From Your Neighborhood to National: Applications Open for the 2026 American Climate Leadership Awards

ecoAmerica’s American Climate Leadership Awards (ACLA) returns for its seventh year, offering more than $200,000 in cash prizes to recognize and reward the most effective climate solutions in America. So, whether you’re working locally in your neighborhood or forging a national movement, we’re spotlighting work that broadens participation in climate action and advocacy. Apply today or nominate a climate leader.

Who should apply?

• Individuals and organizations from across sectors: health, faith, NGO, community, education, business, and more, with special considerations for ecoAmerica Climate Ambassadors
• Cross-sector Teams tackling real problems with real adoption
• Youth leaders (ages 14–24) and youth-driven organizations under youth leadership working up to the state level (for the youth category) or nationally (for the main category)

What’s new for 2026?

• Expanded eligibility across local, regional, and national efforts
• Streamlined application with one short form
• Winners celebrated in a high-energy broadcast designed to inspire, connect, and spotlight climate leadership on a national stage 

Get inspired by the 2025 broadcast and see how climate leaders across the nation were celebrated!

Awards + Recognition

The general awards are open to individuals or organizations with proven track records of broadening participation in climate engagement or advocacy. The scale of reach and impact can range from your local neighborhood to national. One overall winner will take home $50,000. A runner-up, $25,000. Eight Finalists $5,000 each. 25 semifinalists will each be awarded $1,000. 

For youth working to the local state level, an overall winner will be awarded $10,000. Eight Finalists will receive, $5,000 each.

Selection Committee

A nationally recognized panel of climate leaders will judge entries (2026 judges include public health, faith, youth, community leaders, and media personalities).

Key Dates

• Sept 15, 2025: Applications & Nominations Open
• Dec 30, 2025: Nominations Due
• Jan 5, 2026: Applications Due
• Jan 30, 2026: Semifinalists Notified
• Feb 16, 2026: Finalist Materials Due
• Apr 16, 2026: Winners Broadcast

Ready to apply?
Enter yourself, your organization, or your community, and help America scale what works. For updates and the application: subscribe to ecoAmerica’s newsletter, follow our socials, or email [email protected]. You can also apply in real-time, or have your questions immediately answered on your application in our live info session on Wednesday, October 22, at 12 PM ET.  Join us at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87624584334?jst=3

About ecoAmerica
ecoAmerica is a nonprofit organization that moves society toward climate solutions by engaging and supporting trusted national institutions to inspire and empower their millions of members in local communities across America to visibly act and advocate for ambitious, just, climate mitigation, resilience, and restoration.