Proposal development journey
Designing bankable climate finance projects: a practical pathway
Move from a clearly evidenced climate problem to an investment-ready proposal in four stages. Each stage ends with a checkpoint question — if the answer is “not yet”, strengthen the earlier steps before moving on.
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Stage 1
Understanding the Problem
What is the climate problem?
- Problem Identification Identify the root causes
- Risk & Vulnerability Assess climate risks
- GHG Analysis Calculate emissions
Checkpoint Do we have enough evidence?
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Stage 2
Building the Climate Case
Why should this project be funded?
Checkpoint Is the climate rationale strong?
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Stage 3
Designing the Intervention
Is the project credible and inclusive?
- Gender & Inclusion Address social equity
- Safeguards Ensure protection
- MEL & MRV Plan monitoring & evaluation
Checkpoint Is the project ready for funding?
Weak data at this stage means a weak proposal.
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Stage 4
Preparing for Investment
Is the project finance-ready?
- Budget & Costing Develop the budget
- Blended Finance Engage public & private capital
- Proposal Submission Prepare & submit
Checkpoint Is the proposal investment-ready?
Outcome: an investment-ready climate finance proposal
Every step links to a learning module with guidance, templates and recommended tools.
How the e-Hub helps
What support you can find here
Everything you need to move a climate finance idea forward — from first learning to a submitted proposal.
- 1 Learn
- 2 Apply Tools
- 3 Engage with Experts
- 4 Develop Projects
Learn Climate Finance Project Development
Access self-paced learning modules covering problem identification, solution design, implementation and finance structuring.
Explore Learning ResourcesAccess Practical Tools and Templates
Access and use proposal development tools, decision-support notebooks and concept note templates.
Browse Tools & TemplatesJoin Expert Webinars and Knowledge Sessions
Participate in live and recorded webinars featuring experts, practitioners and accredited entities sharing lessons from successful funding proposals.
View Upcoming & Recorded WebinarsBuild Stronger Climate Finance Proposals
Access step-by-step guidance, examples and supporting resources covering every stage of proposal preparation, from climate rationale to project sustainability.
Start Developing a ProposalExplore Case Studies and Success Stories
Learn from successful climate finance projects and funding proposals across Africa, including lessons, approaches and good practices that can be replicated and scaled.
View Case StudiesLearning pathways
Explore by focus area
Follow the key stages of developing a bankable climate finance project, from identifying the climate challenge to preparing an investment-ready proposal.
Cluster 1
Understanding the Challenge
Build the evidence base for climate action. This cluster answers: What is the problem and why does it matter?
Cluster 2
Building the Climate Case
Develop a compelling justification for climate finance. This cluster answers: Why should this project receive climate finance?
Cluster 3
Designing the Project
Translate the climate challenge into a bankable intervention. This cluster answers: What will the project do and how will success be measured?
- 7 Theory of Change and Solution Design Learning module · 2 recommended tools
- 8 Gender Assessment & Gender Responsive Action Planning Learning module · 1 recommended tool
- 9 Environmental & Social Safeguard (ESS) Learning module · 1 recommended tool
- 10 Development of Logical framework MEL & MRV Systems Learning module
Cluster 4
Preparing for Investment
Strengthen project readiness and investment attractiveness. This cluster answers: How will the project be financed and sustained?
- 11 Budgeting, Costing & Financial Structuring Learning module · 1 recommended tool
- 12 Climate and ESG in Emerging Markets Learning module
- 13 Innovative Business Model Concepts and Frameworks for Climate Entrepreneurship & Innovation Learning module · 1 recommended tool
- 14 Crowding in Private Sector Investment Learning module · 2 recommended tools
Cluster 5
Tools & Support Resources
Finalize and strengthen your proposal package. This cluster answers: Am I ready to submit?
Learning resources
Featured resources
Curated materials to support readiness and proposal development.
Events
Upcoming webinars
Live and recorded learning sessions
No webinars yet
Trainings
Learning programs
Structured pathways and capacity-building support
Community
Community highlights
Facilitators, mentors and peers
Dr. Majambo Gamoyo
Climate Researcher · Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Dr. Benson Kenduiywo
Research Specialist · Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
Prof. Azzeddine Madani
Full Professor at university of Khemis Miliana · University of Khemis Miliana
Stories
Case studies & success stories
Lessons and good practices from climate finance projects across Africa
No case studies yet
