Launches of the third edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge in Nairobi.
The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) has opened applications for the 2025 Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge (YEIC), a flagship initiative supporting youth-led solutions to Kenya’s pressing environmental challenges.
Established through the generous gift of philanthropist Mackenzie Scott, the YEIC seeks to nurture action-oriented young leaders with strong values and a deep commitment to environmental conservation.
The initiative provides a unique platform for youth to translate innovative ideas into measurable environmental impact, promoting sustainable practices that benefit both communities and ecosystems.
Now in its third edition, the YEIC aims to scale tested and impactful environmental projects.
This year’s challenge is themed “Scaling Innovations for Environmental Impact”, reflecting KCDF’s focus on initiatives that have already demonstrated tangible success at the community level and are ready to broaden their reach and deepen their positive effects.
The program prioritizes projects that address urgent environmental issues, including climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, circular economy solutions, renewable energy, and ecosystem restoration.
By supporting these focus areas, KCDF intends to empower young people to take a leading role in tackling the environmental challenges facing Kenya today.
Program Objectives
The YEIC is designed to instill environmental awareness and practical conservation practices among young people, whether in educational institutions or in broader community settings.
Beyond individual engagement, the initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of youth-led organizations and companies to implement projects that merge environmental stewardship with sustainable livelihoods and community development.
The challenge aims to promote the sustainable use of natural resources, foster innovation that delivers measurable results, and enhance the organizational capacity of youth-led initiatives.
KCDF emphasizes that the program is not only about providing funding but also about nurturing a generation of environmental leaders capable of driving long-term, community-level change.
Who Can Apply and Funding
The YEIC welcomes applications from both individual youth innovators and youth-led organizations or legally registered companies. Key details include:
- Eligibility: Individuals aged 15–35 with projects that have demonstrated tangible impact, as well as youth-led organizations or companies with scalable environmental initiatives.
- Funding: Individual innovators may receive grants of up to KES 1,500,000, while youth-led organizations are eligible for funding of up to KES 5,000,000.
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Kenya and implement their projects within the country.
This funding is intended to help innovators expand their initiatives, increase outreach, and deepen the impact of their environmental projects.
In addition to financial support, YEIC provides access to a network of young environmental leaders, mentorship opportunities, and platforms for collaboration, learning, and knowledge sharing.
Application Process and Deadline
Applicants are encouraged to review the official application guidelines and submit their proposals using the online submission platforms.
For convenience, applications can also be completed offline using downloadable templates and uploaded via the submission links:
- Organization Application Form F1: https://ee-eu.kobotoolbox.org/
x/Z87WSFKt - Individual Application Form F2: https://ee-eu.kobotoolbox.org/
x/3OXp9C9t
All applications must be submitted by 30th September 2025.
Following submission, shortlisted projects may undergo review and site visits before final award notifications are issued.
Youth Leadership in Environmental Conservation
In a country facing environmental degradation, climate change pressures, and resource scarcity, programs like the YEIC provide youth with the tools, recognition, and funding needed to lead community-based environmental initiatives.
By targeting critical issues and supporting tested solutions, KCDF strengthens the capacity of young people to tackle environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development in their communities.
The program underscores the importance of turning innovative ideas into practical, scalable solutions that have measurable benefits, empowering youth to make meaningful contributions toward environmental conservation and community resilience.
About KCDF
The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) is a grant-making, philanthropic organization dedicated to strengthening communities and supporting locally led development initiatives.
Since its establishment in 1999, KCDF has partnered with civil society organizations, youth groups, and community leaders to promote sustainable development, education, health, and environmental conservation.
Programs like YEIC highlight KCDF’s commitment to capacity building, innovation, and youth empowerment as central pillars for achieving lasting community impact.
Through these initiatives, KCDF continues to provide young innovators with opportunities to lead projects that address Kenya’s most urgent social and environmental challenges, helping to shape a more sustainable and resilient future.
