The Polar Initiative
Welcome to the call for projects of "The Polar Initiative", devoted to better understanding and protecting the polar regions.
The Polar Initiative was launched in February 2022 during the first Polar Symposium in Monaco.
Learn more about The Polar Initiative
GENERAL GUIDELINES
This pre-application session is open online from 1st to 30th June 2023 included.
Shortlisted projects will be appraised for potential funding starting in 2025. Therefore, the application for funding must be for activities starting in 2025.
No project can be directly submitted to any of the partners of The Polar Initiative. Only files submitted in the framework of this call for project proposals will be considered.
Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by email by 31st March 2024 at the latest.
In order to be eligible, project proposals must be in line with the following sections:
A/ Priority topic:
- Strengthening Arctic and Antarctic marine protected areas.
- The issue of polar tourism and possible solutions to protect polar biodiversity.
- Protection of Arctic ecosystems by local and indigenous communities.
B/ Geographic Scope
Arctic and Antarctic
C/ Prerequisites:
- The application for funding must be for activities starting in 2025.
- Any financial support requested should not exceed 50% of the total project budget.
- The request for support must not concern:
- The regular functioning of the organizations,
- Projects carried out by one or more natural persons, independent of any structure with legal personality,
- Projects that are solely commercial in nature,
- Projects with no other financial partner(s),
- Pure research projects.
D/ Selection criteria:
If your project meets the prerequisites presented above, it will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Clarity of the information provided,
- Originality of the approach with regards to the selected topic,
- Added value, exemplarity and replicability of the project,
- Measurable and concrete aspects of the project’s expected results,
- Viability and durability of the project,
- Concertation and involvement of the local populations concerned,
- Quality and solidity of partnerships,
- Technical and financial feasibility,
- Competences of the project leaders,
- Quality of project management,
- Existence of a project evaluation system.
The project selection process is based on the following steps:
Phase 1:
- The Pre-Application File is submitted online via the Foundation’s website during the calls for projects,
- Applications are pre-selected by the Foundation’s staff,
Phase 2:
- An application file is sent to applicants of pre-selected projects,
- Selection, by the Foundation’s staff, of the applications to be presented to the Scientific and Technical Committee,
Phase 3:
- Applications are referred to the Scientific and Technical Committee for opinion,
Phase 4:
- Final selection of projects by the Foundation’s Board of Directors,
- A financing agreement is drawn up and signed.