Applications are open for the Follow the Climate Money Initiative 2026, a youth focused program that will train selected participants in climate governance, public budgeting, social protection and accountability.
The first cohort will select 20 young people to become Youth Champions and take part in practical climate budget tracking activities.
The opportunity is suitable for young Nigerians interested in climate change, public finance, governance, community development and social accountability.
For the current 2026 cohort, applicants must reside in Kaduna State.
Applications close on October 22, 2026.
About the Follow the Climate Money Initiative
Follow the Climate Money is a youth led initiative focused on helping citizens understand how government funds linked to climate change and social protection are budgeted and spent.
The program is designed to make public spending easier for young people to understand.
Selected participants will learn how to examine climate related budgets, identify what government funds are meant to achieve and track whether the money is actually spent as planned.
The initiative also aims to strengthen youth participation in accountability and public policy discussions.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to young people who meet the following conditions:
- Be between 18 and 29 years old
- Reside in Kaduna State
- Have an interest in climate governance, public budgeting, social protection or accountability
- Be willing to learn
- Be available to participate in program activities
- Show interest in community issues and public spending
Young women and young people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Previous budget tracking experience is not required.
What Selected Participants Will Learn
Only 20 participants will be selected for the first cohort.
Youth Champions will gain practical knowledge in areas such as:
- Climate governance
- Public budgeting
- Social protection
- Government expenditure tracking
- Social accountability
- Data use
- Citizen engagement
- Evidence based advocacy
Participants will also take part in youth led activities focused on tracking climate related public spending.
Do You Need Previous Experience?
No.
Applicants do not need previous experience in budget tracking or climate finance.
The organizers are more interested in:
- Your motivation
- Your connection to your community
- Your willingness to learn
- Your ability to think critically
- Your interest in accountability
This makes the program suitable for students, recent graduates, volunteers, young professionals and community focused youths who want to gain practical experience.
What Is Climate Budget Tracking?
Climate budget tracking involves looking at government budgets to understand how much money is allocated to climate related programs and whether the money is actually spent.
This may include spending on areas such as:
- Flood control
- Agriculture
- Environmental protection
- Support for vulnerable households
- Climate resilient infrastructure
- Disaster response
- Other climate adaptation programs
Participants will learn how to follow this type of spending and understand whether public funds are reaching the intended programs and communities.
What Participants Can Gain
Selected Youth Champions will gain practical experience beyond normal classroom learning.
They may develop useful skills in:
- Budget analysis
- Data collection
- Community engagement
- Public accountability
- Climate policy
- Research
- Advocacy
These skills can also be useful for young people interested in careers in civil society, development, research, public policy, governance and climate action.
What to Focus on in Your Application
Applicants should keep their answers clear and specific.
If the application asks why you want to join, avoid general answers such as:
“I am passionate about climate change.”
Instead, explain what you have observed in your community and why you want to understand how public money is being used.
For example, you may mention:
- Flooding in your community
- Agricultural problems
- Poor drainage
- Rising food prices
- Environmental damage
- Lack of information about government support programs
Use real examples where possible.
How to Improve Your Chances of Selection
Your application should show that you understand why the program matters.
You should explain:
- Why you are interested in climate or public accountability
- What problem you have noticed in your community
- What you hope to learn
- How you plan to use the knowledge
- Why you can commit to the program
You do not need to use technical language.
Simple and honest answers are better than complicated responses that do not clearly explain your interest.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the official online application form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGPICzPqOVvFygbb16NsQY6ErLuN7OI2uFMcztQO-DwmpXHA/viewform
Complete all required sections carefully.
Make sure your:
- Name is correct
- Email address is active
- Phone number is correct
- Location information is accurate
- Written responses are clear
Review your application before submitting.
Application Deadline
The deadline is:
October 22, 2026
Applicants should submit before the deadline instead of waiting until the final day.
Important Note
The Follow the Climate Money Initiative is not a cash grant or paid job.
It is a youth development and accountability program designed to help selected participants gain practical knowledge and experience.
For the current cohort, applicants must live in Kaduna State, even though the program may be of interest to young Nigerians across the country.
