Deadline: 02-Dec-2025

Mercy Corps has launched the Strengthening Economic Growth in the Caribbean (SCEG) grant program to fund up to twelve organisations with grants of up to USD 50,000 each. The initiative supports projects that boost employment, expand MSMEs, and increase access to business and digital services across the Caribbean. Eligible organisations must be registered and operating in the region, with proven experience in economic inclusion or business development.

Strengthening Economic Growth in the Caribbean (SCEG) – Mercy Corps Grant

The SCEG program by Mercy Corps provides targeted financial support to organisations advancing inclusive economic growth across the Caribbean. The grant aims to strengthen local enterprises, create jobs and expand digital and business services that contribute to resilient livelihoods.

Grant Overview

Mercy Corps will select up to 12 organisations to receive grants of up to USD 50,000 each.
The implementation period is up to 12 months, allowing grantees to execute high-impact, results-oriented projects within a defined timeframe.

What the Grant Supports

The SCEG initiative focuses on interventions that directly contribute to economic expansion and improved service delivery. Supported activities may include:

• Job creation for youth, women and vulnerable groups

• Strengthening micro-, small- and medium-enterprises (MSMEs)

• Business development services

• Digital skills and digital service delivery

• Market-driven entrepreneurship support

• Ecosystem development for inclusive economic growth

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the SCEG grant, applicants must:

• Be a registered organisation based in or operating across Caribbean jurisdictions

• Demonstrate experience in:

  • Economic inclusion

  • MSME development

  • Digital transformation

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Youth employment

  • Community-based economic programming

• Have capacity to implement a 12-month project

• Submit a complete and competitive proposal

Eligible organisations include:

• Non-profits

• Social enterprises

• Community-based organisations

• Business support organisations

• Economic development agencies

Why This Grant Matters

The SCEG initiative is significant for Caribbean development because it:

• Strengthens MSMEs, the backbone of local economies

• Expands employment opportunities in underserved communities

• Enhances access to digital tools and business services

• Supports sustainable, inclusive economic growth

• Helps organisations scale effective solutions for resilience and prosperity

How to Apply

Here is the typical application process:

1. Review the official call for proposals to confirm eligibility.

2. Attend an information session to understand requirements, timelines and evaluation criteria.

3. Prepare a proposal that includes:

   • Organisational background

   • Project rationale

   • Intended beneficiaries

   • Clear objectives and measurable outcomes

   • Detailed activity plan

   • Budget aligned with project goals

4. Submit the application through the designated Mercy Corps platform.

5. Respond to follow-up questions if contacted by the evaluation team.

6. If selected, sign a grant agreement outlining implementation and reporting obligations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals that are not aligned with economic growth or MSME support

• Overly broad project plans lacking measurable indicators

• Missing budget details or unclear cost justification

• Proposals without evidence of past relevant experience

• Ignoring the 12-month time limit and designing overly ambitious projects

FAQs

1. What is the maximum funding available per organisation?
Up to USD 50,000 per selected organisation.

2. How many organisations will be funded?
Up to twelve organisations across the Caribbean.

3. Are digital transformation projects eligible?
Yes. Projects that enhance digital services or digital skills are encouraged.

4. Can regional organisations apply?
Yes, if they operate within Caribbean jurisdictions covered by the call.

5. Are startups or newly registered groups eligible?
Possibly, if they demonstrate sufficient capacity and relevant experience.

6. What is the project duration?
A maximum of 12 months.

7. Are for-profit companies eligible?
Social enterprises and business support organisations may apply if they meet the criteria.

Conclusion

The Mercy Corps SCEG grant offers Caribbean organisations a strategic opportunity to strengthen local economies, support MSMEs and expand employment opportunities. With up to USD 50,000 available per project, the program empowers partners to drive sustainable, inclusive economic growth and build resilient livelihoods across the region. If your organisation works in economic development, entrepreneurship or digital innovation, this is a timely funding opportunity to accelerate impact.

For more information, visit Mercy Corps.