Here you will find key information on the Adapt+ funding criteria. Please also refer to the FOEN enforcement notification and the list of measures and specific examples.
Project organisers
Possible project organisers include cantons, communes, regions, associations, businesses and organisations.
Supporting documents required
Applications must contain a plausible explanation of how the adaptation measure contributes to reducing the risks of climate change, mitigating the impacts of climate change or improving the ability to adapt.
In particular, the indicators that can be used to assess the impact of the measure or project once it has been completed must be clearly shown.
Application requirements
Applications will only be considered if they meet all requirements regarding form and content. This must include a budget with a financing plan and a detailed list of the eligible costs as well as information on own funds and any third-party funding (cantons, communes, etc.). The amount of federal funds applied for must also be clearly stated.
Size of grants available
The maximum subsidy is 50 per cent of the eligible costs. The exact amount of financial assistance is determined by the federal government based on the expected benefits and impact of the measure. (Detailed information on subsidies can be found in section 3.2 of the implementation notice.)
If a project is in receipt of other federal funding, the total amount of the federal funding awarded may not exceed 50 per cent of the eligible costs. If funding is received from several state sources, all such funding must be declared and coordinated. Article 12 paragraph 2 SubA states that the funding process is usually coordinated by the authority that contributes the largest amount. In such cases, the FOEN can contact the authorities concerned
Implementation notice (PDF, 453 kB, 12.05.2025)(available in German, French or Italian)
Eligible costs
Eligible costs are the investment costs that are reasonable and necessary to implement the adaptation measure in an way that is economically viable and fit for purpose. These include planning, materials and installation costs, for example.
It should be noted that only the additional costs that result directly from the adaptation measure are eligible. Any additional expenses incurred in the same project for work that does not concern climate change adaptation may not be considered.
For example, if it is planned to plant new trees as an adaptation measure during the refurbishment of a public square, then only the planning and implementation costs for the new trees sub-project are eligible. All other refurbishment work carried out at the same time is not eligible for funding.
Evaluation
The FOEN is responsible for evaluating applications. If necessary, it consults other federal offices affected by the topic of the application.
All applications received by the deadline are evaluated on the basis of formal and content criteria. They are also ranked on the basis of further specific criteria ([reference to notification]):
- Formal criteria: The FOEN checks that all the formal criteria are met (enforcement notification section 5.4.1). If this is the case, the content criteria are checked.
- Content criteria: Applications that meet the formal criteria are evaluated by the FOEN according to content criteria (enforcement notification section 5.4.2). If the content criteria are not met, the application is rejected.
- Ranking: Applications that meet all formal and content criteria are evaluated and ranked on the basis of further criteria (amount of funding requested compared to the impact, relevance, durability and robustness of the measure) (enforcement notification section 3.7).
All applications will be awarded funding providing the total amount of funding requested in applications meeting the formal and content criteria does not exceed the available funds. If the total amount applied for exceeds the available funds, only the best ranked applications will be awarded funding.
Submitting a funding application
You can register for the Adapt+ programme now
Further information
Newsletter on climate change adaptation
We provide regular updates on climate change adaptation and the Adapt+ funding programme. Sign up here for the FOEN newsletter:
Newsletter on climate change adaptation
(available in German, French or Italian)
Links
Overview of the FOEN's technical information on adaptation to the effects of climate change in Switzerland.
Federal Council Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change
Detailed presentation of the national strategy on adaptation to climate change, including objectives and measures.
Programme to promote pilot projects (2013-2023) that implement innovative approaches to adaptation to climate change.
Climate Change Adaptation Network
Network of stakeholders for the exchange of knowledge and experience on adaptation to climate change.
National Centre for Climate Services (NCCS): Adaptation to climate change
Overview of the National Centre for Climate Services (NCCS) on measures and initiatives for adaptation to climate change in Switzerland.
FOEN: Adaptation to climate change – online tool for municipalities
Digital tool to support municipalities and cantons in planning and implementing measures for adaptation to climate change.
Climate Programme – training and communications
The Climate Programme Communication provides information and advice to cities and municipalities on climate protection (reduction of greenhouse gases and adaptation to climate change) and supports them in climate communication.
Documents
Impulse für eine klimaangepasste Schweiz (PDF, 16 MB, 12.05.2023)Pilotprogramm zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel (2. Phase)
Impulse für eine klimaangepasste Schweiz (PDF, 17 MB, 17.10.2017)Pilotprogramm zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel (1. Phase)
Last modification 14.05.2025
Contact
Adapt+ support programme
Guirec Gicquel
Programme Manager
Climate Division
Federal Office for the Environment
Switzerland