Global EbA Fund 2026: Up to US$250,000 Small Grants for Climate Adaptation Projects in SIDS & LDCs

The Global Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Fund has officially launched its 8th Call for Proposals for Small-Size  Grants, offering 10  grants of up to US$250,000 to support innovative climate adaptation initiatives in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

The fund seeks catalytic  projects that strengthen the enabling environment for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) by addressing institutional, financial, technical, and knowledge barriers that prevent climate adaptation from being scaled effectively. Applications will be accepted through the official online platform between 28 September and 26 October 2026.

About the Global EbA Fund

Established in 2020, the Global EbA Fund supports innovative initiatives that help countries mainstream and scale Ecosystem-based Adaptation. The programme focuses on building resilience for vulnerable communities while protecting and restoring ecosystems affected by climate change.

As of June 2026, the fund has supported 75 projects across 41 countries, with projects spanning forests, wetlands, coastal and marine ecosystems, river basins, mountains, drylands, grasslands, and urban landscapes. These investments have addressed critical barriers including governance challenges, limited financing, weak institutional capacity, and insufficient climate knowledge.

The 8th call places particular emphasis on countries facing the greatest climate vulnerability, especially ODA-eligible SIDS and LDCs.

Grant Value and Project Duration

Successful applicants will receive funding to implement projects that strengthen long-term climate adaptation systems rather than delivering standalone conservation activities.

Who Can Apply?

The Global EbA Fund welcomes diverse organisations working on climate adaptation and ecosystem resilience. Eligible applicants include:

• International NGOs (INGOs)
• National and local NGOs
• Community-Based Organisations (CBOs)
• Indigenous Peoples’ Organisations
• Universities and academic institutions
• Research institutes and think tanks
• Private sector companies and specialised climate organisations

For projects involving country-level implementation, applicants must form a consortium with one or more local organisations, with at least 25% of the project budget allocated to local partners. Government institutions, IUCN, and UNEP offices may participate in partnerships but cannot receive funding directly from the Fund.

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

The 2026 call focuses on removing systemic barriers that prevent Ecosystem-based Adaptation from reaching scale. Rather than funding large infrastructure projects, the fund prioritises innovative initiatives that improve policies, knowledge, investment readiness, and institutional capacity.

Priority themes include:

• Investment readiness by developing bankable climate adaptation projects for future large-scale financing.
• Innovative EbA technologies that adapt or expand tested technological solutions across socio-ecological systems.
• Applied research addressing practical challenges to ecosystem-based adaptation implementation.
• Knowledge exchange and learning networks that strengthen collaboration among practitioners and decision-makers.
• Synergies with existing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and EbA initiatives to maximise impact and co-financing opportunities.

Projects should demonstrate clear pathways for scaling successful approaches beyond the grant period.

Expected Outcomes

The Global EbA Fund aims to create lasting institutional and environmental change through locally led adaptation efforts. Successful projects are expected to contribute to:

• Scaling Ecosystem-based Adaptation in highly climate-vulnerable countries.
• Strengthening technical and institutional capacity for climate resilience.
• Developing investment-ready adaptation concepts that attract future financing.
• Improving knowledge generation and evidence-based policymaking.
• Expanding global collaboration among EbA practitioners across sectors and regions.

Projects must also integrate gender responsiveness, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, community participation, equitable benefit sharing, and safeguards that prevent maladaptation

Why This Funding Matters

Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries contribute relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet they experience some of the world’s most severe climate impacts. Many of these countries face increasing threats from sea-level rise, droughts, floods, heatwaves, tropical cyclones, and ecosystem degradation while also experiencing limited access to adaptation finance.

The Global EbA Fund seeks to bridge this gap by supporting locally driven solutions that strengthen both ecosystems and livelihoods. By investing in enabling conditions—such as institutional capacity, evidence generation, and project preparation—the programme helps countries unlock larger climate finance opportunities and build sustainable resilience.

How to Strengthen Your Proposal

Competitive proposals should go beyond identifying environmental challenges and clearly demonstrate how the  project will remove barriers to scaling Ecosystem-based Adaptation.

Applicants should include:

• A robust climate risk and impact chain analysis.
• Clear links between ecosystem restoration and community resilience.
• Strong local partnerships with shared decision-making structures.
• Practical sustainability and exit strategies beyond the  grant period.
• Evidence of potential for replication, policy influence, or future investment.

 Projects that combine innovation with strong institutional ownership are likely to be particularly competitive.

Important Dates

Applicants should prepare proposals offline before submitting through the official online platform.

VIEW THE CALL FOR PROPOSAL HERE