Who can apply
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- International non-governmental organisations (INGOs)
- Community-based organisations (CBOs)
- Indigenous Peoples' organisations
- Intergovernmental organisations
- Universities and other academic institutions
- Research institutes and think tanks
- Eligible private-sector companies
- Consortia of eligible organisations with a clearly identified lead applicant
- Legally recognised organisations implementing eligible Ecosystem-based Adaptation initiatives in ODA-eligible countries
Focus areas
- Ecosystem-based Adaptation
- Climate adaptation and resilience
- Nature-based solutions
- Locally led adaptation
- Institutional and technical capacity strengthening
- Climate-risk reduction
- Ecosystem services and biodiversity
- Investment readiness for climate finance
- Adaptation project pipeline development
- Innovative technologies for Ecosystem-based Adaptation
- Knowledge exchange and learning
- Policy and enabling environments for adaptation
- Gender-responsive climate action
- Indigenous Peoples' rights and knowledge
- Community participation and local ownership
- Environmental and social safeguards
- Scaling and replication of effective adaptation approaches
Requirements
- The proposed project must qualify as Ecosystem-based Adaptation.
- The project must demonstrate innovative and catalytic potential for creating an enabling environment for Ecosystem-based Adaptation.
- The proposal must clearly identify the climate impacts and risks it intends to address.
- The project must contribute to one Global EbA Fund Strategic Objective and no more than two Action Pillars.
- Activities must target ODA-eligible countries.
- The requested Global EbA Fund budget must not exceed US$250,000.
- The proposed project duration must not exceed 24 months.
- The project must be built on or connected to existing work rather than being a completely standalone intervention.
- Projects must demonstrate how results will be maintained or developed beyond the grant period.
- Applicants must partner with relevant local institutions and organisations.
- The lead applicant and partner organisations must be legally recognised entities.
- The lead applicant and partners must demonstrate relevant experience in the proposed areas of work.
- Projects should meaningfully integrate local communities, gender perspectives and relevant Indigenous or traditional knowledge.
- The lead applicant must complete the Global EbA Fund due-diligence and financial-capacity requirements.
- Projects should not consist exclusively of field implementation.
- Applicants must incorporate at least three relevant indicators from the Global EbA Fund Core Indicator Framework into the project logical framework.
- Applications must be submitted in English.
- Government entities cannot receive Global EbA Fund financing directly, although collaboration with governments is encouraged.
Application steps
- Review the official Global EbA Fund Small-Size Grants call and Grants Procedure Manual.
- Confirm that the proposed project and target country or countries meet the geographic and Ecosystem-based Adaptation eligibility requirements.
- Create or access the official Global EbA Fund application portal.
- Download and complete the Small-Size Grants Application Form.
- Complete the Applicant Declaration.
- Complete the Co-applicant Mandate where applicable.
- Prepare the required Theory of Change, logical framework and project activities form.
- Prepare the official project budget template for a request of no more than US$250,000.
- Complete the Due Diligence and Financial Capacity Questionnaire.
- Identify at least three relevant indicators from the Global EbA Fund Core Indicator Framework.
- Upload all required documents through the official online application platform.
- Submit the completed application by 26 October 2026.
This is a substantial climate-adaptation grant for organisations that already have credible experience, partnerships and ongoing work that can be strengthened or scaled through Ecosystem-based Adaptation. It is particularly relevant to organisations working in highly climate-vulnerable ODA-eligible countries, especially Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. Applicants should not approach it as a simple tree-planting, conservation or stand-alone community implementation grant: competitive proposals need a clear climate-risk and adaptation pathway, strong local partnerships, innovation or catalytic value, sustainability beyond the grant period and a convincing route toward wider uptake, investment or replication.