The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF), with support from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott, is calling for applications to the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge (YEIC) – Round 3. This initiative supports innovative, youth-led solutions that promote environmental conservation, sustainability, and climate resilience in Kenya. Applications are open from 14 August to 30 September 2025.
About the Challenge
The YEIC aims to nurture action-oriented young people committed to protecting and restoring the environment. Building on the success of previous rounds, the third round is themed: “Scaling Innovations for Environmental Impact.” It focuses on elevating proven, community-level solutions to reach broader audiences and achieve deeper environmental and livelihood outcomes.
Goals and Objectives
- Goal: Empower young people, both in and out of school, to lead efforts in environmental conservation and restoration.
- Objectives:
- Foster environmental awareness and conservation practices among youth.
- Promote sustainable use of natural resources to support community development.
- Strengthen youth-led organisations to scale impactful innovations that improve livelihoods and education.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced livelihoods through sustainable practices and green job creation.
- Wider adoption of environmental conservation practices and technologies.
- Greater youth leadership in marginalized communities around sustainability.
- Stronger community resilience to climate shocks and environmental challenges.
Awards Categories – YEIC Round 3
Category 1: Young Environment Champions
- Grant Amount: Up to KES 1.5 million (~$11,500)
- Eligibility: Individual youth (aged 15–35) with tested and impactful environmental innovations.
Category 2: Youth-Led Organisations
- Grant Amount: Up to KES 5 million (~$38,500)
- Eligibility: Registered youth-led organisations/companies (CSOs, Companies Limited by Shares/Guarantee, etc.) with scalable environmental projects.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Ability to address environmental challenges.
- Community benefits across livelihoods, education, and stewardship.
- Sustainability and long-term impact of the innovation.
- Financial and operational capacity to implement the project.
Application Process
- Eligibility: Only innovators residing in Kenya with projects implemented in Kenya may apply.
- Application Period: 14 August – 30 September 2025.
- Review & Site Visits: March 2026.
- Award Notifications: June 2026.
- Application Links:
Applicants must submit a technical application, high-level budget, and any supporting materials (e.g., videos, photos). Offline forms can be completed and uploaded to the provided submission links.
The Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge – Round 3 provides Kenyan youth and youth-led organisations with a platform to scale impactful environmental solutions, drive climate resilience, and strengthen community livelihoods. With grants of up to KES 5 million (~$38,500) available, this call represents a powerful opportunity for the next generation of environmental leaders to transform Kenya’s future.