Your Climate Leadership Deserves Recognition: Apply for the 2027 American Climate Leadership Awards

More than $200,000 in awards. National recognition. One opportunity to amplify your climate impact.

Are you making a difference on climate change in your community? The 2027 American Climate Leadership Awards (ACLA) want to hear your story!

Hosted by ecoAmerica, ACLA celebrates individuals and organizations bringing more Americans into climate solutions through innovative, effective, and replicable approaches.

Since 2019, ACLA has recognized more than 200 climate leaders and awarded over $1.2 million to help elevate successful climate initiatives nationwide.

What Makes a Winning Application?

During our first ACLA 2027 Office Hours session on October 27, prospective applicants joined the ecoAmerica team to ask questions and learn what makes an application stand out.

Our biggest takeaway? Keep it simple, specific, and focused on impact.

Here are five tips for a compelling application:

1. Show your impact. Share measurable results that demonstrate how your work is making a difference.
2. Highlight who you’re reaching. Tell us how you’re engaging new and diverse audiences in climate solutions.
3. Share what makes your approach innovative. What sets your initiative apart?
4. Think bigger. Could another community replicate your success? Show us how.
5. Tell a compelling story. Clear, concise answers are more powerful than lengthy descriptions.

Remember, this is an award, not a grant. We’re recognizing work already underway or completed within the past year — not proposals for future projects. And there’s no application fee!

More Than $200,000 in Awards

The 2027 awards include:

• $50,000 — General Leader Winner
• $25,000 — General Leader Runner-Up
• $10,000 each — 10 Finalists
• $1,000 each — 20 Semifinalists
• $10,000 — Youth Leadership Award
• $5,000 — NEW People’s Choice Award, selected through public voting

Beyond financial recognition, ACLA offers national visibility and opportunities to share successful approaches with communities across America.

Your Climate Story Could Inspire the Nation

Whether you’re mobilizing neighbors, engaging young people, working in the arts sector, building community resilience, or advancing climate solutions on a larger scale, your work matters.

Don’t underestimate your impact. Sometimes the most powerful climate solutions begin with a simple idea that brings people together.

Applications are open to eligible individuals, organizations, businesses, and youth leaders ages 14–24.

Applications close December 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.

Apply or nominate a climate leader today!

Have questions? We’re here to help! Contact [email protected] for application guidance or to arrange a one-on-one conversation.

Your work is making a difference. Let’s help more people see it.

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About the Author:
Gibbs Rehlen, American Climate Leadership Awards Fellow, ecoAmerica