Deadline: 16-Sep-2025
The CLIMAS, the Latin America and Caribbean Hub for Climate Change and Health, coordinated by the Institute of Public Health of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana with support from the Institute of Public Health of Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, is offering a unique opportunity to strengthen projects that address the pressing challenges climate change poses to health.
The initiative seeks to provide both technical and financial support to research-based projects that not only generate knowledge but also transform it into tangible actions, tools, capacities, and policies. These efforts aim to benefit institutions, decision makers, and communities across the region, with particular focus on vulnerable groups such as women, migrants, Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, rural populations, and those living in poverty.
The CLIMAS 2025 call for proposals introduces a two-stage process, beginning with expressions of interest and followed by the submission of full proposals. Selected institutions will become part of the CLIMAS network, joining a collaborative regional community that promotes learning and exchange at the intersection of climate change and health. Through this process, the hub encourages projects that democratize knowledge, strengthen the resilience of health systems, support community processes, and improve research outcomes by integrating transdisciplinary collaboration and community knowledge.
Funding will be provided for initiatives aligned with three thematic priorities. These include training health workers to effectively respond to climate change-induced emergencies and disease outbreaks, promoting public policies that connect climate change and health with an intersectional lens, and advancing modeling and data accessibility related to extreme weather events and health outcomes. By addressing these areas, CLIMAS seeks to ensure that research translates into practical tools and solutions that enhance both preparedness and equity in the region.
The call is open to legally constituted entities working in climate change and health within Latin America and the Caribbean. Proposals must be submitted by a minimum of two and a maximum of three institutions, which may include community-based organizations, research centers, universities, and non-profit entities. Each proposal must involve at least one community-based organization with direct experience in supporting vulnerable communities or engaging with decision makers. This requirement ensures that projects are grounded in the realities of those most affected and that they encourage meaningful participation across diverse and representative groups.
At the time of submitting full proposals, applicants must present a commitment letter outlining collaboration among the participating entities. This document should detail the technical, administrative, and financial responsibilities of each partner, along with any additional contributions. A single institution will assume the role of Lead Applicant, provided it is a research center, university, or academic institution legally established for at least three years, and able to demonstrate the capacity to manage international funds. To ensure transparency, the Lead Applicant is required to open a dedicated bank account exclusively for project resources, separate from its other accounts.
Funding opportunities under CLIMAS 2025 are structured to promote fairness and alignment between project objectives and available resources. Projects may apply for small-scale support up to COP 250 million, medium-scale between COP 251 and 500 million, or large-scale up to COP 900 million. Implementation timelines will range from twelve to twenty-four months, beginning in March 2026. This structure allows both emerging initiatives and more established programs to access resources appropriate to their scale and ambition.
CLIMAS 2025 represents a significant chance for organisations to contribute to the resilience of health systems and communities in the face of climate change. By combining rigorous research with actionable outcomes, the program seeks to ensure that knowledge is not only produced but also applied in ways that bring lasting benefits to those who need it most.
For more information, visit IDRC.
