Bridging the gap between climate plans and climate finance in the Global South
Cities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America experience the climate crisis most acutely. Mayors have developed ambitious climate action plans and identified critical infrastructure projects that could protect millions of residents from flooding, heat stress, and rising sea levels. Turning these plans into reality requires connecting cities to the specialised expertise and financing mechanisms that turn plans into funded projects.
C40 Cities Finance Facility connects cities to technical expertise and appropriate financing
The C40 Cities Finance Facility (CFF) helps cities overcome these barriers. CFF provides the technical expertise to prove projects will work, the financial planning that funders need to see, and direct connections to financing sources. Through this support, CFF helps cities transform climate action plans into funded infrastructure projects that protect communities, cut emissions, and deliver economic benefits.
How the C40 Cities Finance Facility works
The C40 Cities Finance Facility supports cities through a comprehensive partnership journey, from application to implementation:
- Cities apply for support when application periods open with projects that have been identified, scoped, and ideally have pre-feasibility studies completed.
- Technical and financial viability is established through detailed feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, climate-proofing, and financial modelling that meets international standards.
- Social inclusivity is integrated through Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and community engagement, ensuring vulnerable populations are included in the process and benefit directly.
- Cities connect to finance as the C40 Cities Finance Facility identifies suitable financing mechanisms and connects projects with public and private financing sources.
- Capacity is built for the long term through tailored training, peer-to-peer exchanges, and knowledge sharing so cities can develop bankable climate projects independently.
Since 2015, CFF has mobilised $650 million for climate infrastructure. with a target of leveraging over €1 billion in climate finance by 2030.
The C40 Cities Climate Finance Facility applications open periodically. Visit the CFF site for updates.
Curitiba’s solar pyramid
Latin America’s first solar plant built on a former landfill now delivers 8MW of clean energy to 316 public buildings. The project generates 30% monthly electricity savings for the municipality, over USD 500,000 annually, while reducing CO2 emissions by 90,000 tonnes through 2050.
The project also tracked employment data to identify and address gender-specific barriers in the solar sector. Since launching, Curitiba has welcomed 877 visitors from across Brazil and Latin America to learn from the project and replicate the model in their own cities.
Explore financing opportunities and resources
Visit the C40 Cities Finance Facility site for comprehensive information on climate infrastructure financing, technical guidance, and successful project examples:
- Application guidance and eligibility requirements
- Project examples from cities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America
- CFF Impact Report showing results from 38 projects in 30 countries
- City Academy on Finance and Equity workbook
- Guidance on embedding equity and inclusion in sustainable infrastructure
- Resources for funders and partners interested in supporting transformative urban climate projects
Partnership model
CFF is jointly implemented by C40 Cities and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, combining C40’s global network of climate leaders with GIZ’s world-class expertise in sustainable development cooperation.
The programme is supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), reflecting international commitment to supporting urban climate action in regions most affected by climate impacts.
How C40 helps cities access climate finance to shape greener, healthier and more resilient cities.
Commitments by C40 cities to drive ambitious climate results and halve fossil fuel use by 2030.
Cities worldwide are proving that climate action is most successful when equity and fairness are at the heart of every decision.
