The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), as regional implementation team (RIT) for the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot, are inviting letters of inquiry (LOIs) from non-governmental organizations, community groups, private enterprises, universities and other civil society organizations active in the eligible geographic areas in Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadine or working at the regional or multi-country level in all the previously mentioned countries and the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Characteristics
In addition, CEPF encourages proposals that demonstrate the following characteristics, as relevant:
Existence of co-financing or the ability to leverage additional funds.
Demonstration of coordination with other organizations to reduce duplication of efforts.
Existence of partnerships or alliances with one or more other organizations.
Endorsements from other recognized agencies or authorities.
Transnational or regional projects.
Clear plans for continuation and/or replication after initial CEPF funding.
Support to local communities in community-based or co-management activities for biodiversity conservation and actions that enhance local communities’ tenure and resource use rights, and facilitate equitable and sustainable economic recovery post COVID-19.
Funding Information & Timeframe
This call covers funding for small and large grants:
Small grants are between US$5,000 and US$50,000. The RIT expects small-grant projects under this call to be contracted and start implementation between December 2022 and January 2023.
Large grants are defined as greater than US$50,000. CEPF decides on the amount to be awarded based on the scope and magnitude of the conservation results expected to be achieved. CEPF expects large-grant projects under this call to be contracted and start implementation between January and March 2023.
Eligible Countries: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent & the Grenadines.
Eligibility Criteria
Proposed projects that target direct global environmental benefits and meet the following eligibility criteria are welcome:
Project is located in the Caribbean Islands Hotspot.
Project is located in a country that is not subject to sanctions under U.S. law or other applicable law.
Project supports a strategic direction outlined in the Caribbean Islands Hotspot ecosystem profile and investment strategy
Applicant is authorized under relevant national laws to receive charitable contributions.
Applicant is not a government agency or institution.
Non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises may apply for funding. Individuals must work with civil society organizations to develop applications rather than apply directly.
To qualify for a CEPF grant, the applicant must not be a government agency or institution. Government-owned enterprises or institutions are eligible only if they can establish that they:
Have a legal personality independent of any government agency or actor;
Have the authority to apply for and receive private funds; and
May not assert a claim of sovereign immunity.
Applicants based outside of the eligible countries may submit an LOI as long as the project deliverables are focused on the conservation need within a priority corridor
Joint projects with other organizations are eligible, with one lead organization submitting the application and project partners with clear roles stated in the application.
