###Project Overview The “Low-Carbon Together” Strategic Communication Small Grant Program (hereinafter referred to as the “Grant Program”) was launched in 2020 by the China Environmental Federation and the Energy Foundation. Its aim is to encourage non-governmental organizations to engage in carbon neutrality initiatives from diverse perspectives and through innovative strategies, while enhancing the communication and advocacy capabilities of relevant institutions on these issues. The Grant Program brings together outstanding communication and advocacy projects and models in the fields of carbon neutrality and climate change response through funding and capacity building, aiming to boost the dissemination of carbon neutrality content and public participation in climate actions, thereby facilitating comprehensive societal transformation toward carbon neutrality goals. Low-carbon transportation is a crucial part of adopting a low-carbon lifestyle. It offers significant emission reduction potential, high public awareness, and easy accessibility, making it highly valuable for promoting such lifestyles. The importance of low-carbon transportation is also repeatedly emphasized in national policies. In 2023, against this backdrop, the third phase of the “Low-Carbon Together” Strategic Communication Small Grant Program will continue to support 5–6 projects through funding and capacity building. These projects focus on identifying issues related to urban public participation in low-carbon transportation, addressing urban challenges in this area, increasing public recognition and engagement in low-carbon transportation, and strengthening the professional knowledge of local organizations on this topic. At the same time, it aims to enhance public communication and advocacy skills, contributing to grassroots solutions that promote low-carbon transportation among the public.

Eligible Applicants

Social organizations, research institutes, enterprises, and public institutions registered within China that possess independent legal person status.

Funding Scope

This funding program focuses on initiatives related to urban public participation in low-carbon transportation. It encourages the use of various transportation research methods and audience analysis techniques in project design to thoroughly identify the main challenges faced by urban residents in participating in low-carbon transportation. It also promotes the application of communication strategies and innovations in communication tools. The scientific validity, demonstrability, and dissemination potential of the proposed projects will be key criteria for evaluation. For specific submission requirements and evaluation points, please refer to the application form. Under equal conditions, organizations that have not received funding before will be given priority in Phase 3 of this funding program. Institutions working on similar projects are also encouraged to submit joint applications.

Funding Scale

This phase of the funding program plans to support 5–6 projects, with a maximum grant amount of 200,000 yuan. The actual amount awarded will be adjusted based on the quality of the submitted projects.

Application Mechanism

Application Period

March 3, 2023, to March 31, 2023, is the application period for Phase 3 of the funding program. Relevant supporting materials such as this call for applications, application forms, and low-carbon travel kits will be released gradually on the “Work Together for Low Carbon” dedicated page of the China Environmental Protection Federation. Please check the website address below for updates.http://www.acef.com.cn/a/zhuantilanmu/2023yqdt/index.html

Declaration Method

Applicant organizations can scan the QR code directly and fill out the application materials according to the requirements. Those filling out the forms on a computer can click the link directly:http://lxi.me/qkd64Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted (the deadline for submitting applications is 24:00 on March 31, 2023).

Selection Criteria and Process

• March 3, 2023 – March 31, 2023: The application system is open to collect application forms, which include specific requirements and explanations for each item to be filled in (please stay tuned to the relevant updates on the project’s dedicated page).
• April 1, 2023 – April 17, 2023: The project team aggregates all submitted project information and invites experts to evaluate them. Shortlisted projects will be invited to participate in defense sessions, and the organizations that receive funding will be determined through a combination of written scoring and final defense.
• April 18, 2023 – April 21, 2023: Public announcement of the list of funded organizations
• April 22, 2023 – April 28, 2023: Signing of funding agreements
• April 29, 2023 – November 15, 2023: Project implementation and ongoing capacity building
• November 16, 2023 – November 30, 2023: Project summary and evaluation