ICLEI Action Fund 2.0 launches call for applications: 1 Million EUR to support data-driven climate action in Greece
Date
30 Nov 2023
Sections
Regional Policy
The ICLEI Action Fund, an initiative led by ICLEI Europe through grant funding from Google.org, has launched a new one-million EUR funding scheme in Greece to foster data-driven environmental and climate action at the local level. The funding aims to address pressing challenges posed by climate change in Greek cities and is directed toward cities that are both part of the EU Mission for Climate Neutral and Smart Cities and signatories of the EU Mission for Adaptation to Climate Change. The ICLEI Action Fund Greece will grant up to 275,000 EUR each for projects that aim to reduce city emissions, enhance resilience, and help cities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Eligible cities in Greece include: Thessaloniki, Aareas of Athens (including Central Athens and Vari - Voula - Vouliagmeni), Larissa, Kozani, Trikala, Ioannina, (Athens Metropolitan Area), Chalkis, Heraklion (Crete), and Kalamata. Interested organisations are encouraged to explore the eligibility requirements and submit applications before 29 February 2024. A team of sustainability experts under the leadership of ICLEI Europe will conduct the project selection process, ensuring adherence to established criteria.
Projects submitted for consideration should align with the focus areas of environmental and climate action, emphasising key aspects such as sustainable mobility, energy-efficient buildings, solar energy, air quality management, and climate resilience. Proposals should contribute to a just transition and align with cities' climate and smart city goals. They should foster collaboration between civil society organisations and/or research and academic institutions (non-profit) and city authorities.
Wolfgang Teubner, Regional Director of ICLEI Europe, is optimistic about receiving high-quality proposals that utilise relevant data sources and green technologies to drive smart and sustainable action at the local level:
“Google.org’s funding support adds a significant dimension to the initiative, merging grant support with ICLEI's extensive network and technical expertise. This combined effort aims to facilitate the implementation of innovative, data-driven climate actions on the ground, with a keen focus on measuring sustainability impacts in the long term.”
Maria Founta, Google Country Marketing Manager, Greece, adds:
“At Google, we have a unique opportunity to help support the transition to a more sustainable future by driving innovation forward. We are proud to support ICLEI Europe in fostering a collective effort towards combating the impacts of climate change within Greek cities and we encourage all eligible organisations to apply.”
For more detailed information on the ICLEI Action Fund and on how to apply for funding, visit the website here.
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About ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability: ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125 countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. ICLEI Europe provides Members in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and West Asia with a voice on European and international stages, a platform to connect with peers and tools to drive positive environmental, economic and social change. ICLEI Europe works closely with an extended network of local and regional governments and partners on a broad range of topics.
About Google.org: Google.org, Google's philanthropy, supports non-profits that address humanitarian issues and apply scalable, data-driven innovation to solving the world's biggest challenges. It accelerates their progress by connecting them with a unique blend of support that includes funding, products, and technical expertise from Google volunteers. It engages with these believers-turned-doers who make a significant impact on the communities they represent, and whose work has the potential to produce meaningful change. Google.org wants a world that works for everyone—and believes technology and innovation can move the needle.
Press contact
Nidhi Misra
Officer, Communications & Member Relations
ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability