The Global EbA Fund aims to create an enabling environment for the implementation of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities and ecosystems to the impacts of climate change. The Global EbA Fund invites innovative and catalytic proposals that address systemic barriers for EbA scaling1 by enhancing institutional and technical capacities, quality data and evidence generation, learning networks, and investment readiness.
Aligned with the IKI Strategy up to 2030 specifically its focus on socio-ecological transformation through technologies, business models, or climate friendly infrastructure– the Fund invites proposals that address critical EbA gaps.
While the primary geographic focus on this call is on ODA-eligible SIDS and LDCs, applications from other ODA-eligible countries will be considered where the proposal demonstrates exceptional ambition and unique opportunities to scale EbA.
To align with this scope, proposals should focus on:
- Overcoming upstream barriers for EbA uptake and scaling: addressing institutional and technical capacity constraints, improving evidence generation, and fostering systematic knowledge exchange and learning.
- Clear adaptation chain: Proposals must be grounded in a detailed impact chain analysis that identifies climate hazards and risks, addresses socioeconomic and ecological sensitivity (including maintaining or enhancing ecosystem services), and builds adaptive capacity to reduce overall vulnerability and climate risk –delivering tangible benefits for both people and nature.
- Social and Environmental Considerations: Integration of gender responsiveness; respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and local participation; and adherence to environmental and social safeguards, equitable benefit-sharing, and the prevention of maladaptation.
- Robust sustainability and exit strategies: demonstrating long-term viability, local ownership, or institutional continuity beyond the Fund’s investment lifecycle.
Initiatives focusing on the following topics are encouraged:
- Investment readiness and project pipeline preparation: designing investable, scalable concepts tailored for large-scale climate financing.
- Innovative technologies for EbA: adapting and/or scaling tested technological solutions across specific socio-ecological systems to inform practitioners and decisionmakers
- Applied and functional research: deploying targeted and practical research to resolve specific barriers to EbA implementation and investment.
- Synergies with other EbA or Nature-based Solution (NbS) initiatives: aligning with existing related initiatives and facilities to capitalize on operational synergies and expand co-funding pathways.
Learn more about the small grants here
Eligibility Checklist
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.
Only project concepts that meet the following criteria will be considered for review:
- Must qualify as “Ecosystem-based Adaptation“ (Please ensure your project ultimately aligns with EbA Qualification Criteria & Quality Standards).
- Must have catalytic and innovative potential to create enabling environments for EbA.
- Clearly identifies the climate impacts it is aiming to address and clearly describes how they will be addressed.
- Falls under a maximum of 1 Strategic Objective and a maximum of 2 Action Pillars of the Global EbA Fund.
- Project is Global, Thematic, or otherwise targets only ODA-eligible countries.
- Proposed budget of up to USD $250,000 for Small-Size Grants.
- Project duration of up to 24 months.
- Project must be built / based off existing work.
- Clearly demonstrates how results will be maintained and developed after the funding period.
- Must partner with local institutions and organisations.
- Lead applicant and partner organisations are well-grounded in the proposed area(s) of work, have previous similar experience, and are inclusive of local communities, Indigenous Knowledge, and gender perspectives.
- Lead applicant and partner organisations must be legally recognised entities.
- Lead applicant must comply with and fill out the Due Diligence requirements of the Global EbA Fund.
Before developing your proposal, we strongly advise applicants to go through the Grants Procedure Manual.