To qualify, applicants must represent organizations that have been operating for at least two years by August 15, 2025, and that are embedded within and accountable to their communities. A strong track record, demonstrable impact, and the potential to create lasting climate solutions are essential.

Organizations from every region are encouraged to apply, especially those from marginalized or historically underserved communities—including groups led by Indigenous peoples, women, or grassroots organizers. A broad range of climate-related fields is welcome, from environmental education, advocacy, conservation, and movement building to sustainable farming, disaster preparedness, clean technology, and climate justice.

Before submitting an application, organizations should first complete the Organization Readiness Tool and consult the official rules for the Open Call to ensure eligibility. A preview version of the application is available in PDF format for preparation purposes. All applicants must register before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, August 15, 2025. The final deadline to submit completed applications is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, September 22, 2025.

Applications will undergo a peer-review process between November and December 2025, during which each eligible submission will be reviewed by four other applicants. The most highly rated submissions will move forward to an expert panel for final evaluation. The top organizations will each receive an unrestricted, multi-year gift of $1 million, with recipients to be announced by fall 2026.

Applicants who register successfully will receive two emails: one confirming their registration, and a second with instructions on how to access and begin the application. Anyone who has already started their application can continue it by logging into their Submittable account. If login issues occur, password recovery instructions are available on the platform.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity