Small Acts. Shared Purpose. Global Impact.
Across Africa, extraordinary people and organisations are repairing ecosystems, restoring biodiversity, and redefining what sustainability means in practice. Yet, even the most impactful initiatives often face a common challenge; finding the right funding partner at the right time.
To make that journey a little easier, FactoryForest has compiled a list of 10 open or upcoming funding opportunities for environmental and climate-focused NGOs working in Africa. These calls represent both international and African funders who recognise that local action drives global change.
At FactoryForest, we believe access to opportunity is as vital as access to clean water and fertile soil. That’s why we curate and share funding pathways for the people doing the work of restoration.
This article is part of our ongoing “Grant Call Watchlist”, updated quarterly to connect Ground Givers with Forest Patrons who share their vision of a thriving, living planet.
If you’re an organisation doing remarkable environmental work, or a funder looking for the right partners, reach out. Let’s grow together.
“It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference.”
— Wangari Maathai
1. WWF Nedbank Green Trust (South Africa)
Focus: Ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection, water security, and climate resilience.
Funding Window: Applications accepted year-round; main deadlines 31 January and 15 July 2025.
Who Can Apply: South African NGOs and community-based organisations with strong environmental outcomes.
Why It Matters: One of the most respected local funding partnerships, combining community focus with scientific integrity.
🔗 Apply via WWF Nedbank Green Trust
2. Global Environment Facility (GEF) – Small Grants Programme
Focus: Community-based biodiversity, climate change, and land restoration projects.
Funding Window: Rolling applications across Africa; managed by national GEF focal points.
Grant Size: Typically USD 25,000–50,000.
Why It Matters: Empowers grassroots actors to deliver measurable local impact.
🔗 GEF Small Grants Programme
3. Oak Foundation – Environment Programme
Focus: Marine protection, food systems, and regenerative landscapes.
Funding Window: Continuous; proposals accepted through regional programme leads.
Grant Size: Medium to large multi-year grants.
Why It Matters: Prioritises local leadership and nature-based solutions.
🔗 Oak Foundation Environment Grants
4. African Development Bank – Climate Action Window
Focus: Climate adaptation, mitigation, and resilience-building projects.
Deadline: 5 February 2025 (Third Call for Proposals).
Who Can Apply: NGOs, research institutions, and local governments in Africa.
Why It Matters: Provides substantial funding (USD 250,000–1 million) for scalable climate solutions.
🔗 AfDB Climate Action Window
5. EEP Africa 2025 Call for Proposals
Focus: Innovative clean energy, circular economy, and climate resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Deadline: 2025 open cycle.
Grant Size: Up to EUR 500,000.
Why It Matters: Supports early-stage innovators and community-level solutions.
🔗 EEP Africa Call for Proposals
6. Climate Communication Fund
Focus: Climate storytelling, awareness, and communication innovation.
Deadline: 20 June 2025.
Grant Size: USD 10,000–30,000.
Why It Matters: Perfect fit for organisations linking environment, media, and community voice — a natural synergy with FactoryForest’s storytelling focus.
🔗 Climate Communication Fund 2025
7. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Open Calls
Focus: Environmental governance, biodiversity, sustainable finance, and nature-based solutions.
Deadline: Rolling.
Who Can Apply: NGOs, governments, and regional institutions.
Why It Matters: Gateway to global environmental partnerships and UN visibility.
🔗 UNEP Calls for Proposals
8. African Climate Foundation – Grant Programmes
Focus: Climate transformation, energy transition, land use, and climate policy in Africa.
Status: Open to aligned proposals via programme streams.
Why It Matters: Africa’s first indigenous climate foundation; prioritises African-led solutions.
🔗 African Climate Foundation Grants
9. Pulitzer Center Africa Climate & Environment Micro Grants (ACE)
Focus: Local journalism, advocacy, and community climate action storytelling.
Deadline: 30 April 2025.
Grant Size: Microgrants (USD 2,000–5,000).
Why It Matters: Encourages grassroots communication and public engagement around environmental work.
🔗 ACE Micro Grants 2025
10. Seed Funding Program for Ecological Projects (2025–2026)
Focus: Youth-led and community-based ecological transformation projects.
Deadline: Ongoing through 2025.
Grant Size: EUR 5,000–20,000.
Why It Matters: Accessible entry-level grants ideal for emerging Ground Givers looking to grow impact.
🔗 Seed Funding Program
Image by Freepik
