2nd Request for Proposals: Feminist Climate Action Fund

Deadline: 26-Jan-2026

The Feminist Climate Action Fund (FCAF) 2026 call supports women, feminist civil society organizations, and informal young feminist groups across Europe to advance gender-responsive climate justice. The program provides €5,000 grants, capacity-building support, and networking opportunities, emphasizing intersectionality, grassroots engagement, and practical climate action between April 2026 and February 2027. This initiative strengthens youth-led feminist voices in climate policy and fosters inclusive, systemic environmental change.

Overview of the Feminist Climate Action Fund 2026

The Feminist Climate Action Fund (FCAF) is a strategic initiative designed to empower emerging and grassroots feminist actors across Europe. Its primary goal is to ensure that climate action is inclusive, gender-responsive, and informed by those most affected by environmental crises. The 2026 call targets informal groups, known as Seedlings, which often face barriers to funding due to the lack of formal organizational status. By providing financial support and development opportunities, the fund seeks to amplify diverse voices, strengthen community networks, and promote systemic change in climate decision-making.

Objectives and Focus Areas

• Empowerment and Capacity Building: Enhance the skills, knowledge, and organizational capacity of young feminist groups and civil society organizations to engage in climate advocacy.

• Intersectional Climate Justice: Address overlapping forms of discrimination, including race, ethnicity, disability, socio-economic status, age, and geographic location.

• Grassroots Engagement: Support initiatives that mobilize new audiences and underrepresented communities in climate action.

• Practical Climate Actions: Ensure each funded project implements at least one tangible climate-related initiative during the grant period.

• Policy and Network Participation: Enable groups to participate in local, national, and EU-level climate dialogues and campaigns.

Who is Eligible?

• Natural persons forming groups of at least three members.

• Residents or legal representatives from Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, or Sweden.

• Applicants must manage funds responsibly and ensure projects align with FCAF objectives.

• Groups must not be receiving or participating in any other EU DEAR-funded project.

• Emphasis on informal, grassroots groups, particularly those without formal legal structures.

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: €5,000 per project.

• Project Duration: April 2026 – February 2027.

• Additional Support: Training in project management, advocacy, fundraising, and visibility.

• Networking Opportunities: Access to global partners and participation in collaborative campaigns such as Funding Fairer Futures’ just transition initiatives in housing and energy.

Eligible Activities

• Awareness Raising: Public campaigns, educational initiatives, and media engagement.

• Public Engagement: Community workshops, town halls, and participatory events.

• Mobilization Efforts: Grassroots organizing and collective actions for climate justice.

• Advocacy: Policy dialogues, lobbying efforts, and strategic campaigns.

• Capacity Building: Skill development, organizational strengthening, and leadership training.

How to Apply

1. Form a Group: Ensure a minimum of three individuals actively participate.

2. Develop a Project Proposal: Include objectives, target audience, measurable outcomes, and at least one tangible climate action.

3. Align with Fund Objectives: Ensure the project addresses gender-responsive climate justice and intersectional considerations.

4. Submit Application: Follow the official FCAF submission process, adhering to deadlines and reporting requirements.

5. Participate in Training: Engage with capacity-building workshops and networking opportunities upon selection.

Tips and Common Mistakes

• Do Not Apply if Already Funded: Groups receiving DEAR program funding cannot apply.

• Be Clear on Outcomes: Projects must show a credible pathway to measurable impact.

• Focus on Intersectionality: Address multiple forms of marginalization explicitly.

• Ensure Collaborative Participation: Demonstrate engagement with communities and networks.

• Budget Realistically: Ensure €5,000 covers project needs efficiently without exceeding scope.

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the fund?
Natural persons forming groups of three or more from eligible EU countries, focusing on gender-responsive climate initiatives.

2. Can informal groups apply?
Yes, informal groups (Seedlings) are encouraged, especially those without formal organizational structures.

3. What type of projects are supported?
Projects involving awareness raising, advocacy, public engagement, mobilization, and capacity building, with at least one concrete climate action.

4. How much funding is available?
Each successful applicant receives €5,000 for projects running from April 2026 to February 2027.

5. Can applicants participate in other EU-funded programs simultaneously?
No, applicants must not be participating in any EU DEAR-funded project during this period.

6. Are training and networking included?
Yes, the fund provides training in project management, advocacy, fundraising, visibility, and access to collaborative networks.

7. What is the geographic scope of projects?
Projects must take place within Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, or Sweden.

Why It Matters

The FCAF 2026 initiative ensures that feminist and youth-led groups have access to resources, networks, and training to influence climate policy effectively. By centering diverse voices and intersectional approaches, the program fosters equitable, systemic change in environmental decision-making. It amplifies historically excluded perspectives, empowering groups to shape local, national, and EU climate agendas while advancing social and environmental justice.

Conclusion

The Feminist Climate Action Fund 2026 is a transformative opportunity for young feminist groups to implement meaningful climate action projects, strengthen their capacities, and engage in collaborative advocacy. With targeted financial support, training, and networking, the initiative nurtures inclusive, intersectional approaches to climate justice, fostering systemic change and empowering underrepresented communities across Europe. This fund exemplifies how grassroots, feminist-led initiatives can drive a greener, more equitable future.

For more information, visit WECF.