Funding Opportunities for Climate and Biodiversity Projects: The Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD)

The Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) provides financial support to projects that address climate adaptation and mitigation while promoting biodiversity. With a focus on Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible countries, DFCD offers funding through grants, loans, and equity investments to private entities and financial institutions.

Funding Categories

DFCD supports projects of varying sizes, including:

• $150,001 – $300,000
• $2,000,001 – $10,000,000
• Over $10,000,001

Key Sectors and Themes

Projects must align with DFCD’s focus areas, such as:

• Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
• Biodiversity Planning and Finance
• Sustainable Land and Water Use
• Pollution Management and Green Economy

The fund excludes activities related to deforestation, fossil fuels, nuclear energy, hunting, and eco-tourism.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Private companies and financial institutions
• Organizations with at least €5 million in total assets or annual turnover
• Projects that require co-investment

DFCD funds feasibility studies, due diligence, environmental and social safeguard checks, pilot projects, and business model development.

Application Process

DFCD’s funding mechanism consists of three main facilities:

1. Origination Facility (Grants)
   • Provides technical assistance and initial funding
   • Applications accepted on a rolling basis
2. Land Use Facility (Grants, Loans, Equity)
   • Selected projects from the Origination Facility advance to this stage
3. Water Facility (Loans, Equity)
   • Available to successful projects from the Origination Facility

Special Considerations

DFCD prioritizes projects that benefit Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and gender inclusion. The Origination Facility is co-managed by WWF Netherlands (WWF-NL) and SNV Netherlands Development Organisation.

For more details, visit DFCD’s website or contact info@thedfcd.com.