FAQs

1. Who can apply under this category?
Community groups, farmers’ collectives, youth groups, women’s self-help groups, local NGOs, and local government bodies directly leading and implementing climate solutions at the grassroots. Individuals are not allowed to apply for the awards.

2. What types of initiatives are eligible?
Initiatives in biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and natural resource management that show clear community ownership and impact.

3. Do initiatives need to be from registered organisations?
No, the application need not be from a registered organisation.

4. What is meant by “community-led”?
The initiative must show clear decision-making power and leadership by the community, not just implementation by an external NGO.

5. Can ongoing projects apply?
Yes, provided they show evidence of implementation and measurable impact. Proposals or ideas not yet executed will not be considered.

6. What documents are required?
Project details, DPRs, photographs or reports of activities, evidence of impact, etc. would be ideal.

7. How are applications assessed?
Stage 1 checks eligibility and completeness. Stage 2 uses weighted scoring across ownership, innovation, impact, inclusivity, partnerships, and scalability.

8. What kind of impact is important?
Both environmental (e.g., reduced emissions, restored ecosystems) and social (improved livelihoods, women’s empowerment, inclusion of marginalised groups).

9. Is there a minimum project size or duration?
No, but projects must be operational and show results. Very new initiatives may be asked for early evidence.

10. Can one organisation submit more than one project?
Yes, if they are distinct initiatives.

11. Are partnerships encouraged?
Yes — collaborations with NGOs, research bodies, or government enhance scoring if the community retains leadership.

1. Who can apply under this category?
Urban local bodies (ULBs), state departments, city/state-level special purpose vehicles (SPVs), and other institutions responsible for urban services and planning.

2. What areas of work are covered?
Sustainable mobility, green infrastructure, solid waste management, water management, renewable energy integration, urban disaster resilience, and other climate-linked urban interventions.

3. What is the key focus of this category?
To highlight institutional leadership and systemic integration of climate goals into governance, policy, planning, and service delivery in urban regions.

4. Can PPP (public-private partnership) projects apply?
Yes, provided the lead applicant is a government/institutional body. Private entities could apply but there should be significant aspects of government engagement.

5. Do pilot projects qualify?
Yes, but preference is given to projects that have reached an operational stage and demonstrated outcomes.

6. What documents are needed?
Official project reports, evidence of implementation, financial outlay, governance mechanisms, impact evidence, etc. would be ideal.

7. How will applications be assessed?
Entries will be assessed based on integration of climate action, institutional leadership, evidence of impact, innovation, scalability, and partnerships.

8. Can multiple departments submit jointly?
Yes—joint applications across ULBs, SPVs, or departments are welcome if roles are clearly defined.

9. Will the financial size of the project matter?
No. The focus is on impact, governance, and replicability.

1. Who can apply?
Applications in this category is expected from the following entities:

1. Private Limited Company
2. Public Limited Company
3. Limited Liability Partnership
4. Partnership Firm
5. Sole Proprietorship
6. Registered Social Enterprise
7. Other (please specify)

2. What types of innovations qualify?
Technologies, products, services, or models in renewable energy, sustainable mobility, waste-to-resource, circular economy, agriculture-tech, green finance, etc.

3. What is the difference between a start-up and a scale-up?

4. Start-up: Early-stage business, typically <5 years old, still piloting or validating.

5. Scale-up: Business with established operations, revenues, and growing markets.

6. Can NGOs apply under this category?
Not unless they are registered as a business entity offering market-based solutions. NGOs should apply under Community-led category.

7. What assessment criteria apply?
Entries will be assessed based on integration of climate goals, innovation, evidence of impact, scalability/market potential, and business viability.

8. What evidence of impact is needed?
Data on GHG emission reductions, resource efficiency gains, waste diverted, or number of users/beneficiaries.

9. Do applicants need audited financials?
Yes, for scale-ups. For start-ups, financial projections and proof of viability are acceptable.

10. Is there a sectoral restriction?
No, as long as the core model directly addresses climate challenges.

1. Who can nominate?
Organizations, peers, institutions, or individuals familiar with the nominee’s work. Self-nominations are also allowed with references.

2. Who qualifies as a nominee?
Women leaders are actively engaged in climate action, from grassroots organizers to institutional heads, policy advocates, entrepreneurs, and researchers.

3. Does the nominee need to represent an organization?
Not necessarily. Independent women leaders with demonstrable impact also qualify.

4. What achievements are recognized?
Leadership in implementing projects, shaping policy, innovating solutions, building collaborations, and driving gender-inclusive climate action.

5. Are early-career leaders eligible?
Yes—both seasoned leaders and emerging voices can be nominated, provided their contributions are demonstrable.

6. What documents are required?
The nominee’s profile, project/work details, supporting references, and evidence of leadership/impact are ideal.

7. How is the assessment done?
Nominations will be assessed based on leadership strength, measurable sustainability impact, systemic influence, equity and inclusion, and long-term commitment.

8. Will individual impact be considered separately from institutional impact?
Yes—the award recognizes the personal leadership contribution of the nominee, not the institution.

9. Can multiple women from the same organization be nominated?
Yes, if their contributions are distinct.

 10. Can international women leaders apply?
Yes, if their work has relevance or impact in India.

1. Who can apply under this category?
Individuals, creative teams, organizations, and collectives engaged in communicative initiatives that use creative media to raise awareness and inspire climate action. Both standalone works and ongoing campaigns are eligible.

2. What types of initiatives are eligible?
Initiatives that utilize visual storytelling, audio & music, performance & theater, digital & interactive media, or written journalism & storytelling to communicate climate change causes, impacts, and solutions.

3. Do initiatives need to be from registered organizations?
No, applications can be from individuals or unregistered groups as long as the initiative aligns with the category criteria.

4. Can ongoing projects apply?
Yes, projects that have commenced (ongoing, completed, or scaling up) are eligible. Ideas or plans only will not be considered.

5. What evidence is required?
Applicants must provide at least one accessible link or file (video, audio, images, or articles) that demonstrates the initiative for evaluation purposes.

6. How are the applications evaluated?
Applications undergo a two-stage process:Stage 1 checks eligibility and completeness; Stage 2 assesses relevance to climate action, creativity, reach & engagement, impact & influence, and inclusion of underrepresented voices.

7. What kind of impact is considered?
The impact includes raising awareness, influencing behavior, shifting public narratives, amplifying marginalized voices, and mobilizing communities towards climate-positive actions.

8. Are collaborations or collectives eligible?
Yes, groups, creative teams, and collectives working collaboratively are encouraged to apply.

9. What are the approved creative mediums?
Visual storytelling (film, photography, and visual art), audio & music (radio, podcasts, and songs), performance & theatre, digital & interactive media (social media, AR/VR, and online campaigns), and written journalism & storytelling.

10. Can multiple entries by one applicant be submitted?
Yes, multiple distinct initiatives can be submitted by the same applicant.

11. Are entries accepted from outside India?
Yes, entries from outside India will be accepted.