Call for Grant Applications – IKI Thematic Call 2024

Application Deadline:
18 February 2024
About Organisation
The International Climate Initiative (IKI) is a key instrument of the German Federal Government dedicated to supporting global climate action and biodiversity conservation. It focuses on fostering sustainable development in developing and emerging countries by promoting innovative and impactful solutions for environmental challenges.
IKI collaborates with international partners to implement strategic projects that mitigate climate change, enhance climate resilience, and protect biodiversity. The initiative aligns with Germany’s commitment to global environmental responsibility and works in close partnership with various stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and development banks.
By funding large-scale projects, IKI aims to drive long-term systemic change in climate policies, energy transitions, and ecosystem conservation. It supports the development of innovative financing mechanisms, strengthens international cooperation, and encourages sustainable business models. Through its thematic funding programs, IKI ensures targeted interventions that address pressing environmental issues and promote climate-friendly solutions. With its structured project selection process and robust financial backing, IKI continues to play a crucial role in advancing climate protection and biodiversity preservation worldwide.
About the Grant
The IKI Thematic Calls are annual funding opportunities designed to address pressing global challenges in climate action, adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. Each year, the relevant German ministries define specific thematic priorities that guide the selection of projects eligible for funding. The grants aim to support initiatives that drive sustainable transformation and contribute to climate resilience.
Funding is available for a range of thematic areas, including cooperative approaches for implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, business models for energy efficiency, decarbonization of energy-intensive industries, sustainable forest conservation, wetland restoration, and coastal marine ecosystem services. Other priorities include climate-friendly transport, watershed protection in South America, and climate resilience to prevent conflict and sustain peace.
Projects are selected through a two-phase process: an initial outline submission phase and a subsequent proposal development phase. The financing volume for approved projects ranges between 5 to 20 million EUR, depending on the thematic priority. By supporting large-scale initiatives, IKI ensures impactful and lasting contributions to climate action, sustainable resource management, and environmental conservation worldwide.
Who can Apply?
The IKI Thematic Calls are open to a wide range of organizations involved in climate action and biodiversity conservation. Eligible applicants include:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with expertise in climate and environmental projects.
- Universities and research institutions engaged in sustainability, climate change, and ecological research.
- International intergovernmental organizations and development banks working on large-scale environmental projects.
- United Nations organizations and programs focused on global climate and conservation efforts.
- Implementing organizations of the Federal Republic of Germany involved in sustainable development projects.
- Commercial enterprises that contribute innovative solutions for climate resilience, decarbonization, and biodiversity protection.
However, partner country governments and individuals are not eligible to participate in the IKI ideas competition. Applicants must demonstrate strong project management capabilities, financial transparency, and a clear alignment with the thematic priorities set by IKI. Projects should showcase innovative, scalable, and impactful approaches that drive significant environmental and social benefits.
How to Apply?
Interested organizations must submit a project outline as part of the IKI ideas competition. Applications are evaluated in a two-phase process, where selected outlines advance to a detailed proposal stage. Depending on available funds, one to three projects per thematic priority will be chosen for funding.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting project outlines is 18 February 2025, at 4:00 p.m. (CET). Applications must be submitted before the specified time for consideration.
Last Date To Apply
All project outlines must be completed and submitted by 18 February 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Grant Amount
Approved projects will receive funding between 5 to 20 million EUR, depending on the thematic priority and project scope.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.