Deadline: 30-Sep-2025
The Young Environmentalist Innovative Challenge invites submissions of innovative solutions that inculcate the spirit of environmental conservation and sustainable management.
The third-round theme will be “Scaling Innovations for Environmental Impact,” with the challenge prioritizing innovations that address pressing environmental issues such as climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, renewable energy, and ecosystem restoration. The objectives are to inculcate the spirit and practice of environmental awareness and conservation among young people in learning institutions and out of school (the community), to promote environmental conservation practices and sustainable use of natural resources for sustainable development for communities led by young people, and to strengthen the capacity of organizations/companies led by young people to implement environmental innovations that promote sustainable livelihoods and enhance access to education.
The Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge invites submissions of innovative solutions that promote environmental conservation and sustainable management. The fund provides grants to young individuals and youth-led organizations to scale innovative solutions to environmental issues. There are two categories for awards: the first is for three Young Environment Champions with a grant amount of up to KES 1,500,000, and the second is for five Youth-led Organisations with a grant amount of up to KES 5,000,000.
Eligibility for the first category is for individual youth aged 15-35 with tested and impactful environmental innovations. The second category is for registered youth-led organizations and companies with scalable environmental projects. Only innovators residing in Kenya and whose actions are implemented in Kenya are eligible to apply.
Improved livelihoods are an expected outcome due to adopting sustainable environmental conservation practices and technologies among targeted communities, which in turn creates jobs and increased incomes. Another expected outcome is increased adoption of environmental practices and technologies that enhance access to environmental education and inculcate a culture of environmental stewardship among young people. Additionally, the challenge aims for increased awareness and leadership among marginalized communities in promoting sustainability in environmental conservation. Finally, an increased resilience of targeted communities to address livelihood shocks and adapt to environmental challenges resulting from climate change is an expected outcome.
The application period for this round opens on August 14, 2025, and closes on September 30, 2025. Review and site visits will be completed by March 2026, with the notification of awards by June 2026. All applications must be submitted via the links provided on the KCDF website. Required submissions include a technical application, a high-level budget, and any supporting documents such as videos or pictures. Applicants may also complete the application offline and then upload their responses via the submission link to retain a copy for their records.
For more information, visit KCDF.
