Timeline
The Call for Concept Notes is now closed.
Thank you to everyone who submitted an application!
Due to overwhelming interest, with nearly 200 applications received, we are extending the review period by two weeks. Successful candidates will be notified on April 14, 2025, and invited to submit a full proposal.
Overview
Information sessions
The first information session was held on Tuesday, 17 December 2024. The first information session provides prospective applicants with information on the Facility, including: i) Background, objectives, and key themes; ii) Expected outcomes; iii) Eligibility criteria and exclusion list; iv) Grant budget and project financing; and v) Application process. The presentation slides can be downloaded here.
The second information session was held on Thursday, 16 January 2025. The second information session provides prospective applicants with a short Introduction and Recap on the Facility from the first information session. It also provides prospective applicants a brief overview of the six sections components of the Concept Note Template (Annex 2 to the Guidelines for Applicants). The second session was an opportunity to listen first-hand to the Innovation Facility Team who provided explanations on each section including the application process on the IUCN Grants Portal. The presentation slides can be downloaded here.
Please note that attending the information sessions was voluntary and not a requirement.
Application Procedure
The Template for Concept Notes (similar to a Project Idea Note), Guidelines for Applicants, and other important documents are available at the links in the Application Documents section below.
In the Template, applicants will be asked to provide information among others on: the nature-based carbon project, expected biodiversity impacts, stakeholder engagement and benefit sharing plus environmental and social (E&S) aspects.
The Concept Note must indicate how the project will be structured, staffed and managed. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement successful projects, and provide a strategy on how the project will successfully involve private investors for subsequent project phases.
All applications are required to be submitted on the IUCN Grants Portal.
IUCN Grants Portal
Only complete applications submitted online through the portal will be considered. Prior to submission, applicants will be encouraged to read and follow the Guidelines for Applicants to ensure their eligibility and that application requirements are met.
The IUCN Grants portal is now closed for submissions.
Application Documents
Below applicants can find documents to support them navigate and complete the application process, including:
- Guidelines for Applicants [🡇] : provides essential information to evaluate applicant’s eligibility for funding, and outline the steps necessary to complete and submit a strong application to the Innovation Facility’s Call for Concept Notes. Please read them carefully before applying.
- Concept Note Template [🡇]: This template mirrors the structure and content of the application form on the IUCN Grants Portal, in which project proponents are asked to provide information about their project to assess the eligibility of the project for Innovation Facility funding. Please note that the Concept Note template enables offline access to the application form for preparatory purposes only.
- Documents to be submitted online with the Concept Note: