Access Strategies Program Grant

About this grant

The Access Strategies Program is an initiative run by the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI), a global nonprofit focused on driving meaningful climate action through the high-integrity use of carbon credits. The program is specifically designed to identify and address gaps in carbon market participation around the world, with a particular focus on emerging markets and developing economies. VCMI partners with governments in these regions to build the foundations for high-integrity carbon markets that work for people, nature, and the planet. The program provides in-country support and guidance to help policymakers understand and engage effectively with voluntary carbon markets, leveraging financial flows in ways that genuinely benefit their countries and regions. The program is complemented by the Carbon Markets Access Toolkit, which offers step-by-step guidance to help policymakers in emerging markets and developing economies decide how best to generate and sell carbon credits to access climate finance, catalyze innovation, and de-risk investment. VCMI also partners with bodies such as the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF-V20) to ensure the most climate-vulnerable countries receive the social, environmental, and economic benefits of voluntary carbon markets. Recent program activities include a strategic partnership with the Government of Panama to support the development of a high-integrity National Carbon Market, collaboration with the state governments of Acre and Rondônia in Brazil on best practices for high-integrity carbon projects, and broader regional engagement across Latin America, Africa, and climate-vulnerable nations.

Eligibility

The Access Strategies Program is oriented toward governments in emerging markets and developing economies rather than general applicants. Eligible entities appear to be national or subnational government bodies seeking to engage with or develop high-integrity carbon markets. The program targets countries and regions that may face barriers to participating in voluntary carbon markets, including climate-vulnerable nations. No explicit open application process or formal eligibility criteria for grants were described on this page.

Key requirements

• ✓Applicant must be a government entity in an emerging market or developing economy
• ✓Project must leverage carbon markets to unlock climate finance
• ✓Focus on sustainable development priorities aligned with climate goals

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Access Strategies Program?

Eligibility covers organisations in GLOBAL-SOUTH, ASIA, AFRICA, LATAM; local-authority, consultancy. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Carbon markets and MRV funding supports measurement, reporting and verification tools, registries, methodologies and the data systems behind credit markets. Work is commissioned by governments building compliance schemes, by standards bodies and by programmes that strengthen market integrity. Buyers look for transparent methods, auditability and alignment with recognised standards.