Two Global EbA Fund grant windows are open to eligible organisations proposing ecosystem-based climate adaptation in Pakistan. The medium-size call offers up to US$500,000, while the small-size call offers up to US$250,000 but is nearing its closing date. Applicants should note that the Fund’s pages and IUCN application portal show different end dates for both calls.
Pakistan appears among the eligible countries in the IUCN Grants Portal for the medium-size call and in the portal for the small-size call. It is also listed by the OECD DAC as an ODA-recipient country, which matters because the Fund’s medium-size call requires country-specific projects to target ODA-eligible countries. Eligibility is not a guarantee of an award; proposals must meet the Fund’s thematic and organizational criteria.
Two grant sizes, different urgency
The medium-size call is open for submissions from 12 October. The Fund’s call page and FAQ give 16 November 2026 as the closing date, while the IUCN portal entry lists the timeline through 17 November. It offers up to US$500,000 for projects lasting no more than 24 months.
The small-size call offers up to US$250,000 for an 18-to-24-month project. Its call document and FAQ state that submissions close on 26 October 2026, but the IUCN portal displays a timeline through 27 October. The official sources do not show a common time-zone cutoff. Because this window is imminent and the dates differ, applicants should check the live portal immediately and plan around the earlier date rather than risk a late submission.
The small-size call prioritizes ODA-eligible small island developing states and least-developed countries. The Fund says proposals from other ODA-eligible countries, including Pakistan as listed on its portal, may be considered when they demonstrate exceptional ambition and a distinctive opportunity to scale ecosystem-based adaptation. The medium-size call’s stated geographic rule is broader for country-specific proposals: they must target one or more ODA-eligible countries.
What the Fund will support
Ecosystem-based adaptation, or EbA, uses biodiversity and ecosystem services to help people adapt to climate impacts. That can include conserving, restoring or sustainably managing forests, wetlands, grasslands and other ecosystems. The Fund is looking for innovative work that removes barriers to scaling EbA, such as stronger evidence, institutional capacity, learning networks or investment readiness. A stand-alone field project or general conservation activity is not automatically a fit.
For a legally registered organisation working in or with Chitral, a proposal might examine whether a nature-based watershed or slope-restoration approach can address a documented climate risk and be replicated beyond one site. It would need an evidence-based impact chain, local participation and a plan for keeping the results in use after the grant ends. These are proposal ideas, not a claim that any specific local project is already funded.
Who can apply—and what to prepare
The Fund lists NGOs, community-based and Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, universities, research institutes, think tanks, private companies and consortia among eligible applicants. Individuals cannot apply for personal study, and government partners cannot receive the grant directly. For country-level work, a consortium with at least one local organisation is required, with at least 25% of the budget allocated to local partners.
Applicants should first confirm that their organisation is legally recognised and that the proposed project builds on existing work rather than starting as an isolated intervention. The Fund’s FAQ calls for an English application, a theory of change and logframe, a budget and team CVs; an organisational chart and location map may also be needed. Use the correct call-specific templates, check the due-diligence requirements and submit through the IUCN portal. The Fund does not require co-financing, according to its FAQ.
These calls are most relevant to organisations with an established climate-adaptation or ecosystem project that could be scaled. A startup, university team or local group should not stretch an unrelated business idea to fit the call. Before committing time, read the official call document and confirm the deadline shown inside the portal.
Sources
- Global EbA Fund — Medium-Size Grants call
- IUCN Grants Portal — Medium-size call, country list and timeline
- Global EbA Fund — Small-Size Grants call
- IUCN Grants Portal — Small-size call, country list and timeline
- Global EbA Fund — October 2026 FAQ
- OECD — DAC List of ODA Recipient Countries
- IUCN — Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Resilience
Muhammad Nayab Khan is a visionary leader, serial entrepreneur, and financial consultant with over a decade of professional experience in enterprise development, corporate branding, and digital infrastructure. Holding a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from the University of the Punjab, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Qashqar Pakistan and Pamir Network, while actively contributing as an Executive Body Member for the Chitral Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
As a certified QuickBooks Accountant and seasoned trainer, Nayab is deeply passionate about bridging the gap between traditional business operations and modern digital solutions. He has spearheaded numerous capacity-building and technical financial digitizing workshops, training enterprises and entrepreneurs on QuickBooks Desktop across Lahore and the Chitral District. Combining sharp financial acumen with versatile expertise in corporate branding, graphic design, and digital media, Muhammad Nayab is dedicated to empowering businesses, streamlining operations, and driving sustainable economic growth in Pakistan's SME sector.
