Deadline: 28-Aug-2026
The REACT Initiative is inviting legally registered civil society organisations in Rwanda to apply for grants supporting women’s participation in environmental peacebuilding and climate change prevention. Eligible organisations can receive up to €170,000 over a 23-month implementation period to deliver advocacy, grassroots, or combined projects that strengthen gender-responsive climate action and peacebuilding.
About the REACT Initiative
The REACT (REsearch and ACTion for Women’s Participation in Environmental Peacebuilding and Climate Change Prevention) initiative is a three-year programme running from 2026 to 2028. It is implemented by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation with financial support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).
The programme aims to strengthen:
- Women’s participation in environmental peacebuilding
- Climate resilience in conflict-affected communities
- Human security
- Gender-responsive climate governance
- Inclusive peacebuilding processes
- Women’s leadership in environmental decision-making
The initiative recognizes that climate change, environmental degradation, and conflict disproportionately affect women while also acknowledging their critical role in developing sustainable solutions.
Program Objectives
The REACT Initiative seeks to:
- Promote meaningful participation of women in climate action.
- Strengthen environmental peacebuilding efforts.
- Support gender-responsive climate policies.
- Improve resilience among communities affected by climate change and conflict.
- Increase women’s leadership in environmental governance.
- Encourage inclusive and conflict-sensitive development.
- Advance Women, Peace and Security (WPS) priorities.
- Support implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Funding Streams
Applicants may apply under either one funding lot or submit a combined proposal.
Advocacy (Lot 1)
This funding stream supports organisations working to influence policies related to:
- Women, Peace and Security (WPS) National Action Plans
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- Climate governance
- Environmental policy
- Gender equality
- Climate justice
- Conflict-sensitive environmental policies
Projects should focus on policy advocacy, monitoring, accountability, and promoting women’s participation in decision-making.
Grassroots Initiatives (Lot 2)
This funding stream supports practical community-level projects that:
- Increase resilience to climate change
- Strengthen environmental peacebuilding
- Empower women leaders
- Promote gender-transformative approaches
- Build resilience among vulnerable communities
- Address displacement, insecurity, and environmental degradation
Priority is given to projects serving districts affected by climate-related challenges and conflict.
Grant Amount
Applicants may receive:
- Up to €85,000 for Advocacy projects
- Up to €85,000 for Grassroots Initiatives
- Up to €170,000 for combined applications
Project Duration
Successful projects will run for:
- 23 months
- Implementation Period: January 2027 – December 2028
Eligible Expenses
Grant funding may be used for:
- Project implementation activities
- Personnel costs
- Operational expenses
- Equipment directly related to project implementation
Shortlisted organisations will be required to complete an organisational and financial assessment before funding approval.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include legally registered:
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Civil society organisations (CSOs)
Applicants must:
- Be legally registered in Rwanda.
- Operate independently of political parties.
- Operate independently of religious institutions.
- Have documented financial management systems.
- Demonstrate experience promoting:
- Gender equality
- Women’s rights
- Women’s empowerment
- Show capacity to implement climate and peacebuilding projects.
Preferred Applicants
Preference will be given to organisations that are:
- Women-led organisations
- Experienced in Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
- Working on climate justice
- Active in environmental peacebuilding
- Supporting persons with disabilities
- Working with indigenous communities
- Experienced in community-based programming
Ineligible Applicants
The following organisations are not eligible:
- International NGOs
- Consultancy firms
- Consortium applications
- Organisations proposing sub-granting arrangements
- Political organisations
- Religious institutions
Why This Grant Matters
Climate change and conflict often reinforce one another, creating additional risks for women and vulnerable communities. The REACT Initiative supports locally led organisations that can:
- Strengthen women’s leadership.
- Build resilient communities.
- Improve climate governance.
- Influence national climate policy.
- Promote sustainable peace.
- Advance gender equality.
By investing in local civil society organisations, the programme seeks to create long-term improvements in environmental governance and peacebuilding.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Review the programme objectives and eligibility requirements.
- Decide whether to apply for:
- Advocacy (Lot 1)
- Grassroots Initiatives (Lot 2)
- Combined funding
- Prepare a project concept aligned with programme priorities.
- Submit the application according to the call requirements.
- Participate in the organisational and financial assessment if shortlisted.
- Complete any additional documentation requested during the final selection process.
Application Tips
To improve the chances of success:
- Clearly explain the climate and peacebuilding challenge.
- Demonstrate women’s leadership throughout the project.
- Show how the project promotes gender equality.
- Include realistic implementation plans.
- Present a practical and well-justified budget.
- Explain expected outcomes and long-term impact.
- Highlight organisational experience and partnerships.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting proposals that do not focus on women’s participation.
- Failing to demonstrate organisational capacity.
- Providing unclear budgets.
- Ignoring climate-conflict linkages.
- Missing required documentation.
- Proposing activities outside programme objectives.
- Applying through an ineligible organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply?
Legally registered civil society organisations and NGOs based in Rwanda that meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Can an organisation apply for both funding streams?
Yes. Organisations may apply for either one funding lot or submit a combined proposal.
What is the maximum funding available?
Applicants may receive up to €85,000 for a single funding lot or €170,000 for a combined application.
How long can projects run?
Projects will be implemented over 23 months, from January 2027 through December 2028.
What types of activities are supported?
The programme supports policy advocacy, environmental peacebuilding, women’s leadership, climate resilience initiatives, grassroots community action, and gender-responsive climate governance.
Are international NGOs eligible?
No. International NGOs, consultancy firms, consortiums, and sub-granting arrangements are not eligible under this call.
What costs can be covered?
Funding may support project activities, personnel, operational expenses, and equipment directly related to implementation.
Conclusion
The REACT Initiative offers an important opportunity for Rwandan civil society organisations to strengthen women’s leadership in climate action and environmental peacebuilding. With funding of up to €170,000, the programme supports organisations committed to advancing gender equality, climate resilience, and sustainable peace through advocacy and grassroots initiatives. Eligible organisations with strong experience in women’s rights, climate justice, and community engagement are encouraged to develop impactful proposals that contribute to long-term environmental and social change.
For more information, visit Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation.