Instructions for Applying to Learning Grants

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a Learning Grant, entities must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• Be an “Accredited” National Implementing Entity (NIE) of the Adaptation Fund  
• Have an Adaptation Fund project that:  
  • Has reached mid-point implementation, or 
  • Has completed a Mid-Term Review or Evaluation (MTR/MTE)  

For projects with an implementation period of less than four years, at least one Project Performance Report (PPR) must have been submitted and cleared.

• Must submit a letter of endorsement by the Designated Authority (DA) to the Adaptation Fund in support of the learning grant application 

Eligible Activities 

Learning Grants must support these three core activity categories: 

• Transfer knowledge between NIEs 
• Transfer knowledge from NIE to the wider climate adaptation community 
• Develop knowledge and guidance through partnerships  

Examples of eligible activities (non-exhaustive): 

• Lessons learned documentation 
• Studies and publications 
• Technical guidance briefs 
• Knowledge platforms and resource centers 
• Adaptation financing workshops 
• Knowledge-sharing events and country exchanges 
• Learning courses 
• Partnerships and collaborative initiatives 
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) strengthening 
• Innovation-focused activities 
• Support for locally led adaptation and research partnerships  

Guiding Principles 

Proposed activities should align with the following guiding principles: 

• Evidence-based: Activities planned reflect the knowledge gaps identified by the users, addressing issues with strong potential for evidence-based learning. 
• Country-owned: Learning methods and approaches are driven by users and respond to learning needs identified in-country. 
• Learning-oriented: Learning activities proposed built on established best practices for project/programme learning. 
• Collaborative: Collaborative partnerships should be pursued to facilitate relevant learning using shared resources and knowledge. 
• Inclusive and gender-responsive: Learning activities should address gender considerations and include concerns of the most vulnerable groups and communities. 
• Innovative: Learning activities should emphasize innovative, effective solutions and practices to adaptation that have demonstrated viability on the ground. 
• Supports local or traditional knowledge: Learning activities to include expertise and knowledge of local stakeholders, whenever possible. 

How to Apply 

1. Submit the funding proposal to the Adaptation Fund Board Secretariat  
2. The proposal undergoes technical review 
3. Reviewed by the Project and Programme Review Committee (PPRC) 
4. Final decision made by the Adaptation Fund Board 

The Adaptation Fund Board accepts and considers project proposals for Learning Grants on a rolling bases. The proposals are considered at the regular meetings of the Board. The next submission deadlines can be found under Apply for Funding and on the calendar on this website. 

5. If approved, funds are transferred to the NIE for implementation  

Submission requirements:  

• Completed application form 
• DA endorsement letter 

Applications should be sent to: submissions@adaptation-fund.org and carbon copy to cdengel@adaptation-fund.org and alessandradeleo@adaptation-fund.org. 

Please click here for information in French and Spanish about the learning grants. 

For more information on learning grants take the free e-courses on how to apply for funding available in English, French and Spanish. 

Implementation Responsibilities 

Accredited NIEs are responsible for: 

1. Managing grant implementation 
2. Procurement and financial oversight 
3. Meeting reporting requirements (technical and financial)  

Monitoring & Reporting 

Grantees must: 

• Submit monitoring and completion reports 
• Provide financial reporting 
• Follow standard Adaptation Fund reporting requirements  

Accredited NIEs are responsible for managing the grant and overseeing all aspects of implementation, including procurement and compliance with financial and non-financial reporting requirements.