fellowships
Applications Open for the 2025 Inclusion Climate Innovation Labs (ICIL) Cohort: Empowering Young Changemakers in Kenya (Fully-funded)
The Inclusion Climate Innovation Labs (ICIL) is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort. This initiative, financially supported by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ireland through the Embassy of Ireland to Kenya, aims to equip 40 young changemakers, activists, and leaders from Kenya’s marginalized regions with essential skills to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
This program is implemented by a collaborative network of grassroots organizations and movements, focusing on fostering community-led solutions to environmental challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: 18 to 35 years as of February 2025.
- Identity: Must identify as at least one of the following:
- Gender and sexual minority
- Young woman
- Person with a disability (PWD) – proof required
- Refugee – proof required
- Ethnic minority
- Language Proficiency: Must be able to speak and write in English independently.
- Leadership Role: Must hold a key role within an organization, such as:
- Founder, Co-founder, Manager, Director, Entrepreneur
- Leading a start-up, youth organization, community-based organization (CBO), NGO, or social enterprise
- Only one application per organization is allowed.
- Engagement in Climate Action: Must be actively addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, or their intersection through organizational or community initiatives.
- Experience & Registration:
- At least one year of operational experience.
- Must be a registered entity (proof required). Priority is given to registered organizations, but non-registered entities with at least one year of documented operation may also apply.
- Geographic Location: Must reside and operate in one of the following regions:
- Coastal: Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Tana River
- Lower Eastern: Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Mwingi
- North-Eastern: Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo
- North-West: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana, West Pokot, Marsabit
- Commitment: Must fully participate in all project activities, including:
- A fully funded in-person regional engagement
- Four to five virtual/hybrid sessions (airtime for data bundles provided)
Application Process
How to Apply
- Online Application: Apply via the official Google Form.
- Email Submission: Applicants from areas with poor internet connectivity can download the form, complete it, and submit it via [email protected].
Important Notes
- Applicants must complete the form independently (except for PWDs requiring assistance, though responses must be their own).
- Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Proof of age, disability, or refugee status (where applicable) will be securely handled and deleted post-verification.
- Registered entities must submit their registration certificate.
What to Expect from the Program
- Fully funded in-person regional engagement: A one-day gathering for networking with fellow climate leaders.
- Comprehensive hybrid learning sessions covering topics such as:
- Donor preparedness
- Personal branding
- Financial literacy
- Organizational development
- Sustainable social enterprises
- Systems thinking
- Advocacy & policy influence
- Continuous mentorship: Access to industry mentors and project partners.
- Mental Health First Aid and Legal Aid support: Monthly check-ins by strategic partners.
- Lifetime membership in the Network of Grassroots Organizations and Movements for peer-to-peer support and exclusive events.
Recruitment Drive Timeline
- Call for Applications: February 3 – February 23, 2025
- Information Session (Network Members): February 6, 2025
- Information Session (External Applicants): February 14, 2025
- Application Review & Shortlisting: February 24 – February 26, 2025
- Participant Background Check & Interviews: March 3 – March 5, 2025
- Selection & Notification of Participants: March 11, 2025
The Inclusion Climate Innovation Labs offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop solutions for climate resilience, gain access to mentorship, and connect with a network of changemakers.
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
