A New LIFE Programme for NGOs: Supporting the Implementation of the European Green Deal

European Green Deal

Towards the end of last week, the European Union’s LIFE programme has published a new call to support the implementation of the European Green Deal. The call is specifically aimed towards NGOs. The grant programme will benefit projects that contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal. Especially in these dark times, this is a welcome boost for NGOs that are working towards a greener, more sustainable and resilient Europe.

The call is aimed towards nine specific themes that are in line with the European Green Deal:

  • Increasing climate ambition
  • Clean, affordable and secure energy
  • Industry for a clean and circular economy
  • Energy and resource-efficient buildings
  • Sustainable and smart mobility
  • Farm to fork
  • Restoring biodiversity and ecosystem services
  • Zero-pollution, toxic-free environment
  • Sustainable finance

Activities to be funded

This call for proposals will fund activities that are typical of non-governmental organisations, whether operational or advocacy-related, and that contribute to strengthening the knowledge and empowering civil society for an inclusive implementation of the European Green Deal at national and/or sub-national level. Typically, this may include information campaigns, participation in public consultations; cooperation and coalition building with other organisations; elaboration of position papers, conferences, seminars; training activities; awareness raising and dissemination actions; actions aiming at the creation and improvement of networks, exchanges of good practices; studies, analyses, mapping activities.

There are three important conditions:

  • The grant is not intended for partnerships, and only one proposal per applicant is allowed;
  • The NGO has a total turnover of at least EUR 700,000, as shown in the profit and loss account of the annual accounts for 2019, and/or an average of 10 permanent members of staff in 2019.
  • The NGO has a negative trend in revenues for 2020 of at least 10% compared to the average income of the previous two years, or a loss of income of at least €100,000.

In this way, the call gives a valuable impulse, both to the NGOs themselves, and to the implementation of the objectives of the European Green Deal.

Some important facts:

  • The total budget comprises €12 million;
  • The grant covers 60% of eligible costs;
  • The maximum contribution per project is €300,000
  • The deadline for submitting applications is 31 March 2021.

This new grant scheme offers interesting opportunities for NGOs that want to contribute to a greener, more sustainable and resilient Europe—for both people and nature, and for the economy as well as the environment. Are you interested? We are keen to help you explore the possibilities. 

 

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