World Bank: Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CARE) Grant for Public Sector Institutions

The World Bank Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CARE) Grant is a specialized funding window designed to support public sector institutions in building resilience against climate change. Launched as part of the World Bank's commitment to scale up adaptation finance, the CARE Grant provides resources for projects that integrate climate adaptation into national and local development planning, infrastructure investments, and service delivery. The grant is part of a broader global effort to close the adaptation finance gap, which the UNEP estimates at $100-300 billion per year. For public sector institutions in developing countries, the CARE Grant represents not just funding but a partnership with the world's leading development bank to implement innovative solutions that protect vulnerable populations and build long-term resilience. The grant focuses on sectors such as water, agriculture, urban development, and disaster risk management, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and social inclusion. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2026, and the urgency is driven by the accelerating impacts of climate change, including more frequent and severe floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Institutions that act now to prepare strong proposals will be in a competitive position. The application process requires a detailed concept note, followed by a full project proposal, with rigorous appraisal by World Bank staff. Key requirements include alignment with the country's NDC and National Adaptation Plan, use of environmental and social safeguards, and a clear results framework with measurable indicators. GSLI's training courses can significantly enhance the quality of proposals by ensuring that applicants demonstrate the institutional capacity needed to manage grant funds effectively and achieve project outcomes. This overview provides a foundational understanding of the grant's purpose, scope, and timeline, setting the stage for a deeper dive into eligibility, priorities, and implementation strategies.

The World Bank CARE Grant is exclusively designed for public sector institutions at national, regional, and local levels in World Bank member countries that are eligible for International Development Association (IDA) or International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) funding. Eligible entities include line ministries (e.g., Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance), subnational government bodies (provincial governments, municipal corporations, district councils), and specialized public agencies (e.g., national disaster management authorities, river basin authorities, meteorological services). State-owned enterprises (SOEs) that deliver public services—such as water utilities, electricity companies, or transport authorities—may also qualify if they operate under a clear mandate for climate adaptation. The grant explicitly prioritizes institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to integrating climate resilience into their core operations, planning processes, and investment programs. Recipients must have the legal authority to implement projects, manage funds, and enter into contractual agreements. Institutions with prior experience in World Bank-funded projects or other multi-lateral development bank (MDB) programs are generally favored due to their familiarity with donor fiduciary standards. However, first-time applicants can also succeed by demonstrating robust institutional capacity and a willingness to adopt World Bank safeguard policies. The grant encourages partnerships with other public entities, research institutions, and civil society organizations to enhance technical expertise and stakeholder engagement. Crucially, the institution must be able to co-finance a portion of the project costs (typically 10-20%) through counterpart funding or in-kind contributions, ensuring ownership and sustainability. GSLI recommends that potential applicants conduct a thorough institutional capacity assessment before applying, focusing on gaps in financial management, procurement, and M&E systems. Our courses in Project Management for Development, Financial Management for NGOs, and Procurement & Supply Chain can directly address these gaps and strengthen the application.

The World Bank’s strategic priorities for the CARE Grant are anchored in its Climate Change Action Plan (2021-2025) and the evolving post-2025 framework. The overriding goals are to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience, and reduce vulnerability to climate shocks and stresses in developing countries. Specifically, the grant prioritizes interventions that: (1) integrate climate adaptation into national and subnational development planning and budgeting processes—this includes supporting the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs); (2) invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as flood defenses, drought-resistant water supply systems, and climate-proofed transport networks; (3) promote sustainable natural resource management, including ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) approaches like mangrove restoration, reforestation, and sustainable agriculture; (4) strengthen early warning systems and disaster risk management capacities, particularly for hydro-meteorological hazards; (5) support climate-smart agriculture and food security through improved crop varieties, irrigation, and livestock management; (6) enhance water security through integrated water resources management (IWRM) and efficient water use; (7) improve urban resilience through green infrastructure, improved drainage, and heat action plans; (8) empower women, youth, and marginalized groups as agents of adaptation; and (9) generate knowledge and evidence on adaptation effectiveness to inform policy and investment decisions. Investment KPIs include: number of direct beneficiaries (disaggregated by gender), reduction in economic losses from climate events, increase in area under climate-resilient management, number of institutions with enhanced adaptive capacity, and co-financing mobilized. The World Bank also prioritizes projects that are aligned with the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) for the target country. Proposals must clearly articulate how they contribute to the World Bank’s twin goals of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity in a climate-resilient manner. Additionally, the grant emphasizes learning and innovation, encouraging pilot projects that can be scaled up. GSLI’s courses on Monitoring & Evaluation and Writing Winning Proposals are specifically designed to help applicants articulate these priorities with precision and evidence.

Eligibility for the World Bank CARE Grant is governed by a comprehensive set of financial, spatial, and corporate legal requirements. Financially, the applicant institution must demonstrate sound fiscal health and the ability to manage grant funds in accordance with World Bank fiduciary standards. This includes having audited financial statements for at least the last three years, a proven track record of managing donor funds (if applicable), and a clear commitment to co-financing a minimum percentage of the project cost (usually 10-20% of total project budget). The institution must have an adequate internal control system, including segregation of duties, procurement procedures compliant with international competitive bidding, and anti-corruption measures. Spatially, the project must be implemented within a World Bank member country that is eligible for IDA or IBRD financing. The project site must be clearly defined, and environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) must be conducted if the project involves land transformation, resettlement, or impacts on natural habitats. The project must comply with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), including Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs). Legally, the applicant must be a public sector entity with a legal mandate to undertake the proposed activities. This requires submitting legal documentation such as the institution’s charter, enabling legislation, or ministerial decree demonstrating authority. The institution must have the legal capacity to sign agreements and receive international transfer of funds. Additionally, the applicant must not be subject to any sanctions from the World Bank Group or other multilateral development banks. To ensure alignment with national strategies, the project must be endorsed by the relevant national oversight body (e.g., Ministry of Finance or Planning) and be consistent with the country’s development priorities. GSLI offers a course in Grants Management that provides detailed guidance on meeting these eligibility criteria, including how to prepare the required financial statements and legal documents. We also recommend our course on Procurement & Supply Chain to establish compliant procurement systems before the grant is awarded.

To successfully secure and implement a World Bank CARE Grant, public sector institutions must follow a strategic roadmap that integrates capacity building, stakeholder alignment, and rigorous project design. GSLI’s training courses are embedded in each step to enhance the applicant’s readiness and competitiveness. Step 1: Institutional Capacity Assessment and Gap Analysis. Before drafting the proposal, conduct a thorough assessment of your institution’s strengths and weaknesses in financial management, procurement, M&E, and project management. Use GSLI’s course 'Financial Management for NGOs' to train staff on World Bank financial reporting requirements and 'Procurement & Supply Chain' to establish efficient and transparent procurement processes. Identify any gaps in legal documentation and ensure you have audited financial statements for three years. This step typically takes 2-3 months and is critical for building donor confidence. Step 2: Strategic Alignment and Stakeholder Engagement. Align your project concept with the World Bank’s Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) and the national NDC and NAP. Use GSLI’s 'Writing Winning Proposals' course to learn how to map your objectives to donor priorities and articulate a compelling theory of change. Engage key stakeholders—including other government agencies, local communities, civil society, and private sector partners—through workshops and consultations. Document their input and incorporate it into the project design to ensure ownership and sustainability. This step takes 3-4 months and may involve signing memoranda of understanding. Step 3: Rigorous Project Design and Budgeting. Develop a detailed project proposal with a logical framework (logframe) that includes clear indicators, baselines, and targets. Use GSLI’s 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' course to design a robust M&E plan that meets World Bank standards. Prepare a realistic budget that includes co-financing contributions and ensures that all costs are directly attributable to project activities. Ensure that the proposal addresses environmental and social safeguards as per the World Bank ESF. This step requires 4-6 months and may involve hiring technical consultants for specialized components like engineering or ecological assessments. Step 4: Submission, Negotiation, and Pre-Implementation Training. Submit the proposal through the World Bank’s online portal or via the country task team. Once shortlisted, be prepared for negotiations on project scope, timelines, and financial conditions. Use GSLI’s 'Grants Management' course to understand the negotiation process and fiduciary requirements. After the grant is awarded, your institution should undergo a pre-implementation training phase, focusing on World Bank disbursement procedures, reporting formats, and anti-corruption measures. GSLI offers a comprehensive 'Project Management for Development' course that covers these aspects. Throughout the implementation phase, continue to use GSLI’s resources for capacity building in M&E, financial management, and risk mitigation to ensure successful project delivery and potential for future funding.