Climate Resilience Grant Program 2026: Upturn LABS (Philippines)

The 2026 Climate Resilience Grant Program: Upturn LABS (Leveraging Adaptation and Bolstering Solutions) supports local academic institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Philippines to pilot innovative climate adaptation solutions that strengthen community resilience. The OML Center will award PHP 500,000 each to three selected projects, with an additional PHP 300,000 grant for the Best Implementing Team to expand its project.

2026 Climate Resilience Grant Program: Upturn LABS

The Upturn LABS Climate Resilience Grant Program 2026 is an initiative that promotes locally led climate adaptation by supporting organizations that develop, test, and implement practical solutions to climate-related risks.

The programme encourages evidence-based adaptation projects that address local climate challenges while generating implementation lessons that can inform future climate resilience policies and practices across the Philippines.

Programme Overview

Programme Name: 2026 Climate Resilience Grant Program: Upturn LABS (Leveraging Adaptation and Bolstering Solutions)

Grant Provider: OML Center

Programme Type: Climate Adaptation Grant

Target Applicants: Local academic institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs)

Location: Philippines

Primary Objective: Pilot-test climate adaptation solutions and strengthen local climate resilience

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

Support innovative climate adaptation projects.
Pilot and evaluate locally appropriate resilience solutions.
Strengthen community preparedness for climate change.
Generate implementation knowledge and best practices.
Promote collaboration among academic institutions, CSOs, and local stakeholders.
Improve climate resilience through evidence-based interventions.

Priority Climate Risk Areas

Projects should address one or more of the programme’s priority climate risks.

Water-Related Risks

Projects may focus on:

Rainfall variability.
Water scarcity.
Drought management.
Flood risk reduction.
Sustainable water resource management.

Food Security and Climate-Resilient Livelihoods

Eligible projects may address:

Climate-smart agriculture.
Sustainable farming practices.
Fisheries resilience.
Food security.
Livelihood diversification.
Community-based adaptation.

Coastal Vulnerability and Ecosystem Degradation

Projects may include:

Coastal protection.
Sea level rise adaptation.
Coastal hazard management.
Ecosystem restoration.
Nature-based solutions.
Marine and coastal resilience.

Funding Available

The OML Center will provide:

PHP 500,000 each to the top three successful applicants.
Additional PHP 300,000 for the Best Implementing Team to continue or expand its project.

Eligible Grant Expenses

Funding may be used for:

Proposal development and writing.
Personnel and staffing costs.
Project implementation expenses.
Operational costs.
Monitoring and evaluation.
Capacity-building activities.
Community engagement.
Production of a project overview video.
Other approved project-related activities.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Local academic institutions.
Civil society organizations (CSOs).
Organizations with research and implementation capacity.
Institutions working in environmental science.
Organizations focused on sustainable development.
Development studies institutions.
Research groups addressing climate adaptation.

Applicants should:

Have an office or unit dedicated to research and project implementation.

If no dedicated office exists, the institution must establish a project team responsible for implementation.

Applicants should also possess expertise in areas such as:

Climate change.
Environmental science.
Community development.
Communications.
Engineering.
Technology.
Sustainable development.
Other relevant technical fields.

Legal Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Have legal status in the Philippines.
Be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or possess equivalent legal registration.
Be located in the same region as the proposed project site.
Demonstrate the capacity to implement the proposed project.

Partnership Advantage

Applicants with existing partnerships are encouraged to apply.

Partnerships with the following organizations may strengthen an application:

Local Government Units (LGUs).
Civil society organizations.
Academic institutions.
Community organizations.
Research institutions.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible:

Individual applicants.
Freelancers.
Organizations affiliated with OML Center employees.
Organizations affiliated with First Philippine Holdings Corporation, its parent company, subsidiaries, or affiliates.
Active service providers involved in the Challenge.
Immediate family members of affiliated individuals.
Individuals living in the same household as affiliated persons.

Why This Grant Matters

Climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of floods, droughts, coastal hazards, and food security challenges across the Philippines.

The Upturn LABS programme helps communities respond by supporting locally developed adaptation solutions that can be tested, refined, and potentially scaled to other regions. It also strengthens collaboration between researchers, civil society, and local governments to improve long-term climate resilience.

How to Apply

Step 1

Review the programme objectives and identify a climate adaptation challenge that aligns with one or more priority risk areas.

Step 2

Develop a practical, evidence-based adaptation solution suitable for pilot implementation.

Step 3

Form a qualified project team with relevant technical and implementation expertise.

Step 4

Prepare all required application documents, including proof of legal registration and organizational eligibility.

Step 5

Describe the implementation plan, expected outcomes, monitoring approach, and project budget.

Step 6

Submit the completed application according to the programme guidelines before the deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

Focus on a clearly defined local climate problem.
Propose practical and scalable adaptation solutions.
Demonstrate strong community engagement.
Include measurable project outcomes.
Present a realistic implementation timeline.
Highlight partnerships with LGUs, CSOs, or academic institutions.
Show technical expertise within the project team.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting projects unrelated to the priority climate risks.
Providing unclear implementation plans.
Omitting proof of legal registration.
Presenting unrealistic budgets or timelines.
Failing to explain monitoring and evaluation methods.
Applying as an individual rather than an eligible organization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Upturn LABS Climate Resilience Grant Program?

It is a grant programme that funds pilot climate adaptation projects designed to strengthen resilience and generate practical learning for local communities in the Philippines.

How much funding is available?

Three successful applicants will each receive PHP 500,000, and the Best Implementing Team will receive an additional PHP 300,000 to continue its project.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include local academic institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Philippines that have appropriate research and implementation capacity.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects addressing water-related risks, climate-resilient livelihoods, food security, coastal vulnerability, ecosystem restoration, and other climate adaptation priorities are eligible.

Can the grant cover operational expenses?

Yes. Funding may support personnel, operational costs, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, proposal preparation, and project communication activities.

Are partnerships encouraged?

Yes. Applicants with partnerships involving Local Government Units (LGUs), academic institutions, or civil society organizations may have an advantage during the selection process.

Are individuals eligible to apply?

No. The programme is open only to eligible academic institutions and civil society organizations that meet the legal and organizational requirements.

Conclusion

The 2026 Climate Resilience Grant Program: Upturn LABS provides a valuable opportunity for Philippine academic institutions and civil society organizations to develop and test innovative climate adaptation solutions. By supporting projects that address water security, sustainable livelihoods, and coastal resilience, the programme helps strengthen local capacity, generate practical knowledge, and contribute to more climate-resilient communities across the Philippines.