ecoAmerica’s Office Hours Offer Tips to Boost Your Application

Are you passionate about climate leadership and ready to share your work? The American Climate Leadership Awards (ACLA) are here to celebrate outstanding climate solutions — and we want YOU to apply!

To make the application process as accessible and transparent as possible, ecoAmerica hosted the inaugural ACLA 2025 Office Hours on December 6. Participants joined to get real-time answers to their questions, complete applications on the spot, and learn what it takes to stand out.

FAQs from the ACLA 2025 Office Hours 

How many semifinalists and finalists will the American Climate Leadership Awards program recognize? 20 – 30 semifinalists and 10 finalists will be selected. From the 10 finalists, a winner and runner-up will be recognized. 

When will I find out if I made it to the next phase? Semifinalists will be notified on January 31, 2025. 

Who do I contact with questions? You can send an email to [email protected].

Is the prize money conditional? Do you need to report on how it is spent? The prize money is for you to further your work. Unlike a grant application, you do not need to provide a report. 

In my application, is it better to be general, or focus your submission on a specific initiative? We recommend that you focus your application on whatever work shows your best results. 

Is it ok to apply as an individual if with an org that applied? Anyone is welcome to apply, even if your organization already applied for the same project. 

Can I apply with more than one project? Yes, you can present on more than one project. 

Is it ok to link videos in the application and include hyperlinks? What type of support materials are best? We welcome any support materials that best showcase your work. Videos and hyperlinks are fine however we advise you to provide a concise, strong summary of your work for the judges. 

Which has a better chance, an organization or an individual? ACLA does not favor one over the other. 

Where can I read more about the past winners? Please read ecoAmerica’s How-To Guides at https://ecoamerica.org/american-climate-leadership-awards-how-to-guides/

What is involved in the semifinalist phase? I’m worried it might be a lot of work. The semifinalist phase is just one additional step: A very short video clip introducing your work. 

Is it better to provide longer or shorter answers on the application? I see there is a suggested word count under certain questions. Brevity is key. We welcome short, impactful sentences and paragraphs. 

What are the best types of success metrics to share? Whatever makes your application stand out more. 

I am a student. What should I list as a job title? You would list just that: student. And provide the name of your school. 

The name of the org is required, but I am applying as an individual. You can list an organization you are associated with. Your individual application will be obvious in the way you write your submission. 

How can we connect with other finalists post-awards? The ACLA Program Team would be happy to facilitate introductions. We have done this in the past, and it is another wonderful opportunity via the awards program!

This is your moment to shine! APPLY or NOMINATE a climate leader today. There is no fee to apply or nominate.