Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), which is a living page and is updated frequently.
How do I apply to the Global EbA Fund? How can I access application documents?
All details on eligibility, process, and timeline can be found on What We Fund and How to Apply.
Who is eligible to apply? What sort of projects is eligible to apply?
All details on eligibility can be found on What We Fund.
When should I expect to hear back on the outcome of my application?
Only successful applicants will be contacted. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback on unsuccessful applications.
Following the selection of successful applications, Fund Updates will be updated.
In a multi-country arrangement for a Global EbA Fund grant, does the budget holder need to be in one of the ODA-qualified countries?
The applicant organisation, which will sign the agreement with the Global EbA Fund and is therefore the principal budget holder, does not have to be located in one of the identified beneficiary countries. However, in this case, they should have working experience in the project country/countries, EbA experience/expertise, and one or more local partners.
In what language can I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted in English. Official documents of the organisation and register entries must be translated into English.
What is the grant range? What is the average size of each grant?
Grants issued will be in the range of USD 50,000 to USD 250,000 (of maximum of three years in duration). In exceptional circumstances of project need, a grant up to a maximum amount of USD 500,000 may be issued.
Further details can be found on What We Fund.
What is the deadline for the submission of applications to the Global EbA Fund?
The Fund will accept and review applications year-round and make biannual funding decisions. Applications received after the cut-off dates will be considered for the next round.
Further details are available on How to Apply, including upcoming cut-off dates.
Do applications need to address all Global EbA Fund Strategic Objectives? What about all three Action Pillars?
No, it is not necessary to address all the specified Global EbA Fund Objectives, although it is required that projects address one. However, the project proposal must address the key components of EbA and be of an innovative/catalytic nature. In addition, applicants must integrate at least one but no more than two of the three Action Pillars into their project’s framework.
All proposed projects requesting funding must clearly contribute to one of the Global EbA Fund Strategic Objectives as well as fall under a maximum of two of the three Action Pillars
Learn more in the Grant Procedures Manual under How to Apply.
Is the entire list of applicant requirements needed when the application is submitted?
All the applicant requirements specified are to be submitted.
All details on the process can be found on What We Fund and How to Apply.
Is it permissible to issue small grants under the proposed project?
No, the Global EbA Fund will not support a small grants program directly.
Can government partners be involved in the proposal?
In line with current IKI policies, the Fund will not grant directly to government partners but will provide grants to organisations working directly with national, sub-national and local governments to create an enabling environment for EbA and support the implementation of strategic partnerships. Thus, government partners/entities can be beneficiaries but should not receive any of the funding.
Are UNEP and IUCN eligible to apply for funding from the Global EbA Fund?
UNEP and IUCN offices are not currently eligible to apply for funding from the Global EbA Fund.
Can proposals be new or standalone projects/programmes?
Global EbA Fund projects should not be standalone interventions. Projects should address a gap in existing work or knowledge, contribute to policy upscaling, enhance the impact of an investment, and/or serve to develop a larger proposal to another funding mechanism. Projects should leverage existing knowledge, standards, partnerships, and experiences. Projects should not be comprised exclusively of field implementation.
All details on eligibility can be found on What We Fund and How to Apply.
Are coalitions considered acceptable project applicants?
Consortia are welcome to apply. However, there should be a clearly defined lead agency, the “Applicant Organisation”, as detailed in the application template. This agency, if successful, would be the responsible contract party.
Are individuals eligible to apply for funding through the Global EbA Fund (e.g., for PhD study)?
The Global EbA Fund is open only to organisations with established legal status and cannot be applied toward funding for individual study. However, the institution’s legal entity, which may be eligible for funding, may apply.
Where can I find the application templates?
All details on the process and timeline can be found on How to Apply.
Will the project implementation and reporting reminders be in line with IKI procedures?
Global EbA Fund projects follow the Global EbA Fund procedures. These currently include some IKI procedures and where these are included, they will be identified in the grant agreements.
Can we submit potential project sites and then select the specific site during project implementation?
It is expected that sites are very specific in the application and do not change later in the process.
Can we submit an application without the financial audit or will we be disqualified for not meeting that requirement, even though we have a promise of the audit?
No. You will need to provide audited financial statements at submission as described in the application packet, to be qualified for consideration. If they are not yet available, you may consider applying before the next application cut-off, once you have completed the financial audit.
Can organisations submit more than one proposal?
Yes, organisations may submit more than one proposal, as long as the proposed projects meet all eligibility criteria.
All details on eligibility, process, and timeline can be found on What We Fund and How to Apply.
How do I ensure I can access and fill out the Global EbA Fund application form properly if my internet connection is not very good?
The Global EbA Fund is designed to allow easy access to application documents from anywhere in the world and to accommodate use from devices with low bandwidth. The Global EbA Fund is currently accepting applications via email submission. However, please plan ahead to submit in advance of the deadline so that you can resolve any internet connection issues that arise.
Will the Global EbA Fund be flexible if applicants need to modify a proposal due to a COVID-19 outbreak or other COVID-19-related risk?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged, at the proposal stage, to consider how the evolving COVID-19 situation may impact project coordination or implementation. Grantees will be encouraged to continue working whenever possible via telework (or another appropriate form of remote work), in order not to interrupt proposed activities.
Can my organisation apply to the Global EbA Fund again, with a project to be implemented in the same country/territory, after previously receiving funding from the Fund?
In order to promote geographic, organisational, and sectoral diversity among grant recipients, the Global EbA Fund encourages successful recipients to seek out additional donors and innovative financing mechanisms to fund further projects. The Fund will not consider applications from an organisation that is a current grantee (recipient of funds from the Global EbA Fund) implementing a Global EbA Fund project in the same country/territory.
Can my organisation apply to the Global EbA Fund again for a different country/territory?
Yes, a previous grant recipient can apply for a different country/territory.
Can my organisation apply to the Global EbA Fund again, once the previously funded project is complete?
Yes, any organisation that has previously been successful and received funds from the Global EbA Fund may apply again, once the previously funded project has been completed.
What is Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA)?
EbA approaches offer a way to integrate climate change resilience into large-scale and long-term planning of global landscapes. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change (CBD, 2009 & 2010). EbA supports the integrated management of land, water and living resources, including humans, which promotes conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way.
Further details are on What is EbA? and Resources.
How does EbA fit into the larger scheme of Nature-based Solutions (NbS)?
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are defined as actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems to address societal challenges, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefit (IUCN Global Standard for NbS, 2020). The sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of NbS make them one of the best tools available to ensure the necessary transformative change to mitigate climate change.
As an umbrella term, NbS encompasses approaches of working with nature, such as ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and ecosystem-based mitigation (EbM). NbS as an overarching concept can be used to support communication and mainstreaming of these different subsets across international, multilateral agreements/global frameworks and their audiences.
Further details are on What is EbA? and Resources.
What is the Global EbA Fund?
Read about the Global EbA Fund here.
Who implements the Global EbA Fund?
The Global EbA Fund is implemented by IUCN and UNEP. IUCN and UNEP support target countries in implementing EbA measures to meet their global plans and commitments. IUCN and UNEP are drawing on their extensive existing networks, tools and expertise, including Friends of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (FEBA) and the Global Adaptation Network (GAN).
How is the Global EbA Fund financed?
The Global EbA Fund receives funding from the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV).
How can I stay up-to-date on Global EbA Fund?
Review and check the Global EbA Fund website frequently for more information, including upcoming application cut-off dates, resources and more: www.GlobalEbAFund.org.
Follow the Global EbA Fund on Twitter and LinkedIn to keep up-to-date.
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