The International Climate Initiative (IKI), funded by the German Federal Government, is preparing its eighth Small Grants Call for Proposals, providing financial support to locally based organisations working on climate change and biodiversity conservation.
The programme is designed to strengthen local organisations that are developing practical environmental solutions and supporting sustainable development in their communities.
For the 2026/2027 call, IKI Small Grants will provide funding ranging from €60,000 to €200,000.
The upcoming call focuses on Nature-based Solutions, including approaches that protect, restore and sustainably manage ecosystems while addressing social and environmental challenges.
Organisations in eligible developing countries, including Uganda, can examine this opportunity if they meet the programme's organisational and financial requirements.
What Does the Grant Cover?
IKI Small Grants provides financial support for projects lasting between one and two years. In exceptional circumstances, projects of up to three years may be accepted with appropriate justification.
Supported activities may include:
Ecosystem restoration and environmental protection.
Climate change adaptation projects.
Biodiversity conservation.
Nature-based solutions addressing community challenges.
Protection and restoration of natural carbon sinks.
Sustainable land management.
Community-based climate resilience initiatives.
Environmental education and capacity development linked to the programme's funding priorities.
Successful organisations also participate in a capacity-development programme designed around their organisational needs.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is intended for locally based organisations in ODA-eligible countries.
Applicants must generally meet these conditions:
Be a legally established nonprofit organisation or an eligible private company proposing a non-profit project.
Have been operating for at least three years.
Have an average annual revenue of at least €60,000 and no more than €500,000 over the previous three years.
Have dedicated accounting staff.
Maintain suitable internal and external financial control mechanisms.
Use a software-based accounting system.
Implement the proposed project in one country at local, subnational or national level.
The current call does not accept applications from individuals, government organisations, public universities or consortia.
The proposed project must also fit the programme's climate and biodiversity funding priorities.
How to Apply
The application process takes place in two main stages.
Stage 1: Eligibility application
Visit the official IKI Small Grants website.
Read the eligibility requirements and funding information.
Prepare the required organisational details.
Submit the eligibility application before 8 January 2027.
Wait for the eligibility assessment.
Stage 2: Full project proposal
Organisations confirmed as eligible will be invited to submit a detailed project proposal.
Prepare a project concept and implementation plan.
Develop a detailed project budget.
Explain the expected environmental and community impact.
Complete the required proposal documents.
Submit the full proposal by 16 March 2027.
Important Information
Grant amount: €60,000–€200,000.
Project duration: 12–24 months, with up to 36 months possible in exceptional cases.
Application opening: 15 November 2026.
Eligibility application deadline: 8 January 2027.
Eligibility confirmation: Expected by 2 February 2027.
Full proposal deadline: 16 March 2027, for eligible organisations invited to that stage.
Thematic focus: Nature-based Solutions.
Target applicants: Locally established nonprofit organisations and eligible private companies.
Applicants should carefully assess the financial eligibility requirements. The requested funding cannot exceed the organisation's average annual revenue over the previous three years.
Official Application and Information Links
Source Attribution: Based on the official IKI Small Grants 8th Call for Proposals information and eligibility requirements.
IKI Small Grants