Project duration
The duration of the projects covers a minimum of twelve months and a maximum of two years. The project start should be planned for the first quarter of 2027 or later.
Requested funding volume
Budget must be within the limits specified in the email that will be sent to eligible organisations. IKI Small Grants selects project proposals with a total funding volume between EUR 60,000 and EUR 200,000. Furthermore, the requested funding volume must not exceed the average annual revenue of the implementing organisation over the past three years.
Geographic scope of the projects
Projects must be implemented on a local, sub-national or national level.
Project proposals must focus on one or more of the following IKI funding areas:
- Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions
- Adaptation to the impacts of climate change
- Conserving natural carbon sinks with a focus on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation
- Conserving biological diversity
Effective Climate and Biodiversity Projects Worldwide
Since the beginning of the program in 2019, more than 250 local project ideas and individual measures have been selected across two different funding lines. Through project work, around 48,000 people have already been supported in effectively strengthening their resilience to the negative impacts of climate change. Additionally, nearly 100,000 hectares of terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems have been effectively protected or converted to sustainable management – an area approximately the size of 170,000 football fields.
Who can apply for funding?
For detailed information regarding the eligibility criteria please see the funding information.
In the current call for proposals, IKI Small Grants does not support:
- Government organisations (e.g., ministries, municipalities, public universities).
- Branches of organisations based in a non-ODA country.
- Consortia, as this would imply forwarding project funds from the lead organisation to partners in the consortia. Forwarding funds is not permitted.
- Research projects, unless they have a strong implementation component. This means basic research projects with a primary focus on data collection, evaluation, and publications are not eligible as such. However, a project that has its main focus on addressing the needs of target groups and achieving substantial changes in the IKI Small Grants’ funding areas is welcome to carry out project-related research as a side activity.
B: What else is required from organisations that want to apply?
Applicants should be not-for-profit organisations and private companies only if they pursue strictly non-profit objectives as part of their proposed project. No individuals, natural persons, one-person organisations or governmental organisations are eligible.
Applicant organisations must have been operative for at least three years.
Over the past three years, applicant organisations must have generated an average annual revenue of at least EUR 60,000 and no more than EUR 500,000.
The applicant organisation must have dedicated accounting staff and have accounting principles that ensure internal as well as external control mechanisms and must also employ a software-based accounting system.
C: When can I expect a first contact from IKI Small Grants?
After the registration period ends 15th January 2026, submitted applications undergo a thorough check and are treated with the utmost care and attention.
Afterwards, organisations receive confirmation if eligible to continue the application process and have to submit their project proposals. As soon as the selection process has been finalised, all submitting organisations will be informed.
In the meantime, please refrain from inquiries about the status of your proposal.
D: Can I hand in an application in any language other than English?
Applications must be submitted in English. Pease bear in mind that all communication after submitting your application will be in English too. IKI Small Grants works with organisations from many countries with a wide range of languages. Perfect English language skills are not required. However, good working English from at least one person in the project team is essential for effective cooperation. You are welcome to seek assistance in proposal writing from third parties including professional translation and/or online translation tools.
