International Climate Initiative (IKI)
The International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action finances climate and biodiversity projects in developing and emerging countries as well as transformation states. Funding is provided for large projects, medium grants, and small grants with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, preserving natural carbon sinks (REDD+), and protecting biological diversity.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) supports climate and biodiversity projects in developing and emerging countries as well as transformation states. Funded measures include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to the impacts of climate change, preservation of natural carbon sinks with a focus on REDD+, and the protection of biological diversity. The goal is to assist partner countries in achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Eligible expenses
- Project management
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Retroactive costs
- Debt repayment
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Founders
- Cooperatives
- Foundations
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
- Individuals
- Others
Funding requirements
- Project in a consortium (at least 2 partners)
- Project in ODA-eligible countries
- Application in English
- Alignment with OECD effectiveness framework
- Compliance with environmental and social standards as well as equal opportunity
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Documents required for application
- Project outline in English
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Consortium agreement
- Proof of ODA status
Evaluation criteria
- Climate protection impact
- Support of the NDCs
- Innovative strength
- Sustainability
- Participation
- Cost efficiency
Description
The International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action supports climate and biodiversity projects in developing and emerging countries as well as transformation states. Funding is provided for large projects (€5–30 million), medium grants (€0.3–0.8 million), and small grants (up to €0.2 million) with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, preserving natural carbon sinks (REDD+), and protecting biological diversity. Eligible applicants are consortia consisting of companies, public and non-profit institutions, educational providers, start-ups, foundations, associations, and private individuals. The program also supports SMEs and development cooperation organizations that wish to implement transformative measures in cooperation with partners from ODA-eligible countries.
Requirements include, among others, submitting the application in English, alignment with the OECD effectiveness framework, compliance with environmental and social standards, and ensuring equal opportunities. Funding covers project management, personnel costs, material resources, and travel expenses; excluded are real estate acquisitions, retroactive costs, and debt repayment. The project duration ranges from 12 to 96 months, with total funding of up to €30 million. An appropriate co-financing contribution is expected. Applications are evaluated annually in thematic and country-specific selection procedures, for which a project outline in English, a detailed project description, a financing plan, a consortium agreement, and proof of ODA status must be submitted. Support and supervision are provided by Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft gGmbH.
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