The Mountains ADAPT Small Grants 2026 programme is now accepting applications from eligible community-based organizations working in mountain regions. The programme supports practical solutions that help communities respond to climate change, protect nature, and improve livelihoods.
However, through the grant, successful organizations can receive up to US$30,000. They will also receive capacity-building and training support. The first round aims to fund up to 15 projects across the eligible regions.
What is the Mountains ADAPT Small Grants 2026?
The Mountains ADAPT Small Grants is a funding programme focused on climate resilience in mountain communities.
Also, it supports ecosystem-based adaptation and nature-based solutions. For example, projects may focus on ecosystem restoration, rainwater harvesting, climate-smart agriculture, disaster preparedness, or income diversification.
In addition, the programme can provide up to US$30,000 per project. There is no fixed minimum grant amount.
Who is Eligible to Apply for the Mountains ADAPT Small Grants 2026?
The opportunity is open to registered community-based and civil society organizations.
Applicants should:
- Be legally registered.
- Operate in an eligible mountain region.
- Have experience working directly with mountain communities.
- Address a clear climate change risk or vulnerability.
- Use an ecosystem-based or nature-based approach.
- Show the capacity to carry out the proposed project.
Therefore, youth and women-led organizations are also encouraged to apply.
What Countries or Regions are Eligible for the Mountains ADAPT Small Grants 2026?
Eligible organizations must operate in the East African Community (EAC) or the South Caucasus.
The eligible EAC countries listed by UNEP are:
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Somalia
- Burundi
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- South Sudan
- Uganda
- Tanzania
The South Caucasus countries are:
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Georgia
What Does the Grant Cover?
The funding can support expenses directly connected to the approved project.
Eligible costs may include:
- Staff and hired expert costs
- Equipment and materials
- Training and capacity-building activities
- Operational expenses
- Administrative costs
- Other project-related implementation expenses
However, funds cannot be used for direct salary payments or allowances to government officials.
Co-funding is not compulsory. Nevertheless, existing or expected support from partners may strengthen an application.
What Courses or Training are Available?
This is not an academic scholarship or course programme. Instead, successful organizations receive tailored capacity-building and training support.
Furthermore, the support is designed around the needs of each selected organization. It can help grantees strengthen their ability to implement technically sound and sustainable projects.
What are the Academic Requirements?
There are no academic degree requirements stated for this funding opportunity.
Therefore, the programme focuses on the organization rather than individual academic qualifications. Applicants should instead demonstrate relevant experience, organizational capacity, and experience working with mountain communities.
What Documents are Required?
Applicants must provide the required information through the online form.
However, the key document required is the organization’s valid registration certificate.
If selected, the organization will also need to provide:
- Official organizational bank details
- National ID card or passport of the legal representative
The bank account must belong to the organization rather than an individual.
When is the Deadline for the Mountains ADAPT Small Grants 2026?
The deadline is 15 September 2026 at 11:59 PM, based on East African Time/South Caucasus Time.
Therefore, eligible organizations should prepare and submit their proposals before the closing time.
The selected projects are expected to begin implementation in the fourth quarter of 2026, with a grant implementation period of 12 months.
How Do I Apply for the Mountains ADAPT Small Grants 2026?
Eligible organizations should complete the official online application form.
The application process involves:
- Completing the application form.
- Providing the required organizational information and documents.
- Submitting the proposed climate solution.
- Passing the eligibility screening.
- Undergoing proposal evaluation.
- Developing a full proposal and implementation plan if selected.
Applicants should clearly explain the climate problem, proposed solution, target beneficiaries, and expected community impact.
Where Is the Official Application?
The official application is provided by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Apply through the official UNEP application form
For questions or technical support, applicants can contact the Mountains ADAPT team at [email protected].
You can also find more grants and funding opportunities on OpportunityLab.
Mountains ADAPT Small Grants 2026: Key Details
| Details | Information |
| Programme | Mountains ADAPT Small Grants 2026 |
| Funding | Up to US$30,000 |
| Target applicants | Registered community-based/civil society organizations |
| Focus | Climate resilience and ecosystem-based adaptation |
| Eligible regions | EAC and South Caucasus |
| Number of projects | Up to 15 |
| Deadline | 15 September 2026 |
| Implementation | Fourth quarter of 2026 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Application fee | No fee stated |
The Mountains ADAPT Small Grants 2026 opportunity is designed for organizations already working with mountain communities in the eligible regions. It is particularly suitable for projects that combine climate adaptation, environmental protection, community participation, and improved livelihoods.
