Call for Applications: Unlock funding & mentorship for your participatory program
Overview of the Opportunity
This opportunity, which commenced on October 06, 2025, is dedicated to shaping the future of democracy around the world. It supports governments and communities experimenting with bold participatory ways of making decisions, which may range from youth assemblies to climate participatory budgeting.
The applications are open to civil society organizations, governments, and civil servants globally. The participants are provided with funding, mentorship, and global allies.
People Powered is offering three distinct programmes, each providing valuable dedicated training, support, mentorship, and resources to drive meaningful change:
1. Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA): This program supports governments in engaging communities in climate action, with a specific focus on renewable energy and regenerative agriculture. Participants in the CDA will receive a $10,000 grant, and five outstanding action plans will receive an additional $15,000.
2. Democratic Innovations Accelerator (DIA): This program is designed to help governments engage community members using innovative participatory approaches, with a specific focus on youth participation. It offers expert mentorship and peer-learning.
3. Rising Stars Mentorship: This provides personalized guidance to individuals and organizations developing participatory democracy programs, helping them to refine and implement their plans.
Applications opened on October 06, 2025. Applicants must complete the application form and submit it along with the required documents by November 30, 2025 11:59 pm UTC.
Applicants from South Africa are eligible for two out of the three programmes:
• Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA): South Africa is listed as a country for which priority spots are reserved for participants.
• Democratic Innovations Accelerator (DIA): South Africa is NOT applicable, as eligibility is limited to applicants in the European Union and Horizon Europe countries only.
• Rising Stars Mentorship: This program is Open to global applicants, meaning South African applicants are eligible.
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