The 2026 Call for Proposals: Mountains ADAPT small grants is now open for locally based organizations working in East African mountain regions. Importantly, the application deadline is 15 September 2026 at 11:59 pm (East African Time).
Through this call, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will support community-focused projects that use ecosystem-based adaptation or nature-based solutions. In addition, selected grantees may receive capacity development and tailored training support. Up to 15 projects are expected to be funded.
Application Deadline: 15 September 2026 at 11:59 pm (East African Time)
Eligible Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Somalia, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania
Grant Location: Mountain regions within countries of the East African Community (EAC) as listed above
Award Provider: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
About the Grant
This grant supports community-based action in mountain regions facing climate risks. Specifically, applicants should propose projects that address a mountain climate change challenge or vulnerability through an ecosystem-based adaptation approach.
According to the provided details, each selected project can receive up to USD 30,000. Moreover, the implementation period is 12 months, and UNEP plans to fund up to 15 projects.
Eligibility
- Be a locally based, duly registered non-governmental organization operating in a mountain region of a benefiting East African Community country (DRC, Somalia, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania)
- Address a mountain climate change challenge or vulnerability with a proposed ecosystem-based adaptation approach
- Have prior experience working directly with mountain communities
- Only formally registered organizations are eligible (must upload registration certificate); selected organizations must have an official organizational bank account
Grant Amount: Up to USD 30,000
Project Duration: Grant implementation period: 12 months
Funding Scope Grant funding may cover staff and hired experts’ salaries, equipment and materials, training and capacity-building activities, operational and administrative costs, and other project-related expenses, with some restrictions.
Applicants are also expected to show organizational capacity and relevant experience. If selected, they may need to submit official banking details, prepare a detailed implementation plan, and complete required reporting.
How to Apply
To apply, complete the official application process through UNEP’s application portal. Before you submit, prepare the required supporting documents.
- Organization registration certificate
- National ID card or passport of the organization’s legal representative
- Evidence of previous experience (previous projects) in the mountain region
- Official banking details (if selected)
- Organization registration number
You should also be ready to implement the proposed project, support monitoring where needed, and submit mid-term and final narrative and financial reports.
👉 Visit the official grant page for details
