Deadline: 11-May-2026
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), together with A Rocha Ghana and Ajemalebu Self-Help, is inviting civil society organizations in selected West African countries to apply for large grants ranging from US$50,000 to US$250,000. The call supports projects focused on Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), ecological corridors, biodiversity data, and conservation advocacy in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Overview
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), in collaboration with A Rocha Ghana and Ajemalebu Self-Help, has launched a call for large grants to strengthen biodiversity conservation in selected West African countries.
The opportunity is aimed at civil society organizations and other eligible institutions working on conservation of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), ecological corridors, and threatened species.
Focus Areas
This call is limited to selected priorities under Strategic Direction 1 and Strategic Direction 3.
Projects should focus on one or more of the following:
- Protecting and improving conservation management of priority Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)
- Strengthening ecological corridors that connect KBAs
- Updating Key Biodiversity Area analyses
- Strengthening national mechanisms for KBA recognition and promotion
- Compiling data on conservation needs and opportunities related to KBAs and threatened species
- Communicating biodiversity data to:
- The public
- Policymakers
- The private sector
What the Fund Prioritizes
CEPF is looking for projects that are:
- Strongly aligned with the defined investment priorities
- Likely to deliver clear conservation results
- Built on past efforts
- Complementary to ongoing regional work
- Cost-effective
- Backed by organizations with the experience and institutional capacity to implement successfully
This means proposals should not be too broad or generic. They should clearly match the stated priorities and show why the organization is well placed to deliver.
Funding Amount
This is a large grant opportunity.
- Minimum grant: US$50,000
- Maximum grant: US$250,000
The funding is intended for larger-scale conservation interventions in the eligible countries.
Eligible Countries
Projects must be implemented in one or more of the following countries:
- Cameroon
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Equatorial Guinea
- Ghana
- Liberia
- São Tomé and Príncipe
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to a broad set of civil society and non-state actors.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants may include:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Community groups
- Universities
- Small private enterprises
Individuals
- Individuals cannot apply independently
- They may only participate by working with an eligible civil society organization
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Organizations must:
- Have valid legal status
- Maintain their own bank account
- Be legally allowed under national law to receive charitable contributions
These are core compliance requirements, so applicants should make sure documentation is ready before applying.
Special Rule for Government-Linked Entities
Government-owned entities may apply only if they can prove:
- They are independent from government agencies
- They can receive private funds
- They do not claim sovereign immunity
This is important because not all public or semi-public institutions will qualify automatically.
Consortium Applications
Applications can also be submitted by consortia.
In such cases:
- One organization must serve as the lead applicant
- The lead organization is responsible for coordination
- Roles and contributions of all partners must be clearly explained
Consortium applications can be useful where technical, geographic, or thematic expertise is shared across organizations.
Why This Grant Matters
This is a valuable opportunity for organizations working on biodiversity conservation in West Africa, especially those already engaged in KBA protection, corridor conservation, and threatened species work.
The call is particularly useful for groups that want to:
- Scale up site-based conservation
- Improve landscape connectivity
- Strengthen national biodiversity systems
- Generate stronger evidence for policy and advocacy
- Build on previous conservation investments in the region
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the CEPF West Africa large grant for?
It supports biodiversity conservation projects focused on Key Biodiversity Areas, ecological corridors, KBA analysis, and biodiversity communication and advocacy.
How much funding is available?
Applicants can request between US$50,000 and US$250,000.
Which countries are eligible?
The eligible countries are:
- Cameroon
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Equatorial Guinea
- Ghana
- Liberia
- São Tomé and Príncipe
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include NGOs, community groups, universities, and small private enterprises.
Can individuals apply?
No. Individuals are not eligible to apply independently.
Are partnerships allowed?
Yes. Consortium applications are allowed, but one lead organization must be named and partner roles must be clearly described.
Can government-owned entities apply?
Only in limited cases, if they can prove independence, ability to receive private funds, and no sovereign immunity claims.
Conclusion
The CEPF large grants call for West Africa offers a strong funding opportunity for organizations working on Key Biodiversity Areas, ecological corridors, and threatened species conservation. With grants ranging from US$50,000 to US$250,000, the program supports strategic, outcome-focused projects in six eligible countries and favors proposals that are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with ongoing regional conservation efforts.
For more information, visit CEPF.
