Nomination Process
We work with a nomination process: the participants do not apply themselves, but are nominated by another individual (read more about the responsibilities and credibility of the nominators below).
Grants
Who can apply
We focus on young people who work or are affiliated with environmental CSOs in developing countries and emerging economies who have shown potential for and interest in further developing their leadership. Candidates can come from anywhere except from ‘advanced economies’ (see below for list based on the IMF classification). We acknowledge the definition of ‘young’ is context-specific and therefore not set in stone. However, preference will be given to young people under 35 of age.
We especially encourage the nomination of young women (in all their diversity) and local and rural community leaders.
Great candidates are:
- showing potential and ambition towards becoming a leader in her/his/their field of work.
- working with or linked to local communities, community based organisations or civil society organizations.
- fully embracing the idea of sustainable development, gender equality and climate justice.
- having a strong background in and commitment to working on environmental and sustainable development issues.
- showing potential and ambition to be innovative and creative.
The grant can be applied for a wide range of activities, depending on the individuals’ need and interest. Most grantees request funding for advancing either their knowledge, and skills through courses, training or expanding their experience through internships, exposure and exchange travels, participation in conferences, high level meetings etc. It is crucial the activities requested are exclusively for personal development and should not be part of a larger organisational project.
Individuals from these countries cannot participate:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States.
Meet our grantees
Scovia Ampumuza
Rwanda
Meet Scovia Ampumuza, founder of Faraja Rwanda, an organisation promoting fair, inclusive and gender-responsive climate policy.
Alab Mirasol Ayroso
Philippines
Meet Alab, national coordinator of the Youth Advocates for Climate Action in the Phillippinnes.
Maria Reyes
Mexico
Meet Maria Reyes, a young climate activist from Mexico using skills in journalism and communication to fight the climate crisis.
How to Apply
One deadline per year
There is one deadline per year, which starts around July and the application deadline in August or September. This year the deadline is September 15th, 5PM CEST. By this date and time the filled out nominating forms will have to be sent to us should the candidate be considered for this round. Nomination forms can be found on the website.
Selection Process
After the deadline the Selection Committee of the JWH Initiative will meet to select the most suitable candidates (we are currently reviewing the selection process). The nominators and candidates should notice that the selection process can take up to six weeks after the deadline.
Our small grants range from 1500 - 7000 euro, tailored to the needs of the grantee's leadership development plan.
Leadership Development Plan
Should the candidate be selected to become a participant in the JWH he/she/they will be asked to develop a detailed leadership development plan, budget and timeframe. This will be part of the Memorandum of Understanding which subsequently will be signed by the participant, the nominator and the JWH Initiative. Furthermore the participant will agree to regular reporting and timekeeping in order to receive the full grant.
FAQs
Can I nominate youth groups or multiple individuals at once?
No, we do not accept the nomination of groups and would advise nominators to only nominate one person. We support young individuals which we will be selecting on their personal merits.
Do you offer any training activities, courses or capacity building yourselves?
No, the leadership programs should be tailored to the specific needs of the candidate and should be identified by the candidate itself.
Do you provide support to projects, activities or initiatives other than individual support to young leaders?
No, the focus is on the personal development of young leaders, and therefore we are not able to provide support to type of requests.
