The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced the launch of the Climate Catalytic Fund (CCF), a new blended financing mechanism created under IOM’s Climate Mobility Innovation Lab (CMIL) for Asia and the Pacific. Officially launched on 1 September 2025, the Fund aims to support locally led climate change adaptation projects that strengthen community resilience and reduce the risks of climate-related displacement.

This first funding round represents an important opportunity for local organizations, civil society groups, and community-led initiatives to access small-scale but catalytic capital. The deadline for proposals is 17 October 2025, at 23:59 (Bangkok Time, GMT+7).

About the Climate Catalytic Fund (CCF)

The Climate Catalytic Fund has been designed to close critical financing gaps by providing accessible, rapid, and flexible support for projects in communities most at risk of climate-induced displacement.

Key features of the Fund include:

• Grant size: USD 5,000 to USD 25,000 (or equivalent in local currency).

• Co-financing requirement: 1:1 local/domestic co-financing is required, but applicants without confirmed matching funds at the time of application will still be considered. IOM is also actively working to help identify potential matching contributions.

• Project focus: Quick-impact, practical, and scalable initiatives that are community-driven and locally owned.

Target Locations

In this first call for proposals, the CCF will fund projects in specific regions of Indonesia and the Philippines, namely:

• Indonesia: Aceh Timur, Bandung, Bandung Barat, and Makassar.

• The Philippines: Catanduanes and Rizal provinces.

Funding Priorities

The Climate Catalytic Fund prioritizes data-informed, blended-finance projects that integrate local knowledge and institutional resilience. Projects must focus on adaptation and address risks of climate-related displacement.

Priority themes for funding include:

• Livelihoods adaptation: agriculture, small businesses, and job creation.

• Skills training: promoting new practices and technologies.

• Emergency preparedness and planning: including contingency mechanisms.

• Infrastructure development: such as flood barriers, drainage, and safe community spaces.

• Health-related risks and services: addressing climate-related health challenges.

• Community engagement and inclusion: fostering participation of marginalized groups.

• Risk reduction systems: early warning systems, risk mapping, and mitigation measures.

Eligible Applicants

The CCF invites applications from a broad range of stakeholders with locally relevant projects. Eligible applicants include:

• Local NGOs and community-based organizations

• Tribal organizations

• Women- and youth-led groups

• Disability-inclusive organizations

• Local and national government entities

• Private sector actors

• Local financial institutions

• Academic and research institutions

• Consortia of the above

This inclusive eligibility structure reflects IOM’s commitment to empowering frontline actors and communities that are directly affected by climate-related risks.

Quotes from IOM

“Through the CCF, we aim to support the initiative and capacity of communities to lead efforts to build resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change,” said Bradley Mellicker, Head of IOM’s Climate Mobility Innovation Lab for Asia and the Pacific.

He added: “CCF is designed to be fast and flexible, unlock local matching funds, and ensure robust risk management due diligence through our strong field presence.”

About the Climate Mobility Innovation Lab (CMIL)

The Climate Mobility Innovation Lab serves as IOM’s regional platform for innovation, capacity strengthening, and collaboration on climate mobility. With a focus on scalable and community-driven solutions, CMIL works to support adaptation to climate change impacts and address challenges linked to migration and displacement.

CMIL’s initiatives include:

• Risk Index for Climate Displacement (RICD): a decision-support tool analyzing climate displacement risks.

• Climate Catalytic Fund (CCF): a financing mechanism that translates RICD insights into practical, locally led projects.

Application Details

• Deadline: 17 October 2025, 23:59 (Bangkok Time, GMT+7).

• Grant Size: USD 5,000 to USD 25,000.

• Matching Funds: 1:1 co-financing required, though not mandatory at the time of application.

• How to Apply: Full details, application forms, and guidance documents are available at iom.int/ccf.

Information session dates will also be published on the same webpage.

Contact Information

For more details or inquiries, applicants may contact:
Climate Catalytic Fund (CCF)
📧 Email: CCF-AP@iom.int

Conclusion

The Climate Catalytic Fund represents a significant step in advancing locally led climate action in Southeast Asia. By empowering community-based organizations, local governments, and other grassroots actors, the Fund seeks to strengthen resilience, reduce displacement risks, and channel much-needed resources directly to the frontlines of climate change.

With the first call for proposals now open, organizations in Indonesia and the Philippines are encouraged to apply and seize this opportunity to implement quick, impactful, and community-owned solutions.

For more Information and Applications:

Visit HERE

Stay on opportunitiesforwomen.org/ for more opportunities.