The LIFE programme is an important European instrument for the development and implementation of European climate, nature and environmental policy. You can apply for LIFE funding for projects in four different topics: Nature and Biodiversity, Circular Economy and Quality of Life, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation and Clean Energy Transition. All types of organisations can apply for funding from the LIFE programme. Companies, governments, knowledge institutions and NGOs. For the 2021-2027 programme period, Europe has € 5.43 billion available for projects that improve the living environment.

Most calls for proposals of the LIFE programme 2024 have been closed since September 2024. Only the calls for proposals for Strategic Nature Projects (SNAPs) and Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP) Environment and Climate are open for full proposals until 6 March 2025. Submission is only possible if a concept note has been submitted.

LIFE programme for Environment, Climate and Nature

The programme consists of four focus areas. These focus areas are very broad, a lot is possible with LIFE funding. For example: using less water for crops, more organic pesticides instead of chemical ones, protect animal species or insects, removing waste from water or sustainable street lights. A lot of different topics. In general, LIFE helps projects that develop European policy on one of the following topics:

• Nature and biodiversity
• Circular economy and quality of life
• Climate mitigation and adaptation
• Renewable energy transition

LIFE grant 2024 calls for proposals

The LIFE calls for 2024 were published on 18 April 2024. For most of these calls the deadline for submissions was from 17 – 19 September 2024. Only the calls for proposals for Strategic Nature Projects (SNAPs) and Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP) Environment and Climate are open for applications of full proposals until 6 March 2025.

Below is an overview of all 2024 calls with corresponding budgets:

Standard Action Projects (SAPs)

• Nature and biodiversity – € 155 million budget
• Circular economy and quality of life – € 65 million budget
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation – € 61.98 million budget
• Clean energy transition – € 4 million budget
• New European Bauhaus – € 8 million budget
• Environmental governance – € 10 million budget

Coordination and Support Action Grants (CSAs)

Clean energy transition – € 77 million budget

Strategic Integrated Projects (SNAPs/SIPs)

€ 150 million budget

Technical Assistance for Preparation for SIPs and SNAPs (TA-PP), Replication, Capacity Building or Legislative & Policy Priorities

€ 26 million budget

Specific Operating Grant Agreements for NGOs

€ 14 million budget

Type of grants

• Standard Action Projects (SAP)
• Strategic Nature Projects (SNAP)
• Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP)
• Technical Assistance Projects (TA)
• Other Actions Grants (OAG)
• Operating Grants (OG)

More information on the LIFE programme?

LIFE projects must be innovative and demonstrate a new technique or approach. Each year, there is a term in which applications can be submitted per project category. Would you like to know more about the opportunities LIFE can offer your organisation? Get in touch with our specialists via 088 495 20 00 or info@hezelburcht.com!