The new initiative will empower CSOs with resources and expertise to address climate change and biodiversity conservation 

Ankara, 17 June 2025 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Türkiye, has launched the Eco Future Grant Programme today, a new initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) to support climate action and biodiversity protection. Funded under the EU’s Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) III, the initiative will run until February 2028, with a total budget of US$4.39 million.   

The Eco Future Grant Programme is designed to support CSOs in achieving net-zero emissions and nature-positive outcomes in their climate actions. The initiative will provide both technical assistance and grant support to CSOs. With technical assistance, it aims to enhance the capabilities of CSOs by fostering partnerships with local, national, and international stakeholders, including the business community, to improve their ability to implement effective climate actions. Meanwhile, with the grant support, the initiative will focus on supporting innovative and integrated actions for environmental and biodiversity protection, as well as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation. 

"UNDP supports this new initiative that focuses on placing civil society at the center of climate action and biodiversity conservation," said Monica Merino, UNDP Türkiye Resident Representative. "The Eco Future Grant Programme will invest in people’s ideas and practical solutions to urgent environmental challenges. By working together, this programme can create positive local impact with tangible and scalable results."

“This initiative reflects the EU's commitment to promoting sustainability and addressing climate challenges through local partnerships. The Eco Future Grant Programme is a significant opportunity to drive positive change, build capacity, and empower civil society to play a central role in achieving our environmental goals,” said Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski, the Head of the Delegation of the EU to Türkiye. 

The grant programme will provide targeted funding opportunities for CSOs to develop and implement innovative projects that address climate change and promote biodiversity conservation. It will follow a two-stage application process, specifically designed for CSOs in Türkiye, and have an allocated budget of US$2.36 million. The funding range will be between US$50,000-150,000 for projects that last from 12 to 18 months, focusing on climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and nature-based solutions for environmental resilience. Eligible applicants include CSOs from across Türkiye with innovative ideas to tackle climate change and biodiversity preservation, who may collaborate with other CSOs, local authorities, unions, development agencies, chambers and public schools as partners. Applications will be open until 1 August 2025.

To date, a comprehensive needs assessment and gap analysis of CSOs in the fields of climate change and biodiversity have been completed, identifying key areas for capacity building, training, and advocacy. Final reports have been prepared, outlining the gaps and suggesting actions to address them, including support for technical knowledge, project management capacity, and fundraising. 

The initiative offers CSOs a valuable opportunity to collaborate with key stakeholders, foster strategic partnerships, and access resources to amplify their impact in climate and biodiversity action.

For more information on the initiative and the application process for the grant programme, please visit UNDP’s website: https://www.undp.org/turkiye/news/eco-future-grant-programme