Call for Proposals: Mountains ADAPT Small Grants

The Mountains ADAPT Small Grants Programme supports community-based organisations working in mountain regions of East African Community (EAC) countries to implement ecosystem-based adaptation projects that strengthen climate resilience. Selected organisations can receive up to $30,000 in funding along with capacity-building support.

Overview of the Mountains ADAPT Small Grants Programme

The Mountains ADAPT Small Grants Programme provides financial support to locally led initiatives that help mountain communities adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.

The programme focuses on strengthening resilience in vulnerable mountain ecosystems across East African Community countries by supporting community-based organisations implementing practical and sustainable adaptation solutions.

The initiative recognizes that mountain communities face unique climate challenges, including changing rainfall patterns, ecosystem degradation, loss of biodiversity, and threats to local livelihoods.

Purpose of the Programme

The main goal of the Mountains ADAPT Small Grants Programme is to empower local organisations to develop and implement climate adaptation solutions that benefit mountain communities.

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen community resilience to climate change.
• Support locally driven adaptation actions.
• Protect mountain ecosystems.
• Promote sustainable natural resource management.
• Improve livelihoods of mountain communities.
• Encourage inclusive participation in climate action.

Priority Areas and Supported Projects

The programme supports projects that use ecosystem-based adaptation approaches to address climate challenges in mountain regions.

Eligible projects may focus on:

Climate Change Adaptation

Projects should address climate-related vulnerabilities such as:

• Changing weather patterns.
• Water availability challenges.
• Land degradation.
• Climate-related livelihood risks.
• Ecosystem pressures.

Ecosystem Protection and Restoration

Supported initiatives may include:

• Conservation of mountain ecosystems.
• Restoration of degraded landscapes.
• Sustainable management of natural resources.
• Biodiversity protection activities.

Community-Led Solutions

Projects should involve local communities through:

• Participatory planning.
• Community engagement.
• Local knowledge integration.
• Inclusive decision-making.

Sustainable Livelihood Development

Initiatives may support activities that improve community resilience through:

• Sustainable agriculture practices.
• Climate-resilient livelihoods.
• Natural resource-based solutions.
• Community capacity strengthening.

Funding Available

Selected organisations may receive:

Maximum grant amount:
Up to $30,000 per project

The first round of funding will support up to:

15 projects across East African Community countries

In addition to financial support, selected organisations will receive:

• Capacity development support.
• Training opportunities.
• Assistance to strengthen project implementation.

Eligible Countries

Applications are open to organisations operating in mountain regions of East African Community countries, including:

• Burundi.
• Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Kenya.
• Rwanda.
• Somalia.
• South Sudan.
• Tanzania.
• Uganda.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Locally based non-governmental organisations.
• Formally registered community-based organisations.

Applicants must:

• Operate in mountain regions within eligible EAC countries.
• Have official legal registration.
• Maintain an organisational bank account.
• Have experience working directly with mountain communities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of local climate challenges.

Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Experience implementing community-focused projects.
• Understanding of mountain climate vulnerabilities.
• Ability to deliver ecosystem-based adaptation activities.
• Strong community engagement approaches.
• Organisational capacity to manage grant funding.

Projects must specifically address climate adaptation challenges in mountain areas.

Examples of Suitable Projects

Potential project areas may include:

• Climate-resilient farming practices.
• Watershed restoration.
• Community forest management.
• Biodiversity conservation.
• Sustainable land management.
• Climate awareness and training programmes.
• Nature-based solutions for mountain communities.

Application Requirements

Applicants are expected to submit supporting documentation, including:

• Proof of organisational registration.
• Organisational profile.
• Evidence of previous community work.
• Project proposal.
• Climate adaptation approach.
• Budget details.
• Official organisational bank account information.

Applications should clearly explain the climate challenge being addressed and the expected community impact.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are expected to be assessed based on:

Climate Adaptation Impact

Projects should demonstrate how they reduce climate risks and strengthen community resilience.

Ecosystem-Based Approach

Proposals should show how environmental systems and natural solutions will support adaptation.

Community Participation

Strong applications should demonstrate meaningful involvement of local communities.

Organisational Capacity

Applicants should show experience, technical ability, and financial management capacity.

Sustainability of Results

Projects should demonstrate how benefits will continue beyond the grant period.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve proposals by:

• Clearly identifying the mountain climate challenge.
• Explaining community involvement.
• Including measurable adaptation outcomes.
• Demonstrating local partnerships.
• Providing a realistic implementation plan.
• Showing long-term sustainability of activities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects unrelated to climate adaptation.
• Applying without official registration.
• Failing to demonstrate mountain community experience.
• Proposing general environmental projects without adaptation objectives.
• Providing unclear budgets or implementation plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mountains ADAPT Small Grants Programme?

The Mountains ADAPT Small Grants Programme provides funding to community-based organisations implementing climate adaptation projects in mountain regions of East African Community countries.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Selected organisations can receive up to $30,000 to implement eligible climate resilience projects.

Who can apply for the grant?

Registered non-governmental and community-based organisations working in mountain regions of eligible EAC countries can apply.

Can individuals apply for the programme?

No. The programme only accepts applications from formally registered organisations.

Which countries are eligible for the grant?

Eligible countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports ecosystem-based adaptation projects that improve climate resilience, protect ecosystems, and strengthen mountain community livelihoods.

Do projects need to involve local communities?

Yes. Community participation and locally led approaches are important requirements of the programme.

What is ecosystem-based adaptation?

Ecosystem-based adaptation uses natural ecosystems and sustainable environmental practices to help communities adapt to climate change impacts.

Conclusion

The Mountains ADAPT Small Grants Programme provides an important opportunity for community-based organisations in East African mountain regions to develop locally led climate adaptation solutions. By supporting ecosystem protection, sustainable livelihoods, and community resilience, the programme helps vulnerable mountain communities respond to climate change while protecting their natural environments.