The Next Level Grant Facility report
The NLGF is a pioneering initiative, designed to bridge critical funding gaps, ensuring that marginalised and frontline communities can access the financial resources needed to drive meaningful climate action.
Unlike traditional models that often create bureaucratic hurdles, the NLGF prioritises accessibility, inclusivity, and rapid response, putting power and resources directly into the hands of those who need them most.
Financing Community-Led Climate Action
Launched in 2023 under the VCA program, the NLGF operates with a budget of €3.5 million across seven countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Indonesia, Kenya, Tunisia, and Zambia. As of March 2025, it has successfully supported over 500 community-led projects. These initiatives encompass a range of solutions, including nature-based approaches, enhanced water and food security, disaster preparedness, and legal protection for environmental defenders. The NLGF’s approach is localised and decentralised, providing flexible funding for both climate emergencies and long-term resilience-building initiatives, while also offering crucial capacity-building and advocacy support.
Our comprehensive report, “NLGF – A look into the lessons and implementation to date”, presents the first synthesis of data collected from the NLGF’s implementation to date. It outlines key achievements, evaluates fund allocation, and assesses emerging outcomes, serving as a foundation for advocating for more equitable and locally driven climate finance.
To learn more about the NLFG’s background and its impact on local communities, visit: voicesforjustclimateaction.org/topic/vca-small-grant-mechanism
