Call for Applications: Climate Catalytic Fund Program (Vanuatu)

Deadline: 31-May-2026

The Climate Catalytic Fund provides small, rapid grants of USD 5,000–25,000 to support locally led climate adaptation projects that reduce displacement risks. Targeting high-risk communities, the fund enables practical, data-driven solutions implemented within six months. It prioritises inclusive participation and local ownership across a wide range of eligible applicants.

Overview

The Climate Catalytic Fund supports locally led climate adaptation initiatives that address the growing risks of climate-induced displacement.

Operating under the Climate Mobility Innovation Lab, the fund focuses on enabling communities to turn climate risk data into actionable solutions through fast and flexible financing.

Funding Details

• Project funding: USD 5,000 to USD 25,000
• Provincial allocation: Up to USD 25,000 per province
• Project duration: Up to 6 months
• Type: Small, rapid-response grants

Programme Objectives

The fund aims to:

• Reduce climate-related displacement risks
• Support locally led adaptation solutions
• Strengthen community resilience and institutional capacity
• Bridge financing gaps for high-risk communities
• Promote data-driven decision-making

Key Focus Areas

1. Climate Adaptation

• Local actions addressing climate impacts
• Community-based resilience strategies

2. Displacement Risk Reduction

• Preventing or mitigating climate-induced migration
• Supporting vulnerable populations

3. Local Ownership

• Empowering local actors and institutions
• Strengthening grassroots leadership

4. Data-Driven Solutions

• Using risk insights from the Risk Index for Climate Displacement
• Translating data into actionable interventions

5. Scalable & Practical Interventions

• Small-scale projects with potential for expansion
• Quick-impact, implementable solutions

Key Concepts Explained

Climate Displacement

The forced movement of people due to climate-related events such as floods, droughts, or rising sea levels.

Locally Led Adaptation

Community-driven approaches where local stakeholders design and implement climate solutions.

Climate Risk Analytics

Use of data and models to assess climate threats and inform decision-making.

Who is Eligible?

The fund is highly inclusive and open to a wide range of applicants:

• Community-based organisations (CBOs)
• Local NGOs
• Women-led and youth-led groups
• Disability-inclusive organisations
• Government entities
• Private sector actors
• Cooperatives and financial institutions
• Faith-based organisations and charities
• Academic and research institutions
• Multi-stakeholder partnerships

What Projects Are Supported?

Eligible projects include:

• Community climate adaptation initiatives
• Risk mitigation strategies for displacement
• Local infrastructure or environmental improvements
• Capacity-building and resilience programmes
• Data-driven pilot interventions

Project Requirements

• Must be locally led
• Must demonstrate clear climate adaptation impact
• Must be implementable within 6 months
• Should align with risk data insights

How the Fund Works

Step-by-Step Process

1. Identify Local Climate Risk
   • Use data and community insights
2. Design Adaptation Project
   • Focus on practical, short-term impact
3. Submit Application
   • Include clear objectives, budget, and timeline
4. Selection & Funding
   • Based on impact, feasibility, and inclusiveness
5. Project Implementation
   • Deliver activities within 6 months
6. Monitoring & Reporting
   • Track outcomes and lessons learned

Why This Fund Matters

• Provides access to funding for underserved communities
• Enables fast response to urgent climate risks
• Promotes inclusive and community-driven solutions
• Bridges gap between data and real-world action
• Supports scalable climate resilience models

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing large, long-term projects (beyond 6 months)
• Weak linkage to climate displacement risks
• Lack of community involvement
• Ignoring data-driven approaches
• Unrealistic budgets or timelines

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define the local climate problem
• Show direct impact on vulnerable populations
• Use data to justify your approach
• Keep the project simple, practical, and scalable
• Demonstrate community participation and ownership

FAQs

1. What is the funding range?

USD 5,000 to USD 25,000 per project.

2. Who can apply?

A wide range of organisations including NGOs, community groups, and institutions.

3. What is the project duration?

Projects must be completed within 6 months.

4. What is the main focus?

Locally led climate adaptation and displacement risk reduction.

5. Is collaboration allowed?

Yes, partnerships and co-financing are encouraged.

6. Are large-scale projects eligible?

No, only small, quick-impact projects are supported.

7. What makes a strong proposal?

Clear local impact, data-driven approach, and feasibility within timeframe.

Conclusion

The Climate Catalytic Fund offers a critical opportunity for communities to implement fast, locally driven climate adaptation solutions. By combining small-scale funding with data-informed strategies, the programme empowers vulnerable populations to build resilience and reduce displacement risks in an increasingly climate-affected world.

For more information, visit IOM.