Climate change continues to pose significant threats to mountain ecosystems and the millions of people who depend on them for water, agriculture, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods. To help local communities respond to these growing challenges, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has officially opened the first Call for Proposals under the Mountains ADAPT Small Grants Project for 2026.
This funding opportunity provides grants of up to USD 30,000 to eligible community-based organizations working in mountain regions across the East African Community (EAC). Through these grants, UNEP aims to empower local organizations to design and implement ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives that protect natural resources, strengthen climate resilience, and improve community livelihoods.
Beyond financial support, selected organizations will also receive technical assistance, capacity development, and implementation training to ensure their projects achieve sustainable and measurable impacts.
Applications are now open and must be submitted no later than 15 September 2026 at 11:59 PM East African Time (EAT).
About the UNEP Mountains ADAPT Small Grants Project
The Mountains ADAPT initiative is a UNEP-led project that promotes climate resilience in mountain regions through ecosystem-based adaptation and nature-based solutions. Mountain ecosystems are among the most vulnerable environments affected by climate change, making local adaptation initiatives increasingly important.
The project recognizes that local organizations possess valuable knowledge of their communities and landscapes. By investing directly in community-led solutions, UNEP seeks to strengthen environmental conservation while improving the social and economic wellbeing of mountain populations.
The first call for proposals focuses specifically on countries within the East African Community (EAC), where mountain communities are experiencing increasing climate-related risks such as:
- Drought
- Flooding
- Soil erosion
- Water scarcity
- Biodiversity loss
- Declining agricultural productivity
- Landslides
- Extreme weather events
The project supports innovative solutions that not only address these challenges but also create long-term environmental and economic resilience.
Grant Value
Successful organizations may receive funding of up to:
USD 30,000
There is no officially defined minimum funding amount. Applicants are encouraged to request a realistic budget that adequately supports meaningful project implementation.
In addition to financial support, successful organizations will receive:
- Capacity development
- Technical guidance
- Project implementation training
- Institutional strengthening
- Monitoring and evaluation support
Number of Projects to be Funded
During this first funding round, UNEP plans to support:
- Up to 15 community-led projects across the East African Community.
Objectives of the Small Grants Programme
The Mountains ADAPT Small Grants Programme seeks to:
- Strengthen climate resilience in mountain communities.
- Promote ecosystem-based adaptation.
- Support community-driven environmental conservation.
- Protect mountain ecosystems.
- Improve local livelihoods.
- Encourage gender-inclusive climate action.
- Increase community ownership of adaptation projects.
- Enhance sustainable management of natural resources.
- Promote innovative nature-based solutions.
Types of Projects That Can Be Funded
Applicants are encouraged to develop practical, community-led projects that address local climate challenges through ecosystem-based adaptation.
Examples of eligible interventions include:
Ecosystem Restoration
Projects may include:
- Forest restoration
- Indigenous tree planting
- Watershed rehabilitation
- Riverbank restoration
- Wetland conservation
- Soil restoration
Water Management
Potential activities include:
- Rainwater harvesting
- Spring protection
- Water conservation
- Community water infrastructure
- Sustainable watershed management
Climate-Smart Agriculture
Projects may support:
- Sustainable farming
- Agroforestry
- Improved irrigation
- Soil conservation
- Drought-resilient farming
- Sustainable food production
Disaster Risk Reduction
Organizations may propose activities such as:
- Community disaster preparedness
- Early warning systems
- Landslide prevention
- Flood mitigation
- Risk awareness campaigns
Sustainable Livelihoods
Projects may also include:
- Income diversification
- Green enterprises
- Community environmental businesses
- Sustainable natural resource management
What Makes a Strong Proposal?
UNEP encourages organizations to submit projects that:
- Respond to clearly identified climate risks.
- Demonstrate strong community ownership.
- Use ecosystem-based adaptation approaches.
- Integrate gender equality considerations.
- Promote youth participation where possible.
- Deliver measurable environmental and social benefits.
- Can be sustained beyond the grant period.
- Show innovation and potential for scaling up.
What the Application Must Include
Organizations are required to provide comprehensive information during the application process.
1. Organizational Information
Applicants should provide:
- Organization name
- Registration details
- Registration number
- Organizational experience
- Previous projects
- Experience in mountain regions
2. Climate Challenge
Applicants must explain:
- The climate risks affecting the community.
- Why the problem is significant.
- Visual evidence demonstrating the challenge.
3. Proposed Solution
Organizations should describe:
- The planned intervention.
- How it addresses climate change.
- Ecosystem-based adaptation methods.
- Nature-based solutions.
- Gender-responsive approaches.
- Expected environmental outcomes.
4. Beneficiaries
Applicants should identify:
- Target communities.
- Expected beneficiaries.
- Community participation.
- Long-term benefits.
5. Required Attachments
Applicants must upload:
- Organization registration certificate.
- National ID or passport of the legal representative.
- Evidence of previous project experience.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include registered community organizations operating within mountain regions of eligible East African Community countries.
Organizations should have demonstrated experience serving mountain communities and implementing environmental or climate-related initiatives.
Eligible applicants include:
- Community-based organizations
- Grassroots organizations
- Civil society organizations
- Youth organizations
- Women-led organizations
- Registered NGOs
Individuals are not eligible to apply.
Countries Eligible for the Grant
Organizations must be based in one of the following countries:
- Burundi
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Required Organizational Experience
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Previous work with mountain communities.
- Capacity to manage community projects.
- Knowledge of local environmental challenges.
- Experience implementing adaptation or environmental initiatives.
Organizations do not need prior experience managing international donor funding.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Official registration certificate.
- National ID or passport of the legal representative.
If selected, organizations must also provide:
- Official organizational bank account details.
Eligible Project Costs
Grant funding may be used for:
- Staff salaries
- Technical experts
- Equipment
- Project materials
- Community training
- Capacity-building activities
- Administrative costs
- Operational expenses
- Project implementation costs
Funding Restrictions
The grant cannot be used for:
- Direct salaries or allowances to government officials.
- Payments that fall outside the approved project scope.
Government participation is encouraged through in-kind support or co-financing rather than direct grant payments.
Is Co-Funding Required?
No.
Organizations are not required to secure co-funding.
However, proposals with existing or anticipated financial support from municipalities or development partners may receive additional consideration during evaluation.
Application Evaluation Process
Applications will undergo several stages.
Stage 1: Eligibility Screening
Applications will first be reviewed to ensure:
- Eligibility requirements are met.
- Required documents are submitted.
- Application forms are complete.
Stage 2: Technical Evaluation
Eligible proposals will then be assessed by the Selection Committee using an official evaluation matrix.
Key assessment criteria include:
- Relevance to climate challenges
- Technical feasibility
- Community participation
- Innovation
- Gender inclusion
- Youth inclusion
- Sustainability
- Environmental safeguards
- Potential for scaling up
Stage 3: Final Selection
Regional Selection Committees will select up to 15 successful projects.
Click HERE for more information on UNEP Mountains ADAPT Small Grants 2026.
What Happens After Selection?
Successful organizations will:
- Develop a detailed implementation plan.
- Prepare milestones and timelines.
- Receive organizational capacity assessments.
- Participate in technical training.
- Receive tailored implementation support.
- Begin project implementation.
Reporting Requirements
Successful organizations must submit:
Mid-Term Report
Including:
- Project progress
- Financial expenditure
- Supporting documentation
Final Report
Including:
- Final achievements
- Financial reporting
- Photos
- Videos
- Project evidence
Some projects may also be selected for field monitoring visits.
Project Timeline
Key milestones include:
- Application deadline: 15 September 2026 (11:59 PM EAT)
- Notification of selected organizations: Third Quarter of 2026
- Project implementation begins: Fourth Quarter of 2026
- Grant implementation period: 12 months
Languages Accepted
Applications may be submitted in:
- English
- French
- Kiswahili
How to Apply
Interested organizations should:
- Complete the official online application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit the proposal before the deadline.
- Await eligibility screening.
- Respond to any requests for additional information if contacted.
-
Wait for the regional selection process and notification.
Need Assistance?
Organizations requiring technical support or clarification during the application process may contact the UNEP Mountains ADAPT project team via:
Email: unep-mountainsadapt@un.org
Why Organizations Should Apply
The Mountains ADAPT Small Grants Programme offers more than funding. It provides local organizations with an opportunity to strengthen institutional capacity, implement community-led climate solutions, and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability across East Africa’s mountain ecosystems.
Organizations will benefit from technical guidance, increased visibility, and practical experience implementing nature-based adaptation strategies that improve resilience for vulnerable communities.
For organizations already working with mountain communities, this grant presents an excellent opportunity to expand their impact while contributing to regional climate adaptation goals.
Conclusion
The 2026 UNEP Mountains ADAPT Small Grants Programme is an important funding opportunity for community-based organizations dedicated to protecting mountain ecosystems and improving climate resilience across the East African Community. With grants of up to USD 30,000, comprehensive technical support, and a strong emphasis on ecosystem-based adaptation, the programme empowers local organizations to lead transformative environmental initiatives that benefit both people and nature.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to prepare high-quality proposals that demonstrate strong community engagement, innovative climate solutions, and sustainable environmental outcomes. Interested applicants should ensure they submit all required documents before the 15 September 2026 deadline to be considered for this competitive funding opportunity.
For more OFY Grant opportunities VISIT HERE.
