Explore fully funded IKI opportunities for climate and biodiversity projects, including Large Grants, Medium Grants, Small Grants, and finance through IKI Invest. Learn deadlines, eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and how to apply.

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Fully Funded IKI: Comprehensive Funding Opportunities for Climate Action and Biodiversity Projects

The International Climate Initiative (IKI) is one of the most significant instruments of the German Federal Government for supporting climate action and biodiversity conservation on a global scale. Through a diverse set of competitive and targeted funding mechanisms, the initiative strengthens climate mitigation, climate resilience, natural carbon sinks, and ecosystem protection in developing and emerging economies.

Administered by Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft (ZUG) gGmbH, the initiative collaborates with organisations that bring strong technical expertise, innovation, and deep experience working in partner countries. The funding framework also aligns with the IKI Strategy 2030, which defines the thematic and geographic priorities shaping all current and future calls.

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How the Funding Structure Works

The funding architecture of the initiative is designed to accommodate organisations of varying sizes and mandates. Competitive calls remain a central component, particularly for organisations seeking to implement ambitious climate or biodiversity projects. At the same time, selected non-competitive instruments support multilateral programs, investment facilities, and country-level implementation platforms.

Each funding pathway, whether small-scale or large-scale, contributes to strengthening global environmental governance while promoting long-term transformation in partner regions.

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Open Calls and Funding Levels

Large Grants 2025

Funding available: 5 to 20 million euros
Who can apply: Consortia of organisations and companies
Deadline: 17 February 2026
Application link:
https://www.international-climate-initiative.com/en/funding/large-grants

Large Grants target transformative, multi-country, or systemic climate and biodiversity interventions. These projects often support national policies, large-scale ecosystem protection, or major mitigation initiatives.

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Medium Grants 2025

Funding available: 300,000 to 800,000 euros
Who can apply:
Non-profit organisations or companies with a permanent establishment in Germany, working together with one or two implementing partners in the target country or region.
Deadline: 20 January 2026
Application link:
https://www.international-climate-initiative.com/en/funding/medium-grants

This pathway supports organisations with strong conceptual proposals that combine technical expertise, local partnership, and measurable environmental impact.

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Small Grants 2025

Funding available: 60,000 to 200,000 euros
Who can apply:
Regional, national, and local organisations based in ODA-eligible countries
Deadline: 15 January 2026
Application link:
https://www.international-climate-initiative.com/en/funding/small-grants

This funding stream is ideal for grassroots organisations implementing community-based climate solutions or biodiversity protection efforts.

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Additional Climate Finance Mechanisms Linked to IKI

Beyond its main competitive calls, the initiative supports a number of complementary funding platforms, each contributing to specific climate or biodiversity dimensions.

Mitigation Action Facility

A central mechanism for supporting mitigation projects aimed at decarbonising critical sectors.
More information: https://www.mitigation-action.org

Adaptation Fund

Supports regions and communities that face immediate climate risks, providing resources to strengthen resilience.
More information: https://www.adaptation-fund.org

NBSAP Accelerator Partnership

Supports national biodiversity strategies aligned with international biodiversity frameworks.
More information: https://www.nbsapaccelerator.org

These mechanisms often interact with and complement projects supported through the main call structure.

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IKI Invest: Mobilising International Climate Finance

One of the initiative’s most strategic tools is IKI Invest, which aims to mobilise additional climate finance through contributions to multilateral funds. This instrument helps expand access to capital, encourages private sector participation, and supports large-scale climate action in partnership with:

• Multilateral development banks

• International organisations

• KfW Development Bank

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Priority Themes Supported

The initiative funds a wide range of areas, including:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

• Strengthening climate adaptation

• Restoring natural carbon sinks

• Conserving biodiversity

• Cross-cutting topics such as gender equality and good governance

All projects must be aligned with international climate and biodiversity goals.

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Contact Information

IKI Office
Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft (ZUG) gGmbH
Stresemannstraße 69–71, Berlin
Email: iki-office@z-u-g.org

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Final Note

For more international career opportunities, visit Opportunities For Youth:
https://opportunitiesforwomen.org/