The International Climate Initiative (IKI) supports large-scale climate and biodiversity projects in developing and emerging countries, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C and halt biodiversity loss. IKI Large Grants fund ambitious interventions that strengthen legal frameworks, advance NDCs and NBSAPs, and mobilize communities and resources for sustainable, low-emission development.

Overview of the IKI Large Grants

The IKI, funded by the German Federal Government, is a flagship initiative for international climate and biodiversity action. It assists developing and emerging countries in adapting to climate change, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and conserving ecosystems. The Large Grants instrument specifically targets ambitious, high-impact projects that drive systemic and sustainable transformations.

Objectives of IKI Large Grants

• Support the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).

• Advance National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance biodiversity protection.

• Strengthen national and sub-national legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks.

• Support climate-affected communities and enhance ecosystem conservation, including coastal and marine areas.

• Mobilize additional financing from public and private sources for sustainable development initiatives.

Key Areas of Focus

• Climate Mitigation: Develop low-emission energy systems, promote circular economy approaches, and support sustainable urban and rural development.

• Climate Adaptation: Enhance resilience in vulnerable communities and ecosystems through adaptation planning and practical interventions.

• Biodiversity Conservation: Protect threatened species and ecosystems, restore habitats, and support sustainable land and marine management.

• Policy and Governance: Strengthen regulatory frameworks, enhance institutional capacities, and encourage ambitious national commitments to climate and biodiversity targets.

Funding Details

• Grant Size: EUR 12 million to EUR 20 million per project.

• Project Scope: Large-scale, multi-year interventions with high-impact potential.

• Eligible Organizations:

  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

  • Universities and research institutions

  • International intergovernmental organizations and development banks

  • UN programs and agencies

  • Private companies and trade associations

• Non-Eligible Applicants:

  • National governments and top public administration bodies (exceptions may apply)

  • Regional authorities and state-owned companies may be considered on a case-by-case basis

Why It Matters

• Accelerates global climate and biodiversity goals by supporting transformative projects.

• Provides significant funding for high-impact initiatives that cannot be implemented through smaller grants.

• Encourages systemic change, including policy reforms and legal frameworks that have long-term sustainability effects.

• Enhances resilience of communities and ecosystems in developing and emerging countries.

How to Apply

1. Identify Eligibility: Ensure your organization fits the criteria for Large Grants.

2. Define Project Scope: Design a project aligned with IKI objectives, focusing on mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity, and governance.

3. Develop Proposal: Include detailed plans, expected outcomes, budget, and sustainability measures.

4. Demonstrate Impact: Highlight measurable emission reductions, biodiversity conservation, or community resilience.

5. Submit Application: Follow IKI submission guidelines, ensuring compliance with funding and reporting requirements.

Common Tips for Applicants

• Focus on systemic and scalable interventions rather than small, localized projects.

• Show clear alignment with NDCs, NAPs, and NBSAPs in target countries.

• Include robust monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge-sharing plans.

• Demonstrate potential for mobilizing co-financing from additional sources.

• Engage local stakeholders and communities to ensure relevance and sustainability.

FAQ

1. What is the maximum funding amount for an IKI Large Grant?
EUR 20 million per project.

2. Can national governments apply directly for funding?
Generally no, though exceptions for regional authorities or state-owned companies may be considered individually.

3. Who is eligible to apply?
NGOs, universities, research institutions, international intergovernmental organizations, UN agencies, private companies, and trade associations.

4. What types of projects are funded?
Large-scale climate mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity conservation projects, including policy and governance reforms.

5. How does IKI ensure projects have measurable impact?
Applicants must include monitoring and evaluation frameworks demonstrating direct and indirect emissions reductions, biodiversity protection, or community resilience.

6. Can private companies receive funding?
Yes, if projects contribute to IKI objectives and are not primarily for profit.

7. How long is the funding period for Large Grants?
Projects are typically multi-year interventions, designed for significant systemic impact.

Conclusion

IKI Large Grants offer transformative opportunities to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss on a global scale. By funding ambitious, high-impact projects, IKI empowers organizations to drive systemic change, strengthen legal and policy frameworks, and mobilize additional resources. These grants are crucial for achieving sustainable development, fostering resilient communities, and advancing Germany’s commitment to limiting global warming and conserving biodiversity.