Adapt+: Funding information
Here you will find key information on the Adapt+ funding criteria. Please also refer to the FOEN implementation notice and the “Orientation aid for the adaptation to climate change funding programme”, which will help you.
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 formal and content requirements. This includes
- a budget with a financing plan
- a detailed list of eligible costs
- information on self-financing and any funding commitments from third parties (cantons, municipalities, etc.)
In addition, it must be clearly stated which contribution from the federal government is being applied for.
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 applicants receive funding from several government sources, all funding must be declared. There is an obligation to coordinate. 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
Funding criteria in detail
The detailed eligibility criteria for submitting applications can be found in the implementation notice.
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.
Example
If planting new trees is planned as an adaptation measure during the renovation of a public space, only the planning and implementation costs for the sub-project “Planting new trees” are explicitly eligible for funding. Further renovation work carried out at the same time is excluded from 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 (implementation notification):
- Formal criteria: The FOEN checks that all the formal criteria are met (implementation notice section 5.5). If this is the case, the content criteria are checked. Applications submitted early will be checked for formal correctness. This helps to avoid rejections due to missing documents or formal errors. Applications submitted by 27 February 2026 will be considered for this unformal preliminary review of the formal criteria.
- Content criteria: Applications that meet the formal criteria are evaluated by the FOEN according to content criteria (implementation notice section 5.5.2). The FOEN may request additional information as part of its content review. Information on delivery dates will be provided as part of the application process. If the content or formal criteria are not met, the application will be rejected.
- Ranking: If the total amount of funding requested that meets all formal and content criteria exceeds the Adapt+ budget, the applications will be reviewed on the basis of prioritization criteria in order to establish a ranking list (see section 5.5.3). The available funds will then be distributed among the applications according to the ranking list until the budget is fully exhausted.
Submitting a funding application
You can already register for the Adapt+ funding programme:
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)
Index
Contact
Adapt+ support programme Guirec Gicquel Programme Manager