They will consider funding elements for any proposed technology by qualified investigators that has the potential for meaningful climate benefits, except for stratospheric (or higher) Solar Radiation Management (SRM) due to its significant controversies, governance issues, and the availability of other funding. They also exclude Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and Direct Air Capture (DAC) because of existing large funding programs for those areas.

CIEIF does not provide funding for basic research or implementation; instead, they offer grants to support the analysis of proposed field tests. This analysis should address environmental impacts and, where relevant, economic, social, and human health effects that may result from the project. Given equal conditions, priority for funding will be given to nonprofit institutions, including academic organizations. Applications from private businesses conducting climate intervention field tests will also be considered. While the potential grants have a global reach, international projects will receive higher priority if they involve a U.S. nonprofit partner to accept the grant as a donation. They only support projects that will be documented through journal publications or other peer-reviewed reports. Work funded by CIEIF should not be viewed as a substitute for necessary government compliance and permitting; instead, it should aim to complement and enhance the required governmental processes.

Funding Criteria

Selected applicants will engage in discussions with CIEIF staff regarding the expert consulting needs related to their proposed field test, specifically regarding EIA, impact modeling, and outreach to potentially affected stakeholders. These consultations may involve confidential conversations about technical, siting, legal, and permitting matters. Once these initial discussions are concluded, applicants will receive the first third of their $75,000 grant upfront. The second and third payments will be released according to a negotiated schedule that aligns with project milestones, with the possibility of ongoing annual funding.

There will be no direct contractual relationships between CIEIF and any external consultants. CIEIF staff will be available to provide occasional advice and consultation on grant progress. Grantees must agree to be listed on the CIEIF website and to acknowledge CIEIF on their own websites.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 1 December 2024.

Scroll down below for more information and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.