ClimateWorks seeks proposals that support integrated and intersectional approaches to extreme heat planning and implementation in cities where strengthening institutional capacity and civil society leadership are jointly advanced. Proposals should build on existing heat action plans (HAPs), broader resilience strategies, climate action plans, and/or adaptation plans, moving them from planning to implementation and embedding inclusive, community-driven approaches across all activities.
This RFP seeks to identify and support initiatives that specifically address the A&R Fund’s aspirations on institutional capacity and field building. The Fund hopes to identify and support initiatives that build institutional capacity and strengthen civil society leadership to address extreme heat and urban resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. This RFP supports inclusive, coordinated, and locally grounded planning and implementation to 1 ensure cities and communities are better prepared for — and protected against — one of the most urgent and overlooked climate threats: extreme heat.
RFP SUMMARY INFORMATION:
- Issuing Organization: ClimateWorks Foundation’s Adaptation & Resilience Program
- Release Date: August 2025
- Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Submission Deadline: September 19 at 11:59 pm PT
- RFP Application: Apply Here
- RFP Webinar: August 20 at 7-9 AM PT Register Here
- Total Funding Availability: $3–$4.5 million USD across several potential grantees
- Geographic Focus: Lower-, lower-middle-, and middle-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia
- Contact Information: adaptation@climateworks.org
The eligibility criteria are detailed in the Request for Proposals
This RFP is open to all nonprofits, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, cooperatives, labor unions, international organizations, city-focused networks and alliances, academic institutions, consultancies, public sector banks, and private sector enterprises that align with the mission of the A&R Fund and which are deemed by ClimateWorks to be eligible to receive funding based on applicable laws and regulations.
Governments and public agencies must specify a preferred technical assistance provider (or multiple providers) that is best suited for their proposed project activities. This technical assistance provider will serve as the recipient of funds.
Organizations already receiving ClimateWorks funding are also eligible to apply. The A&R Fund is simultaneously launching a second RFP focused on innovative finance for extreme heat resilience. Proposals that address both RFPs are welcome.
For this specific RFP, consortia are strongly encouraged to apply and proposals should show coordination between institutions and communities. Proposals that tightly link institutional planning and civil society engagement in a coordinated, equity-centered approach are encouraged. LMIC-based proposal leads, national societies, and proposals led by or meaningfully partnering with local actors and marginalized communities are strongly preferred.
City networks that work across different municipalities should explain how they will apply learnings, data, and interventions more broadly across cities in LMICs. City leadership will need to be engaged during the proposal process, and a letter of support will be required at the full proposal stage of the application.