Funding for the climate adaptation manager position

In brief. Staff positions in municipal climate adaptation management are mainly funded through Funding Priority A of the DAS funding guideline ("Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change", BMUKN; the project sponsor is Zukunft, Umwelt, Gesellschaft (ZUG) gGmbH, and the Zentrum KlimaAnpassung advises municipalities free of charge), i.e. the entry into municipal adaptation management including a position and an accompanying concept. The programme works with time-limited funding windows that open and close repeatedly; one window was closed early in August 2025 because funds were exhausted. Whether a window is currently open must be checked on a day-to-day basis. Last reviewed: August 2026.

Why this matters for your municipality. Without staff, climate adaptation remains a paper process. A funded manager position is, for many municipalities, especially smaller ones, the only realistic way to build any capacity at all. The catch: the position depends on an open funding window, and preparing the application takes lead time. Those who only react once the window is open often come too late.

What exactly does DAS Funding Priority A support?

Funding Priority A targets the entry into municipal adaptation management. Typically funded is the establishment of a staff position for a limited period, combined with the development or update of an adaptation concept and accompanying measures such as public relations work. The idea behind it: the municipality builds capacity and strategy at the same time, instead of leaving a concept in a drawer. The exact design is set out in the currently applicable version of the guideline and the funding calls.

How much funding is available, and what remains with the municipality?

Funding rates and grant amounts depend on the specific funding item and the relevant programme version. In the past, rates in adaptation management were increased, with financially weak municipalities receiving better conditions. Because these values can change with each version of the guideline, we deliberately do not state a fixed percentage here; rely on the current funding call. Important for the finance department: there is always an own contribution, and once funding ends, the question of continuing the position arises.

How do I find out when a funding window opens?

DAS windows are announced via the ZUG website and the Zentrum KlimaAnpassung. It is worth subscribing to the newsletter and contacting the Zentrum KlimaAnpassung's funding advisory service early; the advice is free of charge and helps with orientation. Since windows are sometimes short and close early once funds are exhausted, a prepared application is your biggest advantage.

The honest limitation. A funded position is not automatic. Funding depends on an open window, available funds and an approvable application, and even then there is no guarantee. We do not promise approval or a specific funding amount. After the funding period, your municipality must clarify how the position will continue to be financed; this is not a detail but a strategic question.

When KomAdapt is worthwhile. The "Funding Roadmap & Reporting" module helps prepare the content of the application: it links your risk and exposure analysis with the requirements of adaptation management and provides the data foundation a concept needs. This gives you solid material as soon as a funding window opens.

_Which programme funds the position?_ Usually Funding Priority A of the BMUKN's DAS funding guideline; the project sponsor is Zukunft, Umwelt, Gesellschaft (ZUG) gGmbH, and the Zentrum KlimaAnpassung advises municipalities free of charge. Availability depends on open funding windows. Last reviewed: August 2026. _Is a funding window currently open?_ This changes constantly. One window was closed early in August 2025 because funds were exhausted; further windows have been announced without fixed dates. Check the current status with ZUG. _How long is a position funded for?_ The funding period is limited and results from the relevant funding call. After that, the municipality must decide on continuation. _Can small municipalities use this funding?_ Yes, position funding is often the only route for small municipalities in particular. Financially weak municipalities sometimes receive better conditions; inter-municipal solutions are possible. _What happens after the funding period ends?_ Continued financing is up to the municipality. Many continue the position within the core budget. Prepare this decision early, with solid results demonstrating the benefit.

Incoming links to be set from: climate-adaptation-funding, climate-adaptation-manager-role-funding, climate-adaptation-small-municipalities.