How to Apply
Submit your project for funding consideration through our streamlined application process.
Watch: How to Apply
A step-by-step video guide to help you through the application process.
Application Process
Follow these steps to submit your project application
Create an Account
Register for an account on our platform. You will need to provide your name, email address, and organization details.
Complete the Screening Questionnaire
Submit a brief screening questionnaire about your project. This helps us understand your project's scope, location, and funding requirements.
Screening Review
Our team reviews your screening questionnaire to assess eligibility. This typically takes 5-7 business days.
Complete the Full Application
If your project passes screening, you will be invited to complete a detailed application form with comprehensive project information.
Technical Assessment
Our technical team conducts a thorough assessment of your project, including feasibility, impact potential, and financial viability.
Final Decision
You will receive a final decision on your application. Approved projects proceed to funding and implementation planning.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be considered, the submitted projects must:
- Have undergone preliminary scoping, conceptualization, and ideation (i.e., pre-feasibility) such that the basic technical concept, business model (under a user-pays, government-pays, or hybrid model), approximate budget and schedule, and SDG alignment can be described and are complementary.
- Be clearly connected with an existing urban master plan or similar development plan strategy for the municipality.
- Align with UN-Habitat's existing geographical footprint.
- Align with one or more of the following sectors: Affordable Housing, Energy, Transport and Mobility, Waste Management, and Water and Sanitation.
- Align with at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Additionally, priority will be given to projects that:
- Are larger in size/have larger construction budgets. Packages of aggregated smaller projects (by both geography and sector) may be considered.
- Present evidence of government support for the project, ideally at the national and/or regional levels. At a minimum, this means public endorsement of the project, but can also include financial and regulatory support. If the project promoter is a public entity, this means support from other (generally higher) levels of government.
- Showcase more advanced levels of project preparation into the feasibility or development stages. For example, this can mean having progressed with feasibility study, project development planning, relevant statutory approvals and permits, land/site control, environmental and social impact assessments, financial/regulatory government support negotiations, financial modelling, and/or design engineering, among other development activities.
- Can be integrated with the Global Urban Monitoring Framework and SDG Cities Flagship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the application process take?
The initial screening review takes 5-7 business days. The full application review process typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on project complexity.
Is there a fee to apply?
No, there is no application fee. The entire application process is free of charge.
Can I save my application and complete it later?
Yes, your progress is automatically saved. You can log back in and continue where you left off.
What happens if my screening is rejected?
You will receive feedback on why your project did not pass screening. You may address the concerns and reapply after 6 months.
Can I apply for multiple projects?
Yes, you can submit applications for multiple projects. Each project requires a separate application.
Who can I contact for help?
For assistance with your application, please contact our support team at support@cif-platform.org or use the contact form on our website.
Ready to Get Started?
Join hundreds of successful projects that have received funding through our platform.