The IKI Small Grants programme, supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Government, has announced its eighth international call for proposals, scheduled to open on 15 November 2026, subject to funding approval.
The programme provides grants ranging from €60,000 to €200,000 to eligible local organisations in developing and emerging countries, including India, for projects addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
The 2027 funding round places particular emphasis on Nature-based Solutions (NbS), encouraging locally led initiatives that protect, restore and sustainably manage ecosystems while improving community resilience and livelihoods.
Key Grant Information
- Funding organisation: International Climate Initiative (IKI), German Federal Government
- Programme: IKI Small Grants – Eighth International Call
- Grant amount: €60,000–€200,000
- Eligible countries: ODA-eligible developing and emerging countries, including India
- Application opening date: 15 November 2026
- Initial application deadline: 8 January 2027, 23:59 CET
- Eligibility confirmation: By 2 February 2027
- Full proposal deadline for invited applicants: 16 March 2027
- Project duration: 12–24 months
- Expected project commencement: Second quarter of 2028 or later
- Application language: English
The call remains subject to funding approval.
Objectives of IKI Small Grants 2027
The programme aims to strengthen local organisations working to address environmental challenges through practical, community-oriented initiatives.
The eighth call focuses on Nature-based Solutions, including ecosystem-based adaptation, ecosystem restoration and approaches that deliver benefits for both biodiversity and human well-being.
Projects should demonstrate how protecting, restoring or sustainably managing ecosystems can address environmental and social challenges.
Particular importance is placed on the meaningful participation and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Priority Areas for Funding
Eligible projects may include activities such as:
- Restoring degraded forests, wetlands, grasslands and other ecosystems.
- Strengthening climate resilience through ecosystem-based adaptation.
- Conserving biodiversity and improving natural resource management.
- Supporting community-led restoration and sustainable ecosystem management.
- Developing locally appropriate nature-based approaches to climate-related challenges.
- Strengthening the participation of local and Indigenous communities in environmental decision-making.
These are illustrative activities. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposals meet the official Nature-based Solutions requirements rather than assuming every environmental project is eligible.
Eligibility Criteria for NGOs
Organisations interested in applying should meet the following principal requirements:
- Be legally established in an eligible developing or emerging country.
- Have operated for at least three years.
- Have an average annual organisational revenue between €60,000 and €500,000 over the previous three years.
- Have dedicated accounting personnel and appropriate internal financial controls.
- Maintain a software-based accounting system.
- Demonstrate the capacity to implement the proposed project directly.
- Propose activities aligned with the objectives and thematic focus of the programme.
Nonprofit organisations are the primary applicants. Private companies may also qualify where their proposed activities pursue nonprofit objectives.
Government institutions, individuals, one-person organisations and consortia are not eligible under the published programme requirements.
Are Indian NGOs Eligible?
Yes. Indian NGOs can apply for IKI Small Grants 2027 because India falls within the programme’s eligible developing-country framework.
Indian organisations working in environmental protection, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and related community development activities may find this opportunity particularly relevant.
However, applicants must meet the programme’s organisational and financial eligibility requirements.
Indian NGOs should also assess applicable FCRA requirements before accepting any foreign contribution. Eligibility under the IKI programme does not itself constitute permission to receive foreign funds in India.
Grant Amount and Project Duration
Selected organisations may receive grants between €60,000 and €200,000.
The requested amount must not exceed the applicant organisation’s average annual revenue over the preceding three years.
Projects should generally run for one to two years, with implementation expected to begin in the second quarter of 2028 or later.
Application Process
The eighth call uses a two-stage application process.
Stage 1: Eligibility Assessment
Interested organisations can submit their initial applications between 15 November 2026 and 8 January 2027.
The programme will assess organisational eligibility before inviting qualified applicants to submit full proposals.
Stage 2: Full Project Proposal
Organisations that pass the initial eligibility assessment are expected to receive confirmation by 2 February 2027.
Invited applicants must submit their detailed project proposals, including project activities and budgets, by 16 March 2027.
Applicants should consult the official application guidelines when the application window opens.
Important Dates
- 15 November 2026 – Applications scheduled to open
- 8 January 2027 – Initial application deadline
- 2 February 2027 – Expected eligibility confirmation
- 16 March 2027 – Full proposal submission deadline for invited organisations
How to Apply
Interested organisations should visit the official IKI Small Grants funding website, review the eligibility requirements and follow the application instructions.
Official funding information: https://iki-small-grants.de/funding/
International Climate Initiative announcement:
https://www.international-climate-initiative.com/en/find-funding/small-grants/small-grants-2026
Applicants should rely on the official programme website for application forms, updated guidelines and any changes to the announced schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can NGOs from India apply for IKI Small Grants 2027?
Yes. Eligible Indian NGOs may apply, provided they satisfy the organisational, financial and project requirements.
What is the maximum grant amount?
The maximum funding available is €200,000 per project, subject to programme conditions.
Can newly established NGOs apply?
Organisations must have been operational for at least three years.
Is the programme limited to climate change projects?
The 2027 round specifically focuses on Nature-based Solutions that address societal challenges while supporting biodiversity and human well-being.
Can an NGO apply for a grant larger than its annual revenue?
No. The requested grant amount must not exceed the organisation’s average annual revenue over the previous three years.
Is the application process currently open?
As of 26 October 2026, applications are not yet open. The announced opening date is 15 November 2026, subject to funding approval.
DisclaimerNGOPortal is an independent information-sharing platform and is not affiliated with the International Climate Initiative or the IKI Small Grants programme. NGOPortal does not provide funding or process grant applications. Applicants should verify all eligibility criteria, deadlines and application procedures directly with the funding organisation before applying.