In short
An environment or climate grant proposal should state the environmental problem and its effect on people with data, say whether the project is about adaptation, mitigation or conservation, describe measurable environmental and social results, show local ownership and safeguards, and explain how results will be maintained and verified over time.
Climate and environment funders want measurable environmental results and lasting benefits for the communities most affected, delivered without harming people or ecosystems.
Who funds environment and climate projects
Environment and climate projects are funded by climate and environment funds, foundations, development agencies, corporate sustainability programmes and governments. Proposals are often classified as adaptation (coping with climate change), mitigation (reducing emissions) or conservation and restoration.
Recommended outline
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Problem statement | The environmental issue, its causes and its effects on livelihoods, health or safety, with data |
| Baseline | Current land cover, emissions, resource use or climate risk in the area |
| Methodology | Approach such as restoration, climate-smart agriculture, clean energy or nature-based solutions, with community participation |
| Outcomes | Environmental change and benefits for people, measured over time |
| Safeguards | Do no harm, land rights, free, prior and informed consent where relevant |
| Sustainability | Community management, income from the activity, links with local plans |
Example results and indicators
| Result | Indicator |
|---|---|
| Restoration | Hectares of land under restoration, and tree survival rate after one year |
| Clean energy | Number of households using clean energy, and estimated emissions avoided |
| Adaptation | Number of households adopting climate-resilient practices |
| Livelihoods | Change in household income from sustainable activities |
Typical budget lines
- Seedlings, materials or clean-energy equipment
- Community training and demonstration sites
- Technical experts and mapping
- Monitoring, including survival counts or energy use
- Community consultation and safeguards
- Evaluation
What makes an environment and climate proposal stand out
- Links environmental results to benefits for local people.
- Measures results over time, such as survival rates, not just planting numbers.
- Respects land rights and community consent.
- Plans who maintains the results and how it is paid for.
Common mistakes
- Counting trees planted instead of trees surviving.
- Emission figures without a stated method.
- No consent from communities affected.
- Ignoring the gender and social effects of the project.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between climate adaptation and mitigation?
Adaptation helps people and nature cope with the effects of climate change, such as drought. Mitigation reduces greenhouse gas emissions, such as switching to clean energy.
What makes an environmental proposal credible?
Measurable results tracked over time, a clear method for any emissions or carbon figures, community consent and a plan for long-term maintenance.
Written by Gachi Foundation, a non-profit in Jharkhand, India. All proposal-writing resources.