LIFE

Are you working on projects that contribute to a better environment and climate? Then there is a chance you may be eligible for a LIFE grant. The European Union views the LIFE program as a key instrument for fulfilling the ambitions of the Green Deal. The Green Deal is the European roadmap to making Europe climate-neutral by 2050, through a wide range of measures categorized into themes ranging from climate and energy to mobility and agriculture, to biodiversity.

“LIFE” is not an acronym, but the program is designed to support life on our planet by protecting the environment and nature. The LIFE program began in 1992 and has undergone various phases and budget increases since then.

The LIFE program is open for applications from businesses, non-profit organizations, NGOs, research institutions, and local and national governments from EU member states. It offers various types of financing, including grants for traditional projects, integrated projects, preparatory projects, and technical assistance projects.

In the program period 2021-2027, a budget of €5.4 billion has been allocated. For projects, there is no set minimum or maximum budget established. LIFE only discourages submitting projects with a budget smaller than €500,000. A typical LIFE budget has a size of approximately € 3-5 billion. However, projects with a budget exceeding €5 million are not uncommon. The “Calls for Proposals” often indicate an indicative range of the financial scope of projects within that sub-program/theme. LIFE has an average success rate of approximately 25-30%, although, this can vary from year to year.

LIFE provides funding for projects that contribute to sustainable development, and the objectives of the European Union, in the fields of environment and climate.

The LIFE scheme focuses on the following sub-programs:

• Nature and Biodiversity: Projects contributing to the protection and restoration of endangered species and habitats.
• Environmental Policy and Governance: Projects aiding in the implementation of EU environmental policy, development of innovative policy ideas, technologies, methods, and instruments.
• Climate Action: Projects focusing on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Information and Communication: Projects promoting awareness and communication about environmental issues.

The requirements for obtaining a LIFE grant can vary depending on the specific call for proposals and the EU’s priorities at that time. Our scheme experts are up to date with all the latest developments.

Some general conditions applicable to LIFE projects include:

• Impact and Sustainability: Projects must have a clear impact on environmental, nature, or climate protection and must be sustainable in the long term.
• Partnership: LIFE projects can be carried out by a single organization or by a partnership of multiple organizations from different EU member states. International collaboration is often a plus.
• Co-Financing: LIFE grants typically require co-financing, meaning that a portion of the project costs must be covered by the applicants themselves or by other sources.
• Technical and Financial Feasibility: Project proposals must be technically and financially feasible. This means that applicants must have the capacity to manage and implement the project, and the budget must be realistic and well-supported.
• Innovation: While not always required, innovation is often encouraged. This can involve the development of new technologies, methods, or approaches.
• Dissemination and Communication: Projects must have a clear plan for disseminating results and experiences, allowing others to learn from the project and increasing its impact.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: There must be a clear plan for monitoring and evaluating the project, enabling tracking and reporting of progress and results.

The LIFE calls for 2024 are expected to be officially published on April 18, 2024. Most deadlines are expected to fall on September 19, 2024 (with some exceptions).

Thanks to our 25 years of experience, we can optimize your grant process and take it almost completely off your hands.

What to think about in terms of work?

• Assessing whether your project qualifies for LIFE.
• When it does, you’ll receive support in writing and submitting it.
• Assistance in setting up the collaboration agreement with other organizations.
• Submitting the grant application on time and in accordance with the latest subsidy legislation and terms to the grant provider.
• Acting as a point of contact with the grant provider.
• Answer questions from the grant provider about the application.