This year, in preparation for our fourth allocation round, we are launching a call for proposals within each of the three pillars that the CTF supports projects across. We, therefore, have three different forms for the call for proposals, one for each pillar.
Across all pillars, we are looking for projects that directly implement solutions, i.e. marketplaces, MRV-providers, apps etc are outside of scope.
Helping remove CO₂ from the atmosphere through carbon removal with durable long-term storage.
CCS/CCU and carbon storage with an insecure or short storage time are not included in this pillar (nature restoration and protection projects are supported in a separate pillar).
We want to deploy funds catalytically, meaning we are not just looking at high-quality projects but also favour projects where our support can make the most difference. We are looking to both, support the testing of early-stage technologies not yet proven at scale, and help scale more mature solutions (e.g. biochar) through supporting sustainable, high-quality projects. We are especially interested in projects that help broaden the CDR ecosystem and complement the 13 CDR projects we have supported so far.
We are looking to make pre-purchases of carbon removal with partial or full payments and do not have the ability to sign longer offtake agreements, although delivery of the removal credits can occur over several years.
See our selection criteria and framework for more information on what we are looking for.
You can also read more about our theory of change in supporting carbon removal in this recommendation of our carbon removal portfolio by Giving Green.
Nature-based solutions implemented by non-profit organizations that help to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, such as afforestation, reforestation, forest preservation, restoration of degraded lands, wetlands, mangroves, and beyond.
We have thus far supported seven projects in this pillar and many of them have further funding needs to continue to drive impact. Consequently, the bulk of this year’s funding in this pillar will go to existing partners. We do however have resources to potentially support an additional 1-2 projects, if we receive strong proposals.
In particular, we are interested in innovative projects that have a clear roadmap to becoming self-sustaining or to be replicated at scale. In addition to reducing emissions and absorbing CO₂, projects should ideally:
help to conserve biodiversity-rich ecosystems
provide synergetic benefits for local communities, for example, poverty alleviation or improved agricultural practices
be planned and implemented with an equity-first approach, putting decision-making in the local populations' hands
We provide an initial grant for one year, subject to renewal upon project needs and performance evaluation.
Supporting high-impact projects implemented by non-profit organizations that help to avoid or reduce emissions, as well as supporting policy advocacy projects that fight for climate policy change.
Directly emissions:
In this category, we aim to support effective projects that directly reduce emissions but do not yet have a business model to happen independently of climate impact finance. For example, building renewable energy to replace fossil fuels in remote locations; or supporting startups and entrepreneurs in the field of green energy transition, green mobility, and beyond. We prioritize innovative projects with the potential to lead to bigger change,become self-sustaining and/or replicated. We are also open to projects that reduce emissions of other greenhouse gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide.
Policy & advocacy:
We believe that effective organizations that advocate for change in climate policy can be orders of magnitude more cost-effective than other climate solutions. We, therefore, aim to support effective, professional non-profit organizations in developing and advocating for climate solutions. This can, for example, be projects advocating for fossil fuels phase out, supporting policy dialogues on the energy transition and other climate issues, and projects advocating for further support of R&D and research of climate solutions.
We have supported nine projects in this pillar so far and many of them have further funding needs to continue to drive impact. Consequently the bulk of this year’s funding in this pillar will go to existing partners. We do however have resources to potentially support an additional 1-2 projects, if we receive strong proposals and are especially interested in finding strong avoided emissions projects with catalytic potential.
We provide an initial grant for one year, subject to renewal upon project needs and performance evaluation.
21 Dec 2023
Call for proposals published
21 Jan 2024
Call for proposals closes
22 Jan - 4 Feb 2024
Milkywire invites selected applicants to submit full applications
5 Feb - 18 Feb 2024
Period for completing the full application
Mid February to beginning of April 2024
We meet with selected projects, grade them in accordance with our selection framework and take input from our advisory group
April 2024
Tentative selection and final due diligence
May 2024
Final selection confirmed
June-August 2024
Contracts written and support paid out
The initial submission from interested projects should be done by filling out these forms: carbon removal, protection and restoring nature, and emission reductions.
The form should not take more than 30 min to fill out. It is intended to create a short list of projects to be invited to fill in a full application.
The level support for each project from 2023’s allocation rounds was typically in the range of 150 000-300 000 USD. It may be higher in 2024. Projects with large needs may receive higher support and vice versa.
Submissions will be treated in confidence and not made public. However, aggregated information might be published, such as the number of companies with direct air capture solutions that applied and the total number of tons that were offered to us, as well as the range of the solutions and key focus of the projects within restoring and protecting nature and emission reductions' pillars. In the form we also ask if you permit us to publish your organization name and overall project description.
For questions, please consult our FAQ below or contact robert.hoglund@milkywire.com and/or natalya.yakusheva.jarlebring@milkywire.com
When is the deadline for submitting the application?
21 January 2024
Where can I find the application form?
Where can I check selection criteria?
Please check them here
What is a median level of support for each project?
Last year the project received support in the range of $150 000 - 300 000 USD
What can I expect if my project is selected to submit further information?
We will contact you with more detailed inquiry and guidance. In short, we will ask you to fill a full application form to provide more in-depth information about your project and invite you to share any further relevant documentation. We expect you to provide this information no later than 18 of February. We also invite you for a follow-up interview. Please see further information on the process here.
What is the timeline for selection process?
21 Dec 2024
Call for proposals published
21 Jan 2024
Call for proposals closes
22 Jan - 4 Feb
Milkywire invites selected applicants to submit full applications.
5 Feb - 18 Feb.
Period for completing the full application.
Mid February to beginning of April 2024
We meet with selected projects, grade them in accordance with our selection framework and take input from our advisory group.
April 2024
Tentative selection and final due diligence
May 2024
Final selection confirmed.
June-August 2024
Contracts written and support paid out.
When can I expect the answer?
Please see the answer on previous question. Note that we will prioritize getting in touch with selected applicants. However, we will inform everyone about the results in due time.
Can I get feedback on my application?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer feedback on all submitted project proposals. However, we could provide feedback to shortlisted, but not selected candidates.
How many projects do you select for each pillar?
This varies for each pillar, we have a room for 1-2 new projects in nature restoration and protection category, as well as decarbonization, whereas we will select more projects under Carbon Removal.
Where can I submit additional information on my project/solution?
We will contact pre-selected candidates with the request to provide additional information.
How can I get in touch?
In case of any further inquiries please contact robert.hoglund@milkywire.com and/or natalya.yakusheva.jarlebring@milkywire.com