Funding support for bottom-up initiatives: An overview of sources & tips for applying

For grassroots initiatives and civil society organisations, securing sustainable funding is often one of the biggest challenges. While these organisations play a critical role in driving local action—whether on climate, social justice, or community resilience—the question of where to find financial support remains a major barrier.

At ICLEI Europe, our Justice, Equity & Democracy Team has been actively working at the intersection of local governance and civil society collaboration. Through projects like ACCTING, Urban Community, and COM4LGD, we’ve explored how community-led action can be better supported in creating sustainable and just cities—both through local government partnerships and long-term funding arrangements. While the European Green Deal and other high-level policies set ambitious goals, their success ultimately depends on the ability of local actors to bring them to life. But how do these actors secure the financial backing to do so?

To tackle this challenge, ICLEI recently hosted a webinar on funding opportunities, providing an overview of key sources available for European civil society organisations. In addition to breaking down major EU programmes, we also shared practical tips on navigating funding applications and heard insights from experts in philanthropic funding. Finally, we explored a concrete funding opportunity: the Regenerative Communities Fund.

Navigating the EU Funding Landscape

EU funding programmes offer some of the largest financial opportunities for civil society organisations, but they often come with significant administrative requirements and complex application processes. Matthew Bach outlined several key funding sources, each with its advantages and challenges:

• Horizon Europe: A major research and innovation programme (~€100B). Ideal for large, long-term projects but requires extensive administration and application efforts.
• LIFE Programme: Focuses on climate and environmental projects. Less competitive than Horizon, but with lower funding rates.
• CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values): Great for training, networking, and community initiatives, though its lump-sum funding model limits budget flexibility.
• European Urban Initiative: Primarily for local authorities, but increasingly open to civil society participation.
• EuropeAid/DEAR Programme: Funds international projects addressing SDGs and social justice. Offers 90% funding, plus a 7% overhead.
• INTERREG: Supports cross-border cooperation, though it only funds 50% of project costs.
• Erasmus+: A massive €25B programme for educational projects, offering diverse funding opportunities.

While EU grants can provide stability (2–5 years of funding), they often require co-funding, strong partnerships, and rigorous reporting. Organisations are encouraged to team up with experienced leads, plan for delayed payments, and consider the bureaucratic workload before applying.

Working with Philanthropic Funders

Beyond EU grants, philanthropic funding offers greater flexibility and can be less bureaucratic. Ania Rok, an expert in this field, shared key insights on how to engage funders effectively:

• Understand the distinction between funder types – Originating funders (spending their own money) are more flexible than intermediary funders (spending others' money).
• Do your research – Many funders don’t have open calls; use networks like Philea, Ariadne, and national foundation groups to identify potential funders.
• Ask other organisations about their funding – Share and seek funding information to foster collaboration rather than competition.
• Leverage funders as advocates – Engage with funders even before they commit to funding, and encourage them to introduce you to others.
• Bring funders together – If funded by multiple sources, organise meetings with them to align interests and streamline communication.
• Be direct in funding requests – Ask for what you need up front rather than underselling your project, and inquire about funder budgets to maximise potential support.
• Consider unrestricted grants and flexibility – Some funders offer unrestricted funding with fewer reporting requirements; negotiate for multi-year funding, broader eligible costs, and custom reporting schedules.
• Position yourself within an ecosystem – Show how your work fits into the broader landscape, highlighting collaboration and why your project aligns with the funder’s interests.
• Look beyond just money – Funders can provide access to networks, visibility, policy influence, training, and risk-taking opportunities.
• Maintain relationships beyond the first grant – Keep funders engaged with updates, recommendations, and early discussions about future funding to ensure continuity.
• Use funders as ‘critical friends’ – Seek feedback, connections, and insights, treating them as partners rather than just financial backers.

A Concrete Funding Opportunity: The Regenerative Communities Fund

For organisations looking for immediate funding, the Regenerative Communities Fund presents an exciting opportunity. As part of the Funding Fairer Futures programme, this fund—managed by ECOLISE, CAN Europe, and partners—is the first European fund dedicated to regenerative communities.

The first call for proposals will fund five national hubs over 30 months, each receiving €40,000 to support grassroots sustainability initiatives. Eligible applicants must be based in one of 10 pre-selected countries, have 3–5 years of experience in community outreach, and work on climate resilience, ecological restoration, and related topics. Unlike traditional EU funding, this programme is more accessible, with a focus on supporting harder-to-reach groups for long-term impact.

Applications for this fund—and four other funding opportunities under the Funding Fairer Futures programme—are open until March 7, 2025. Organisations can apply for maximumtwo funds but can only receive funding from one. More details, including eligibility criteria and FAQs, can be found on the Regenerative Communities Fund website. If you’re a CSO working on climate and sustainability, consider applying for the fund and keep your eyes peeled for upcoming funding opportunities of the Funding Fairer Futures project! 

Final Thoughts

Funding remains one of the biggest challenges for civil society organisations, but a diverse funding strategy—mixing EU grants, philanthropy, and smaller-scale funds—can provide long-term sustainability. While EU programmes offer stability and scale, philanthropic and private funding can fill gaps, reduce bureaucratic burdens, and enable flexibility.

For organisations working on climate action, social justice, and community-driven sustainability, the current funding landscape presents opportunities. Whether through major EU programmes, philanthropy, or new funds like the Regenerative Communities Fund, securing financial support is possible with the right approach, partnerships, and persistence.