Climate Adaptation.Communities.NRW
Funding of municipal climate adaptation projects in North Rhine-Westphalia with ERDF/JTF funds 2021-27. Applications for procedure 1 until 29.01.2026, procedure 2 until 31.12.2026 possible.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for cities, municipalities, and districts in NRW in adapting to the impacts of climate change through investment measures to increase the climate resilience of municipal infrastructures.
Eligible expenses
- Deculverting
- Greening measures
- Rainwater storage
- Sponge city elements
- Shading measures
- Show more
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Educational Institutions
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
- Foundations
Funding requirements
- Registered office or establishment in North Rhine-Westphalia
- Thematically, temporally, and financially delineated and not yet started project
- Compliance with EU environmental and climate objectives
- Minimum expenditure of €200,000 for Procedure 1
- Maximum expenditure of €200,000 for Procedure 2
Documents required for application
- Project outline
- Financing plan
- Proof of climate adaptation requirements
Evaluation criteria
- Conceptual approach, quality and plausibility of the implementation strategy
- Appropriateness of resource allocation and transferability of the project
- Contribution to gender equality and ecological as well as social sustainability
- Contribution to the improvement and assurance of quality of life
- Contribution to adaptation to the consequences of climate change
- Impact/vulnerability of the target groups
Description
The funding measure Climate Adaptation.Communities.NRW supports public-law institutions, educational establishments, interest groups, associations, and foundations in North Rhine-Westphalia with investment projects aimed at increasing climate-resilient infrastructure. With approximately €37 million from ERDF and JTF funds for 2021–2027, the program targets adaptation to heat, drought, heavy rainfall, and extreme weather events. Projects from €200,000 (Procedure 1) and low-threshold measures below this amount (Procedure 2) are eligible for funding. The focus is on innovative concepts such as the sponge city principle, retention roofs, shading systems, and drinking water facilities, as well as greening of facades and school/childcare grounds. Projects must not have commenced and must comply with EU environmental and climate objectives. The deadlines for the 4th round end on January 29, 2026 (Procedure 1) and December 31, 2026 (Procedure 2), with a recommended project duration of up to 30 months.
Eligible applicants are municipalities, districts, research institutions, chambers, associations, and foundations with a registered office in NRW. The funding rate varies depending on participants and type of measure between 50% and a maximum of 90% of eligible expenses. Evaluation criteria include conceptual quality, impact level, transfer potential, as well as contributions to gender equality, ecological, and social sustainability. Required documents are a project outline, a financing plan, and evidence of climate adaptation. Applications are submitted online via the EFRE.NRW online portal; advisory services from the NRW Innovation Promotion Agency and the district governments support the process. Highly demanded funding priorities, such as de-sealing, rainwater management, and climate-adapted redesigns, now offer municipalities and associations the opportunity to actively shape resilient living spaces.
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