25 Youth-Led Climate Champions Awarded $1M Each to Advance Solutions Globally
Chicago, IL, October 21st, 2026 – Today, Enlight Foundation, The Patchwork Collective, and Lever
for Change announced the 25 award recipients of the Emerging Climate Champions Award, a $25
million USD global open call. Each organization was awarded a flexible, multi-year gift of $1 million
USD to advance climate solutions globally.
The awardees address a broad range of climate priorities, including conservation and biodiversity,
sustainable agriculture and resource management, renewable energy, movement building, and policy and advocacy. Additionally, this incredible cohort includes initiatives led by Indigenous peoples and women — groups traditionally excluded from traditional funding pathways. All awardees have already demonstrated measurable results, delivering tangible environmental, economic, and social benefits in partnership with the communities they serve. Each organization brings a unique model for accelerating climate action, drawing on the expertise, lived experience, and leadership of those closest to these challenges.
“Real, lasting climate solutions happen when we don't just give young people a seat at the table, but
hand them the mic as leaders and innovators,” said Xin Liu, Founder and President of Enlight
Foundation. “These awardees are showing us what is possible, and we are honored to celebrate the
meaningful impact they are creating in communities around the world.”
“Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, but these awardees remind us that
some of the most promising solutions are already taking shape in local communities,” said Cedric
Dageville, Principal at The Patchwork Collective. “Their energy, creativity, and commitment to action
are deeply inspiring. We are honored to recognize these organizations and look forward to seeing
how their leadership continues to drive meaningful climate progress in the years ahead.”
The 25 awardees represent a diverse group of organizations working in 33 countries around the
globe. All awardee organizations met the program's youth-led eligibility requirement by satisfying at
least two of three youth leadership (ages 15-35) criteria. Together, the awardees demonstrate that
bold climate leadership is emerging from every region of the world, with solutions shaped by the
people and places they are designed to serve.
The global open call is funded by the Enlight Foundation and The Patchwork Collective, and
managed by Lever for Change, a nonprofit that leverages its networks to help donors find and fund
bold solutions to the world’s biggest problems. All 25 awardees, along with a cohort of other top-
ranking organizations from the open call, have joined Lever for Change’s Bold Solutions Network, a
curated network of vetted organizations that have the potential to secure additional funding and
expand their impact.
“The organizations recognized through the Emerging Climate Champions Award demonstrate
what is possible when young, local leaders have the resources and trust to drive solutions
tailored to their communities,” said Kristen J. Molyneaux, President and Co-founder of Lever for
Change. “We hope this recognition not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires
continued investment from funders who are committed to supporting the next generation of
climate leadership.”
The open call drew applications from youth-led organizations based in 108 countries, reflecting the
growing movement of young people leading climate action in their own communities. Applications
underwent a multi-stage review, including administrative screening, a participatory review process,
and an external evaluation panel composed of experts from around the world working in climate-
related fields, philanthropy, or related fields. Following an additional round of due diligence, the
Enlight Foundation, The Patchwork Collective, and Lever for Change identified the final awardees.
Funders can support the awardees and the additional top applicant organizations from the
Emerging Climate Champions Award.
More information about the Award can be found at
