EarthON Eco Champions
The programme is designed to empower grassroots leaders, non-profit founders, and rural entrepreneurs working at the intersection of sustainability and livelihoods. Through a tiered approach, we identify, equip, and support founders to scale their innovative solutions, creating a sustainable and resilient ecosystem for transformative action.
Our Tiered Approach:
We identify and empower 10,000 emerging eco leaders through a structured, impact-oriented approach:
- Eco Champions:10,000 climate leaders receive access to curated digital resources, inspiring stories, and a growing community of sustainability leaders.
- Cohort Members: 2,000 promising individuals are invited into focused learning cohorts, gaining mentorship, expert guidance, and peer exchange.
- Changemaker Awardees: 500 eco champions are honoured with Changemaker Awards – unlocking seed support, visibility, and deeper engagement.
- Top 25 Leaders: At the highest level, 25 exceptional individuals receive customised, trust-based grants and hands-on support to amplify their impact.
Signature Offerings:
- Office Hours: Personal Guidance for Eco Champions
One-on-one coaching sessions with industry experts providing actionable insights and practical solutions in critical areas such as:
- Strategic Governance & Compliance
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- HR Strategy & Team Building
- Website Development & Optimization
- Residential Immersive Bootcamp
The EarthON Eco Champions Bootcamp is a transformative three-day residential program set in rural locations across the country, bringing together 30-35 grassroots leaders, social entrepreneurs, and innovators to collaborate on climate-focused solutions. Participants engage in dynamic workshops, fireside chats with visionaries, outdoor team-building activities, and cultural experiences, all while honing skills in organization development. This immersive bootcamp fosters creativity, builds meaningful connections, and equips eco champions with the tools and strategies to scale their impact and create lasting change.
EarthON Eco Champions Program
What will the Eco Champions get?
- USD 5,000 (non-dilutive funds) per changemaker
- USD 100, 000 of additional non financial support
- One-to-one mentorship from experts
- Annual conference bringing leaders and funders
Who are our Eco Champions?
- Climate leaders and early-stage entrepreneurs
- Founders with 2+ years of dedicated experience
- Annual Turnover / budget within 100,000 USD
- Working in high-impact, low-access areas
- Strengthening communities with limited opportunities-access areas
FAQ
EarthON Eco Champions Programme:
What is the EarthON Eco Champions Programme?
The EarthON Eco Champions Programme is a 10-month initiative designed to support founders from climate-vulnerable regions and high-impact, low-access geographical areas. The program focuses on fostering gender equality and empowering Indigenous communities to scale their climate solutions.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Nonprofit leaders and early-stage entrepreneurs
- Founders with 2+ years of dedicated grassroots experience
- Founders with most recent Annual turnover or budget of up to $100,000
- Leaders working in high-impact, low-access geographical areas
What support do participants receive during the programme?
Participants in the Eco Champions Programme gain access to:
- Up to USD 5,000 in non-dilutive funds annually.
- Support worth USD 15,000, including agency-led services in communications and finance (varies between USD 2,500–5,000 based on cohort type).
- A 3-day residential immersive bootcamp for intensive learning and collaboration.
- Expert coaching in areas such as:
- Social media strategy.
- Website development and maintenance.
- Finance and accounting.
- Governance practices.
How does the programme promote inclusivity?
The Eco Champions Programme prioritizes:
- Gender equality in its selection and execution.
- Support for Indigenous communities
- A focus on underrepresented and geographically underserved areas.
What is the application process for the programme?
The programme accepts participants through a nomination process. Nominations are made by our partners, who identify individuals or organizations with the potential to drive impactful climate action.
How does the EarthON Eco Champions Programme standout in the crowd?
The EarthON Eco Champions Programme is unique because it operates through nominations from our trusted partners who have a deep understanding of the applicants’ work. It focuses on solution-driven leaders working closely with communities, particularly non-English speakers and grassroots innovators. Unlike other programmes, there are no lengthy forms to fill out, making the application process simple and accessible.
What happens after the 10-month programme?
After completing the programme, participants will:
- Become part of the EarthON community.
- Have the opportunity to join as mentors or trainers for future cohorts.
- Be eligible for continued support through the Grassroots Fund Programme.
- Gain access to EarthON’s events and networking opportunities.