Opportunity Title : UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Mountains ADAPT Small Grant 2026 (With Up to $30,000 in Funding)

The UNEP Mountains ADAPT Small Grant 2026 is designed to empower local organizations that are addressing the growing impacts of climate change in mountain communities. The initiative supports inclusive, community-led ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) approaches that help people adapt to changing environmental conditions while conserving biodiversity and natural resources.

Mountain ecosystems are among the most vulnerable environments to climate change. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, severe flooding, landslides, declining water resources, and loss of biodiversity are increasingly threatening the livelihoods of millions of people living in mountain regions.

Through this grant programme, UNEP aims to support practical and sustainable solutions that:

Improve the resilience of mountain communities to climate change.

Protect and restore fragile mountain ecosystems.

Promote sustainable natural resource management.

Enhance food security and water availability.

Strengthen local livelihoods through nature-based solutions.

Encourage gender-inclusive and community-driven adaptation strategies.

The programme recognizes that local communities possess valuable indigenous knowledge and experience, making them key partners in designing and implementing effective climate adaptation initiatives.

View details at: UNEP Mountains ADAPT Small Grant

Selected organizations will receive several forms of support, including:

• Funding of up to USD 30,000 to design and implement climate adaptation projects.
• Technical guidance throughout the project implementation period.
• Capacity development and specialized training on ecosystem-based adaptation.
• Opportunities to strengthen organizational knowledge and project management skills.
• Support in implementing innovative, community-led climate resilience initiatives.
• Increased visibility and recognition for successful environmental conservation efforts.
• Contribution to sustainable development and long-term resilience of mountain communities.

To qualify for the UNEP Mountains ADAPT Small Grant 2026, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Be a locally based and legally registered non-governmental organization (NGO) or community-based organization.
• Operate within a mountain region of one of the eligible East African countries.
• Propose a project that addresses a clearly identified climate change challenge affecting mountain communities.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and nature-based solutions.
• Have previous experience working directly with mountain communities.
• Show the capacity to successfully manage and implement community development projects.
• Be able to provide all required supporting documentation.

What Type of Projects Can Be Supported?

The programme welcomes innovative ideas that use nature-based approaches to address climate change challenges. Projects may include activities such as:

• Forest restoration and conservation.
• Watershed and catchment protection.
• Sustainable land management.
• Community-based water conservation initiatives.
• Climate-smart agriculture in mountain regions.
• Biodiversity conservation.
• Ecosystem restoration.
• Community awareness and environmental education.
• Women's participation in climate adaptation.
• Indigenous knowledge integration into climate resilience planning.

Projects should clearly demonstrate measurable environmental and social benefits for local communities.

Required Application Information

Applicants are expected to complete the official application form by providing comprehensive information about their organization and proposed project.

1. Organizational Capacity and Experience

Applicants should provide:

• Organization name and registration details.
• Registration certificate.
• Registration number.
• Description of previous projects.
• Relevant experience working with mountain communities.
• Organizational strengths and technical expertise.

2. Climate Challenge to be Addressed

Applicants should explain:

• The specific climate risks affecting the target community.
• Existing vulnerabilities.
• Environmental challenges such as droughts, floods, landslides, or ecosystem degradation.
• Supporting evidence, including photographs or other visual documentation where available.

3. Proposed Solution

Organizations should describe:

• The proposed ecosystem-based adaptation intervention.
• How the solution addresses local needs.
• Expected environmental outcomes.
• Community participation strategy.
• Gender inclusion measures.
• Sustainability plan beyond the grant period.

4. Beneficiaries

Applicants should identify:

• Target communities.
• Number of expected beneficiaries.
• Vulnerable groups to be supported.
• Expected improvements in livelihoods, resilience, and environmental protection.

5. Supporting Documents

Applicants should attach:

• Organization registration certificate.
• National ID card or passport of the organization's legal representative.
• Documentation demonstrating previous project experience.
• Any additional supporting evidence requested in the application guidelines.

Selection Criteria

Applications are expected to be assessed based on several factors, including:

• Relevance of the identified climate challenge.
• Innovation and feasibility of the proposed solution.
• Community participation and ownership.
• Strength of ecosystem-based adaptation approach.
• Organizational capacity and experience.
• Sustainability and long-term impact.
• Gender responsiveness and inclusivity.
• Potential environmental and livelihood benefits.

Interested and eligible organizations should complete the official application form and upload all required supporting documents. Ensure that every section of the application is completed accurately and that your proposed project clearly demonstrates how it will help mountain communities adapt to climate change through ecosystem-based solutions.