Applications Invited for 8th Call for Proposals for Small-Size Grants

About the Organization

The Global EbA Fund is a funding mechanism for supporting innovative approaches to Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA). Led by IUCN and UNEP, the IKI-supported Fund is structured to support catalytic initiatives to help to overcome identified barriers to upscaling EbA. Furthermore, it is expected that the Fund will address the gaps in knowledge and planning for EbA, as well as to increase access to public and private funding for catalytic adaptation interventions. The Fund will prioritize filling in resourcing and knowledge gaps with a broad thematic focus on innovation and urgency, thus encouraging creative solutions and partnerships among funding applicants and the wider EbA community. By supporting catalytic interventions, the Fund will address research gaps, pilot innovative EbA approaches, engage in strategic EbA policy mainstreaming, and incentivise innovative finance mechanisms and private sector EbA investment.

About the Fellowship

As climate change impacts escalate globally and nature remains under pressure from unsustainable practices, the need to adapt becomes increasingly imperative to ensure socioeconomic development, water, and food security. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) offers a robust, comprehensive approach to reducing the climate vulnerability of both people and nature through the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of ecosystems.

Although there are many EbA initiatives worldwide, this call will focus specifically on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

• SIDS are a distinct group of 39 states characterised by small landmasses, remoteness, close interlinkages of ecosystems, oceans, people, and cultures (Secretariat of the CBD, 2014i ). They are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and are increasingly affected by the growing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones, storm surges, temperature rise, heatwaves, droughts, coastal and riverine flooding, changing precipitation patterns, and sea level rise, among others.
• LDCs are a group of 44 states widely affected by climate impacts due to their limited capacity to recover from climate stresses and their economies are highly dependent on climate-sensitive sectors. While LDCs contribute less than 4% of global emissions, they bear some of the most severe climate impacts (UNCTAD, 2024ii).

These countries are among the most vulnerable to intensifying climate risks, yet they frequently face severe institutional and financial constraints to driving effective climate action. Key barriers to impactful adaptation include insufficient data and evidence generation, as well as capacity gaps that limit their ability to translate national priorities into bankable investment pipelines. Furthermore, many of these nations experience limited success in mobilizing private sector investments and partnerships required to sustain and scale these efforts (NDC Partnership, 2025iii).

Despite this urgent need, SIDS and LDCs continue to receive a disproportionately small share of global adaptation finance. This shortfall is particularly critical because their local economies remain deeply dependent on natural resources and functional terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, which are further compromised by unsustainable management and accelerating climate impacts (Adeoti et al., 2020iv).

Funding and duration

• Grant Size: each grant up to USD 500,000
• Submission Window: 12 October to 16 November 2026
• Project Duration: up to 24 months

Eligibility:

Only the following types of organisations are eligible for review:

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• International non-governmental organisations (INGOs)
• Intergovernmental organisations (IGOs)
• Community-based organisations (CBOs)
• Indigenous People’s Organisations
• Universities and other academic institutions
• Research institutes and think tanks
• Private sector companies
• Consortia of organisations that promote collaboration and greater impact around EbA. Government entities can be a part of the consortia as long as they do not receive funding from the Global EbA Fund. However, applications submitted on behalf of a consortium should clearly define the lead agency, the “Applicant Organisation”, as detailed in the application template. This organisation, if successful, would be the responsible contract party.

The Fund will consider private sector applicants under certain conditions. No funding can be provided for sector-specific obligations nor compensatory or replacement measures, for-profit activities, etc. Overall, common public interest will be a top priority.

How to Apply

Official Launch of the Call for Proposal: 24 August 2026

• Application forms and details are available on the Global EbA Fund website.

Submissions accepted through the online platform: 28 September to 26 October 2026

• The application form is for drafting purposes only – all applications must be submitted on the online platform.
• We strongly encourage applicants to work on the application form offline before

transferring the application to the online platform for submission.

For more information, please check the link: Applications Invited for 8th Call for Proposals  Small-Size Grants Global EbA Fund

Tags Environment and Sustainability Food, Agriculture and Nutrition Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Others