The Donors’ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems (DIMFE) is accepting projects until 15 October 2026. Its 2026 call funds freshwater conservation and water management in the Mediterranean basin with grants of €100,000 to €500,000. The Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco coordinates the initiative. For civil-society organizations, the question that decides everything is whether the project delivers results on the ground rather than studies.
At a glance
| Deadline | 15 October 2026, by email to dimfe@fpa2.org |
| Who can apply | NGOs, local authorities, municipalities, scientific institutions, and private companies engaged in the ecological transition with fewer than 20 employees |
| Grant size | €100,000 to €500,000 per project, with DIMFE covering up to 75% of the total budget |
| Where | Projects located in the Mediterranean basin, without geographical preference |
| Project timing | Start between March and June 2027, maximum duration of 3 years |
| Cost to apply | No application fee mentioned on the official page |
| Official page | DIMFE: submit a project |
Who can apply
The call is open to NGOs, local authorities, municipalities, scientific institutions and private companies with fewer than 20 employees that are engaged in the ecological transition. The project must be located in the Mediterranean basin. The page states no geographical preference inside it.
Several project types are excluded. These are water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) projects, purely research-based initiatives, projects where most activities are studies or research, communication-only efforts, and projects led by a single individual.
What the call funds
DIMFE lists three themes: conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems and the species that depend on them, sustainable use and management of water resources, and the development and implementation of sustainable financing mechanisms. The examples it gives include nature-based solutions, payment for ecosystem services, traditional water management and barrier removal.
Support ranges from €100,000 to €500,000, and DIMFE’s contribution is capped at 75% of the project budget. A request above €300,000 requires 25% co-financing that is not in kind. Projects must start between March and June 2027 and run for at most three years.
How to apply
- Read the call on the official DIMFE page and confirm your project fits one of the three themes.
- Download and complete the application form in PDF. The form is available in English.
- Fill in the two budget tables.
- Email the form and both tables to dimfe@fpa2.org by 15 October 2026.
Advice from the Elathar team
- Write the primary environmental objective in one clear sentence. The page lists a clearly defined primary environmental objective as a selection criterion.
- Show impact on the ground. Selection also looks at impact on the ground, so describe the restoration, management or financing work itself and what it will change at the site.
- Check your activity mix against the exclusions. If most of your budget goes to studies, research or communication, the call will not fund it.
- Plan co-financing early if you need more than €300,000. The 25% share cannot be in kind.
- Budget for a start between March and June 2027, since the call sets that window.
FAQ
Can a university or research institute apply?
Scientific institutions are eligible applicants. Purely research-based projects are not funded, so the project must deliver conservation, management or financing results.
Is there an application fee?
The official page mentions no fee.
Can an individual apply alone?
No. The page excludes projects led by a single individual.
How do I submit?
By email to dimfe@fpa2.org, with the completed PDF form and two filled budget tables.
