Call for Applications: IKI Small Grants 2027 Offers Up to €200,000 in Funding
The International Climate Initiative (IKI) has opened applications for its 2027 Small Grants programme.
IKI is offering funding of up to €200,000 to support local organisations implementing innovative projects that address climate change, biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
The funding opportunity is designed to strengthen locally led climate and environmental initiatives, particularly those developed by organisations in eligible countries that need financial and technical support to scale their impact.
Through the programme, successful applicants can receive financial assistance to implement practical solutions that contribute to climate mitigation, climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources.
About the IKI Small Grants Programme
The IKI Small Grants programme is an international funding initiative of the German Federal Government, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). It supports local and regional organisations working to address climate and biodiversity challenges in developing and emerging economies.
For the 2027 funding round, the eighth call for proposals will focus specifically on Nature-based Solutions (NbS). This approach involves protecting, sustainably managing and restoring natural ecosystems to address environmental and societal challenges while improving human well-being and conserving biodiversity.
Projects may include mangrove restoration, forest conservation, wetland rehabilitation, ecosystem-based climate adaptation, sustainable natural resource management and initiatives that protect biodiversity and natural carbon sinks.
Funding Benefits
Selected organisations will receive grants ranging from €60,000 to €200,000 per project.
In addition to financial support, successful applicants will benefit from organisational capacity development, including training and assistance to strengthen project management, fundraising and institutional capabilities.
Projects are generally expected to run for 12 to 24 months, although extensions of up to 36 months may be considered in exceptional cases with adequate justification.
Implementation is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2028 or later.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to legally registered organisations based in countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Eligible applicants include:
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Non-profit and civil society organisations.
Community-based organisations.
Local and regional development organisations.
Private companies implementing projects with clearly defined non-profit objectives.
Organisations must have been operational for at least three years and demonstrate relevant experience in their proposed project areas.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the IKI Small Grants 2027 programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be legally registered and based in an ODA-eligible country.
Have operated for at least three years.
Have generated an average annual revenue of between €60,000 and €500,000 over the previous three years.
Maintain dedicated accounting personnel.
Have an established accounting system supported by appropriate financial management and internal control procedures.
Demonstrate the capacity to implement and manage the proposed project.
The requested grant amount must not exceed the organisation’s average annual revenue over the preceding three years.
Government institutions, individuals, one-person organisations and consortia are not eligible to apply.
Priority Areas
The 2027 funding round prioritises projects that use nature-based approaches to address climate change and biodiversity challenges.
Priority areas include:
Climate change adaptation and community resilience.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Conservation and restoration of natural carbon sinks.
Protection of forests and other natural ecosystems.
Biodiversity conservation.
Ecosystem restoration and sustainable natural resource management.
Proposed projects must be implemented at the local, sub-national or national level within a single country. Multi-country projects will not be considered.
Application Process and Important Dates
The application process will begin with an eligibility screening. Interested organisations must first submit information and supporting documents to demonstrate that they meet the programme’s requirements.
Only organisations that successfully pass the initial screening will be invited to submit detailed project proposals and budgets.
The important dates are:
November 15, 2026: Application portal opens.
January 8, 2027: Deadline for the initial eligibility screening.
February 2, 2027: Expected notification of eligibility screening results.
March 16, 2027: Deadline for full project proposals for invited organisations.
All applications must be submitted in English.
How to Apply
Interested organisations should visit the official IKI Small Grants website to review the funding guidelines, confirm their eligibility and prepare the required organisational and financial documents.
Applications will open on November 15, 2026. Applicants must complete the initial eligibility screening by January 8, 2027. Organisations that qualify will receive invitations to submit full project proposals.
Application portal: Apply for IKI Small Grants 2027.
Official programme website: International Climate Initiative (IKI).
Note: The 2027 call is subject to funding approval. Applicants should consult the official guidelines when the application window opens.
