Libra Philanthropies opens climate leadership applications for 2027 cohort

Libra Philanthropies has launched applications for its 2027 Rising Global Leaders Climate Changemakers cohort, a nine-month leadership program for early-career climate advocates. The initiative aims to give young leaders more access, skills and networks as climate decisions shape communities, economies and ecosystems worldwide.

Why it matters: - Libra Philanthropies is targeting a gap in climate leadership by backing younger people who are closer to the effects of climate change but less present in decision-making rooms. - The program is designed to build leadership capacity, organizational skills and cross-border networks for community-focused climate work. - The cohort comes as climate policy decisions made now will shape future housing, economic development, migration, wildlife, ecosystems, energy policy and financial systems.

What happened: - Libra Philanthropies announced the launch of the Rising Global Leaders 2027 Climate Changemakers cohort on Sept. 22, 2026, in New York. - Applications are now open for emerging climate leaders ages 20 to 35. - Applicants must lead or play a significant role in a climate-focused initiative or organization. - Eligible organizations must be nonpartisan, at least one year old and have an annual budget below $500,000. - Applications close Oct. 23, 2026.

The details: - The nine-month program will run in a hybrid format with in-person learning, virtual sessions and peer exchange. - Participants will meet in multiple locations around the world to study the foundations of climate action. - The cohort will take part in an Experiential Learning Trip to a location still to be confirmed. - The program will end with an invitation to the Concordia Annual Summit 2027 in New York, where participants will graduate and join a global community of leaders. - Between in-person meetings, participants will receive tailored capacity-building sessions in strategy, organizational governance and communications. - Cohort Reflection Circles will give participants a structured space to share experiences, discuss lessons and explore strategies together. - Changemakers will also take part in RGL Engagements, sharing lessons with younger members of the program. - Libra Philanthropies launched the climate cohort after the success of its RGL Democracy Changemakers 2026 cohort. - The organization established Libra Philanthropies in 2023 as an independent 501(c)(3) foundation to preserve and expand social responsibility work developed by Libra Group.

Between the lines: - The climate cohort extends Libra Philanthropies' Changemakers model into another urgent policy area, signaling a long-term bet on leadership development rather than one-off grants. - Gina Crivelli, director of programs and impact at Libra Philanthropies, said the program is meant to help shift climate decision-making toward people most affected by its consequences. - The structure suggests the foundation wants participants not only to learn, but also to become trainers and connectors inside the broader Rising Global Leaders network. - Libra Philanthropies says its programs have reached 400 organizations and more than 28 million people in 183 countries.

What's next: - Selected participants will begin the nine-month cohort after the application process closes. - The Experiential Learning Trip location will be announced later. - The program will culminate at the Concordia Annual Summit 2027 in New York. - More information and applications are available on the cohort website.

The bottom line: - Libra Philanthropies is using its Rising Global Leaders platform to cultivate a new generation of climate leaders with practical skills, global exposure and peer support.