Who can apply
- Duly registered local non-governmental and civil-society organisations operating in eligible mountain regions
- Registered community-based organisations working directly with mountain communities
- Grassroots, youth-led and women-led organisations delivering community-based climate-adaptation activities
- Registered local non-profit organisations or non-profit enterprises with supporting registration documentation
- Organisations based in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania or Uganda
- Organisations based in Armenia, Azerbaijan or Georgia
- Applicants with previous experience working directly with the mountain community that will benefit
- Organisations without previous international funding experience may apply if they can demonstrate relevant local experience
- Individuals and unregistered groups are not eligible
Focus areas
- Ecosystem-based adaptation
- Nature-based solutions
- Restoration and protection of mountain ecosystems
- Rainwater harvesting, water retention and water-resource resilience
- Climate-smart agriculture and food security
- Disaster preparedness and community resilience
- Diversification of livelihoods and income sources
- Community health and quality of life
- Women’s and young people’s participation in climate adaptation
- Locally led responses to mountain climate risks and vulnerabilities
Requirements
- Be a locally based and formally registered organisation operating in an eligible mountain region
- Demonstrate direct previous experience working with the proposed mountain community
- Identify a specific climate-change risk, impact or vulnerability affecting the community
- Propose an ecosystem-based or nature-based solution responding to local community needs
- Explain the intended beneficiaries and expected community benefits
- Integrate gender considerations, inclusion and community participation into the proposed solution
- Provide the organisation’s valid registration certificate
- Provide the national identity card or passport of the organisation’s legal representative
- Provide evidence of previous organisational or project experience, including visual evidence where available
- Complete all essential questions in the official application form
- Maintain an official organisational bank account if selected; personal accounts cannot receive the grant
- Ensure that the budget does not include direct salaries or allowances for government officials
- Provide official organisational banking information matching the organisation’s registration details if selected
Application steps
- Read the official call, eligibility criteria and selection requirements carefully
- Confirm that the organisation is formally registered and has direct experience with an eligible mountain community
- Prepare the registration certificate, legal representative’s identification, experience evidence and visual evidence of the climate challenge
- Develop a clear community-led nature-based solution with realistic beneficiaries, activities, safeguards and budget
- Complete the UNEP online application form in English, French or Kiswahili
- Upload the required documents and submit the application before 15 September 2026 at 11:59 PM EAT
Global Grants Hub strategic note
This grant best suits formally registered local organisations already working directly with mountain communities. Strong applicants should clearly show the climate problem, community need, practical nature-based solution, expected results and previous local experience. Youth-led and women-led organisations are welcome, but registration and proven community work are essential. Previous international funding is not required. Applicants should prepare evidence of past activities, community involvement, a realistic 12-month budget and an organisational bank account. Organisations without genuine mountain-community experience should not apply.