International Climate Initiative (IKI)

The International Climate Initiative (IKI) has been funding measures for climate and biodiversity protection in the Global South as well as international project cooperation since 2008. It is managed by Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft (ZUG) gGmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). Through a grant program, sustainable concepts in the areas of climate protection, biodiversity conservation, energy efficiency, agriculture, and research are supported. Initiatives aimed at emission reduction, climate change adaptation, and the protection of ecologically valuable habitats are central. The IKI offers actors from non-profit organizations, companies, public institutions, and educational establishments a continuously open submission opportunity. Project proposals are continuously reviewed and supported by the project management organization ZUG.

Projects in eligible partner countries of the Global South that contribute to national climate protection targets and demonstrate co-financing or own funds are funded. Eligible applicants include ministries, municipalities, NGOs, research institutions, and companies of all sizes. Eligible expenses include personnel costs, material and investment costs, as well as travel expenses; retrospective costs or debt repayment are excluded. Evaluation is based on emission reduction potential, coherence with IKI strategies, degree of innovation, and long-term sustainability. Required are a detailed project description, a financing plan, the IKI application package, and an organizational profile. The initiative emphasizes a holistic, gender-sensitive approach and aims to promote transformative development processes in the interest of a climate-friendly and ecological future.