IKI Small Grants 7th Call for Proposals (2025–2026): EUR 60,000–200,000 Funding Available for Local Climate and Biodiversity Projects

Digital technologies can significantly enhance success both in the application phase and project implementation for this grant: **A. For the Application Process:** 1. **Online Document Management & Collaboration Platform:** Use cloud-based services like Google Drive, Microsoft SharePoint, or Dropbox for secure storage and collaborative editing of all application documents (guidelines, templates, internal drafts, financial statements). This facilitates real-time co-authoring of the project proposal in English, version control, and seamless sharing among team members. 2. **Project Management Software:** Employ tools such as Asana, Trello, or Monday.com to create a detailed application timeline, assign tasks (e.g., 'complete revenue template,' 'draft project objectives,' 'review budget'), set internal deadlines, and track progress, ensuring all aspects are covered before the official submission dates. 3. **Financial Software & Data Export Tools:** Leverage the organization's existing 'software-based accounting system' to efficiently generate the required revenue data for the 'Revenue template' (XLSX). Ensure data can be easily extracted and reconciled with the template and potentially used to prepare projected budgets for the proposal. 4. **Language Refinement Tools:** Utilize online grammar and style checkers like Grammarly or ProWritingAid to polish the English language of the proposal, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and professionalism, which is crucial given the international nature of the call. 5. **Secure File Transfer/Submission Portal:** While the application platform is specified, internal use of secure file transfer protocols can protect sensitive financial documents and ensure they are ready for submission if required at a later stage. **B. For Project Implementation & Monitoring (if funded):** 1. **Mobile Data Collection Apps:** For projects involving fieldwork (e.g., biodiversity monitoring, climate impact assessments, community surveys), deploy mobile apps like KoboToolbox, ODK Collect, or SurveyCTO. These allow field teams to collect georeferenced data, photos, and videos in real-time, even offline, significantly enhancing data quality and efficiency, especially in remote ODA-eligible regions. 2. **Geographic Information Systems (GIS):** For projects focusing on carbon sinks, biodiversity conservation, or climate adaptation, GIS software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS Online) is invaluable. It enables mapping project areas, tracking land-use changes, monitoring ecological restoration, visualizing impact zones, and supporting spatial planning decisions. 3. **Remote Sensing and Satellite Imagery Platforms:** Utilize platforms like Google Earth Engine or access Copernicus data for large-scale environmental monitoring. This can help track deforestation rates, changes in water bodies, or vegetation health, providing robust evidence for project outcomes related to climate and biodiversity. 4. **Cloud-Based Project Management & Reporting Platforms:** Implement a system like Smartsheet, Airtable, or a custom NGO-focused platform to track project activities, manage budgets, monitor key performance indicators, and generate comprehensive reports for IKI. This ensures transparency, accountability, and streamlined reporting. 5. **Data Visualization Tools:** Use dashboards created with tools like Power BI, Tableau, or Google Data Studio to present project progress, impact metrics, and financial status in an easily digestible, visual format. This aids in internal decision-making and external reporting to the funder. 6. **Secure Digital Communication Platforms:** Utilize encrypted messaging apps (e.g., Signal, WhatsApp Business) for secure and efficient communication with project beneficiaries, local communities, and project staff, especially across diverse geographical locations. 7. **Online Learning Management Systems (LMS):** If the project involves capacity building or training local communities, an LMS (e.g., Moodle, Canvas, or even simpler platforms like Google Classroom) can host training materials, track participant progress, and facilitate knowledge sharing, making capacity development more scalable and accessible. By strategically integrating these digital technologies, applicants can not only strengthen their grant application by demonstrating modern project management and robust data handling but also significantly enhance the effectiveness, transparency, and impact of their funded projects.