Call for Projects of the Polar Initiative

The Polar Initiative was launched in February 2022 during the first Polar Symposium in Monaco.

Learn more about The Polar Initiative

GENERAL GUIDELINES

This pre-application session is open online from 2nd to 30th June 2025 included.

Shortlisted projects will be appraised for potential funding starting in 2027. Therefore, the application for funding must be for activities starting in 2027.

No project can be directly submitted to any of the partners of The Polar Initiative. Only files submitted in the framework of this call for project proposals will be considered.

Only completed files sent in the original format will be examined. All files scanned or saved as a non-editable PDF format will be automatically rejected.

Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by email by 31st March 2026 at the latest.

In order to be eligible, project proposals must be in line with the following sections:

A/ Priority topic:

The Foundation is launching a call for projects as part of its Polar Initiative, with a focus on projects that aim to strengthen and support decision-making processes for the protection and conservation of polar ecosystems.

This year’s call prioritizes projects that reinforce the connection between scientific research and policy, ensuring that reliable knowledge and data effectively inform decisions to shape a resilient future for the Arctic and Antarctic as they evolve in response to global and local changes.

Projects may include, but are not limited to, the following focus areas:

• Activities aimed at generating knowledge to inform decisions on the protection of polar ecosystems
• Activities aimed at improving polar observation and monitoring systems to inform decisions on the protection of polar ecosystems
• Activities supporting more effective sharing and dissemination of science and observation and monitoring data for a better management and protection of polar ecosystems.
• Conservation actions for better management and protection of the polar regions, including the management of human activities.
• Activities supporting community adaptation and mitigation strategies responding to changes in the polar regions.
• Activities supporting capacity building and integration of indigenous populations into governance bodies.
• Activities supporting science diplomacy to promote international cooperation in the protection of polar ecosystems.

For projects in the Arctic, special priority will be given to projects developed and co-developed with indigenous communities.

B/ Geographic Scope

Arctic and Antarctic

C/ Prerequisites:

• The application for funding must be for activities starting in 2027.
• Any financial support requested should not exceed 50% of the total project budget(over the support period starting in 2027).
• The request for support must not concern:
  • The regular functioning of the organizations,
  • Projects carried out by one or more natural persons, independent of any structure with legal personality,
  • Projects that are solely commercial in nature,
  • Projects with no other financial partner(s),
  • Pure research projects.

D/ Selection criteria:

If your project meets the prerequisites presented above, it will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Clarity of the information provided,
• Originality of the approach with regards to the selected topic,
• Added value, exemplarity and replicability of the project,
• Measurable and concrete aspects of the project’s expected results,
• Viability and durability of the project,
• Concertation and involvement of the local populations concerned,
• Quality and solidity of partnerships,
• Technical and financial feasibility,
• Competences of the project leaders,
• Quality of project management,
• Existence of a project evaluation system.

The project selection process is based on the following steps:

Phase 1:

The Pre-Application File is submitted online via the Foundation’s website during the calls for projects

Applications are pre-selected by the Polar Initiative Steering Committee

Phase 2:

An application file is sent to applicants of pre-selected projects by the end of August, to be submitted no later than mid-November
Selection, by the Polar Initiative Selection Committee, of the applications to be presented to the Scientific and Technical Committee
Applicants are encouraged to secure Indigenous community approval by this stage, where applicable.

Phase 3:

Applications are referred to the Scientific and Technical Committee for opinion,

Phase 4:

Indigenous community approval, where applicable, is required prior to review by the Board of Directors.
Final selection of projects by the Foundation’s Board of Directors,
A financing agreement is drawn up and signed.

Additional information may be requested during various phases of the process.