8th Call for Proposals for Small-Size Grants

The Global EbA Fund invites proposals for its 8th Call for Proposals for Small-Size Grants, supporting innovative and catalytic efforts to scale Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA). Each grant provides up to USD 250,000, with a project duration of up to 24 months. The online submission window runs from 28 September to 26 October, 2026 (application deadline time and time zone: Not specified in the source). Opportunity at a Glance

- Funding organization: Global EbA Fund

- Opportunity type: Call for proposals (Small-Size Grants)

- Grant size: Each grant up to USD 250,000

- Project duration: Up to 24 months

- Submission window (online): 28 September to 26 October, 2026

- Official launch of the call: 24 August 2026

- Geographic focus: Primarily ODA-eligible SIDS and LDCs; other ODA-eligible countries may be considered if exceptional ambition and unique scale-up opportunities are demonstrated - Eligible applicants: NGOs, INGOs, IGOs, CBOs, Indigenous People’s Organisations, universities/academic institutions, research institutes/think tanks, private sector companies (with conditions), and consortia (with conditions)

- Application language: English only

- Submission method: Online platform only

About the Opportunity

This Small-Size Grants call supports proposals that help overcome barriers to EbA scaling by strengthening institutional and technical capacities, improving evidence generation and data quality, fostering learning networks, and increasing investment readiness. The call aligns with the IKI Strategy up to 2030, particularly its focus on socio-ecological transformation through technologies, business models, or climate-friendly infrastructure. Proposals are expected to address critical EbA gaps and contribute to systemic change toward scaling EbA. Funding and Benefits

- Maximum grant amount: Up to USD 250,000 per grant

- Duration: Up to 24 months

- Evaluation emphasis: The evaluation process will place robust emphasis on innovation and scalability (and will also follow the stated evaluation criteria and weighting). - Cost coverage and restrictions: Not specified in the source beyond eligibility restrictions (e.g., government partners not funded directly; limitations on private sector funding obligations and for-profit activities). Who Is Eligible? Eligible organizations (only the following are eligible for review) Applicants that fall into one or more of these categories may be reviewed: - Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) - International non-governmental organisations (INGOs) - Intergovernmental organisations (IGOs) - Community-based organisations (CBOs) - Indigenous People’s Organisations - Universities and other academic institutions - Research institutes and think tanks - Private sector companies - Consortia of organizations collaborating for greater EbA impact Government entities: Government entities may be part of a consortium as long as they do not receive funding from the Global EbA Fund. Applications submitted on behalf of a consortium must clearly define the lead agency as the “Applicant Organisation,” which would be the responsible contract party if successful. Key funding restrictions - The Fund will not grant directly to government partners. - Sub-granting to governments at any level is also not permitted. - Collaboration with governments (national, sub-national, and local) is encouraged to build an enabling environment and strategic partnerships. Private sector conditions The Fund may consider private sector applicants under certain conditions. The source states that: - No funding can be provided for sector-specific obligations, nor compensatory or replacement measures, and not for for-profit activities, etc. - The common public interest is a top priority. Legal status and due diligence - Lead applicant and partner organizations must be legally recognized entities. - Lead applicant must comply with and complete the Global EbA Fund Due Diligence requirements. - Lead applicant must be inclusive of local communities, Indigenous Knowledge, and gender perspectives. Geographic eligibility

- Primary geographic focus: ODA-eligible SIDS and LDCs

- Other ODA-eligible countries: Considered only when the proposal shows exceptional ambition and unique opportunities to scale EbA.

- The project should be Global, Thematic, or otherwise target only ODA-eligible countries (as part of the concept criteria). Eligible Activities or Priority Areas Proposals should address the call scope and focus areas, including: - Overcoming upstream barriers for EbA uptake and scaling - Institutional and technical capacity constraints - Evidence generation - Systematic knowledge exchange and learning - Clear adaptation chain grounded in an impact chain analysis - Identify climate hazards/risks - Address socio-economic and ecological sensitivity (including maintaining or enhancing ecosystem services) - Build adaptive capacity to reduce overall vulnerability and climate risk - Deliver tangible benefits for both people and nature - Social and environmental considerations - Gender responsiveness - Respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and local participation - Adherence to environmental and social safeguards - Equitable benefit-sharing - Prevention of maladaptation - Robust sustainability and exit strategies - Long-term viability, local ownership, or institutional continuity beyond the Fund’s lifecycle Topics encouraged The call encourages initiatives focused on: - Investment readiness and project pipeline preparation - Innovative technologies for EbA - Applied and functional research - Synergies with other EbA or Nature-based Solution (NbS) initiatives - Align with related initiatives/facilities to capitalize on operational synergies and expand co-funding pathways Why This Opportunity Matters This call is designed for organizations that can help move EbA from projects to scaled practice and investment readiness. It specifically looks for proposals that build an enabling environment, strengthen evidence and da