The funding call targets innovative, locally led adaptation projects that support climate-displaced communities in urban informal settlements while strengthening collaboration between NGOs and local authorities.
The Climate Bridge Fund (CBF) has invited eligible non-governmental organisations in Bangladesh to submit project concept notes aimed at strengthening the resilience of people living in selected urban areas who have been displaced or are at risk of displacement due to the impacts of climate change.
The fund, established by Bangladesh-based development organisation BRAC in November 2019 with support from the German government through KfW Development Bank, finances small-scale projects implemented by registered NGOs to assist people affected by climate-related displacement.
According to the call, proposed projects must run for three years with budgets ranging from BDT 50 lakh to BDT 3 crore. International NGOs registered with Bangladesh’s NGO Affairs Bureau are also eligible to apply, provided their proposals demonstrate strong collaboration with local or national NGOs and their role is limited to technical and fiduciary support.
Interested organisations have been asked to complete the prescribed Project Concept Note Template in English and submit it by email to [email protected] using the subject line “CBF/CCW/NGOs/2026/01”. The submission deadline is Thursday, 20 August 2026 at 23:59 BST.
The Climate Bridge Fund estimates that around 2,000 people migrate to Dhaka from rural areas every day. It says Bangladesh’s cities are expected to host 13.3 million people displaced by the effects of climate change by 2050. Many of those displaced settle in informal settlements with limited access to healthcare, livelihoods, water supply and sanitation.
The fund reports that it has awarded 26 projects with total allocated funding of BDT 1,381.86 million.
“Funding is often a big challenge for local organisations, who are often the closest to the communities affected by the impacts of climate change. The Climate Bridge Fund is helping local NGOs to support communities to adapt by bridging the funding gap. We are hoping some of these innovative projects will become proven scalable solutions that can be adapted across the global south to support internally displaced populations,” said Asif Saleh, Chair of the CBF Board of Trustees.
Md Liakath Ali, a member of the CBF Board of Trustees, said: “A holistic approach, engaging multi-stakeholders, to tackle climate change impacts has become crucial for Bangladesh, one of the worst affected countries by climate change. Climate Bridge Fund focuses on bridging the gap between local government authorities and local NGOs to ensure no measure remains stand-alone.”
Dr Ainun Nishat, Speaker of the Advisory Committee Climate Bridge Fund, said local organisations need the capacity to design and implement adaptation projects with effective monitoring and evaluation to build resilience and sustain long-term change. He said the Climate Bridge Fund would contribute to that effort while promoting community empowerment and ownership.
The fund operates through two financing windows. The Climate Change Window supports climate-induced migrants in Barishal, Khulna, Rajshahi, Satkhira and Sirajganj, while the Emergency Response Window supports climate-induced migrants and other vulnerable people in COVID-19 hotspot areas. It finances projects focused on urban locations, particularly informal settlements with high numbers of climate-induced migrants.
According to the fund, project concepts are developed in consultation with local authorities, including city corporations and municipalities, and with communities living in vulnerable areas. Projects are expected to align with national and local policies while promoting innovative adaptation practices, gender inclusion and community ownership.
