American Climate Leadership Awards (ACLA)

American Climate Leadership Awards (ACLA)

Funder: ecoAmerica, Washington DC

Status: Active program, now in its 7th year (as of 2026)

Overview: The American Climate Leadership Awards recognize exceptional youth and adult climate leaders, as well as local and national organizations, for their demonstrated success in mobilizing public support and political will on climate action. The program honors individuals and organizations across community, faith, health, and youth sectors.

Geographic Scope: United States (local, regional, and national scale)

Focus Areas:

Climate leadership and public engagement

Mobilizing support for climate solutions among key constituencies

Organizations working with faith communities, health organizations, youth, and local communities

Programs demonstrating public impact, increased awareness, and climate action activation

Projects embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion

Award Structure:

10 finalists receive $10,000 each plus travel and event expenses for two people

Runner-up receives $25,000

Grand Prize Winner receives $50,000

Total cash awards: Over $200,000

Eligibility:

Community, faith, health, and youth organizations and leaders

Individuals and organizations that engage these constituencies

Local, regional, and national scale applicants welcome

Evaluation Criteria:

Demonstrated successful public impact within organization and communities

Increased awareness and activation of people in climate mitigation and public policy advocacy

Innovation, effectiveness, and replicability

Embedding of equity, diversity, and inclusion

Contact:
ecoAmerica
1730 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Ste. 200
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 457-1900
Email: [email protected]

Website: ecoamerica.org