Open Call for Women’s Climate Action Grants (Uganda)

The REACT (REsearch and ACTion for women’s participation in environmental peacebuilding and climate change prevention) Initiative invites Ugandan civil society organisations to apply for grants supporting women-led climate action, peacebuilding, and advocacy projects. Funding of up to €85,000 per grant lot or €170,000 for combined proposals is available for two-year projects from 2027 to 2028.

Overview of the REACT Initiative

The REACT Initiative is a three-year programme (2026–2028) implemented by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation with support from the Austrian Development Agency.

The programme aims to strengthen climate resilience, human security, and peace in conflict-affected communities by increasing women’s participation in environmental peacebuilding and climate change prevention efforts.

REACT focuses on creating gender-responsive approaches that connect climate justice, women’s rights, and peacebuilding processes.

Objectives of the Programme

The initiative aims to:

Promote meaningful participation of women in climate action and peacebuilding.
Strengthen gender-responsive environmental and climate policies.
Support community resilience in conflict and climate-affected areas.
Advance women’s rights and climate justice.
Encourage inclusive solutions for vulnerable communities.
Improve collaboration between civil society organisations and policy actors.

Funding Opportunities

REACT is seeking up to two Ugandan civil society partners for a two-year implementation period:

January 2027 – December 2028

Applicants can apply under two funding lots:

Advocacy Funding Lot

This funding stream supports organisations working on women’s rights and climate justice advocacy.

Supported activities may include:

Influencing and monitoring Women, Peace and Security (WPS) policies.
Engaging with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Promoting gender-responsive climate policies.
Strengthening advocacy for women in climate and peace processes.
Addressing gender inequalities in conflict and climate-affected contexts.

Grassroots Initiatives Funding Lot

This stream supports community-based projects that strengthen resilience among women and communities affected by climate and conflict challenges.

Projects may focus on:

Gender-transformative climate solutions.
Community resilience building.
Women’s participation in environmental decision-making.
Support for vulnerable communities.
Climate adaptation initiatives in conflict-affected regions.

Priority areas include northern and western Uganda and communities affected by the EACOP corridor.

Grant Amount

Funding available includes:

Up to €85,000 per funding lot.
Up to €170,000 for combined Advocacy and Grassroots proposals.

Eligible budget categories include:

Project activities.
Personnel costs.
Operational expenses.
Equipment costs.
Administrative costs directly connected to project implementation.

Shortlisted applicants must submit a detailed budget and full project proposal.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must be:

Legally registered non-governmental organisations in Uganda.
Independent from political and religious institutions.
Organisations with established financial management systems.
Organisations with previous experience in:
- Gender equality.
- Women’s rights.
- Women’s empowerment.
- Climate justice.
- Peacebuilding.

Preferred Partner Profile

REACT particularly encourages applications from organisations that are:

Women-led.
Experienced in Women, Peace and Security approaches.
Working on environmental peacebuilding.
Engaged in climate justice initiatives.
Inclusive of persons with disabilities.
Supporting indigenous and vulnerable communities.

Ineligible Applicants

The following are not eligible:

International NGOs.
Consultancy firms.
Consortiums.
Organisations applying for sub-granting arrangements.
Political or religious institutions.

Application and Selection Process

The selection process includes:

Submission of an initial application.
Review of organisational eligibility and project relevance.
Shortlisting of potential partners.
Submission of detailed narrative proposals and budgets by finalists.
Organisational and financial assessment of shortlisted applicants.

Assessment Considerations

Applications will be assessed based on:

Alignment with REACT objectives.
Experience in gender equality and climate justice.
Organisational capacity.
Financial management systems.
Community impact.
Ability to promote women’s leadership and participation.
Commitment to inclusive approaches.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants should:

Clearly explain how women will participate in decision-making.
Demonstrate links between climate change and peacebuilding challenges.
Highlight previous community engagement experience.
Include practical strategies for sustainability.
Show how vulnerable groups will be included in project activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for REACT funding?

Ugandan legally registered civil society organisations with experience in women’s rights, gender equality, climate justice, or peacebuilding can apply.

What is the maximum grant amount?

Applicants can receive up to €85,000 per funding lot or €170,000 for combined proposals.

Can organisations apply for both funding lots?

Yes. Organisations may apply for either lot individually or submit a combined proposal.

What is the project duration?

Supported projects will run for two years from January 2027 to December 2028.

Are international organisations eligible?

No. International NGOs, consultancy firms, consortiums, and sub-granting arrangements are not eligible.

Conclusion

The REACT Initiative provides an opportunity for Ugandan civil society organisations to advance women’s leadership in climate action and peacebuilding. Through advocacy and grassroots projects, the programme aims to strengthen climate resilience, promote gender justice, and support sustainable peace in vulnerable communities.