SIGLA Komunidad Grants

About SIGLA

SIGLA Komunidad Grants is a community-driven resilience program that transforms barangays from passive recipients of disaster aid into proactive architects of their own resilience. The Philippines ranks first in the World Risk Index, with communities bearing the brunt of climate impacts—typhoons, floods, droughts, and sea-level rise. Yet evidence consistently shows that those most affected by climate change are also the most effective frontline actors when empowered with resources and decision-making authority.

SIGLA builds on this evidence by funding community-led initiatives that reduce disaster risk and strengthen climate resilience. It leverages the Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) framework, uses a Resilience Scorecard to track progress, and unlocks performance-based financing—creating a powerful incentive structure that aligns national resilience goals with local action.

What SIGLA means

Sigla means vitality—the energy and strength of a community that is ready for disasters and a changing climate. SIGLA is also an acronym:

• S Supporting
• I Innovations
• G Grassroots
• L Grassroots-Led
• A Action

Together, SIGLA stands for Supporting Innovations and Grassroots-Led Action—funding that puts resources directly in the hands of communities leading their own solutions to disaster risk and climate change.

Why this matters now

The Philippines faces escalating climate risks. In 2023 alone, 2.1 million of 2.6 million disaster-related displacements were attributed to typhoons and floods. Smallholder farmers, Indigenous Peoples, women, and landless rural workers bear the brunt of climate risks, with limited resources and decision-making power to adapt.

While national frameworks like the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) establish resilience goals, they often fall short of incorporating the lived realities of marginalized communities. Top-down strategies risk overlooking the knowledge, skills, and priorities of those most vulnerable.

SIGLA closes this gap by positioning communities not as passive recipients but as co-creators of solutions—ensuring that marginalized perspectives influence not only the process but also the outcomes of adaptation planning.

Who can apply

All applicants must meet these criteria:

• Your organization must be based in and implementing the project in an eligible community or region.
• You must be a small, grassroots or community-based organization.
• Both registered and unregistered groups may apply. If unregistered, we will help you register, open a bank account, or work with a fiscal sponsor.

What we are looking for

We fund practical, locally rooted work. We are particularly interested in projects that:

1. Are led by small, grassroots organizations that find it hard to access funding.
2. Address local disaster risks and climate impacts.
3. Pilot a new idea or promising approach and learn from it.
4. Empower vulnerable groups to take part in decisions that affect them.

Examples of eligible projects

• Water: Decentralized rainwater catchment and impounding systems (household and community-level)
• Energy: Solar-powered water pumps for communal gardens
• Food: Community food banks sourcing from local farmers, strengthening local value chains

How to apply

Read the guidance first, then prepare your application. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact us before applying.

Apply Now Download Application Guidance

Questions?

If you are unsure if you meet the eligibility criteria, or need help with your application, please reach out.

Email: [your email here]
Phone: [your number here]