Call for Proposals: Small Grants Programme 2026

The 2026 Small Grants Programme of the Department of Cooperation and Cultural Action (SCAC) at the Embassy of France supports civil society organizations implementing innovative projects across the Eastern Caribbean, Barbados, and OECS region. Grants ranging from €1,000 to €4,600 are available for projects in ocean conservation, youth, culture, sports, sustainable agriculture, Francophonie, and women’s empowerment.

Program Overview: France Embassy 2026 Small Grants Programme

The Department of Cooperation and Cultural Action (SCAC) of the Embassy of France has launched the 2026 Small Grants Programme to support community-based organizations and innovative development initiatives across its regional area of responsibility.

The programme aims to strengthen regional cooperation, encourage sustainable development, and support projects that create social, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits throughout the Eastern Caribbean region.

Key Objectives of the Programme

• Support civil society organizations
• Promote innovative community projects
• Protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity
• Strengthen cultural and creative industries
• Promote Francophone cooperation
• Empower youth and women
• Encourage sustainable agriculture
• Foster regional integration and partnerships
• Promote gender equality in development initiatives

Priority Focus Areas

Ocean Conservation

• Marine biodiversity conservation
• Ocean health
• Coastal ecosystem protection
• Marine sustainability

Sports Development

• Community sports initiatives
• Youth participation
• Sports for development

Cultural and Creative Industries

• Arts and culture
• Creative entrepreneurship
• Cultural heritage
• Creative economy

Francophonie

• French language promotion
• Francophone cultural cooperation
• Educational and cultural exchange

Youth Development

• Youth leadership
• Skills development
• Community engagement
• Youth empowerment

Sustainable Agriculture

• Climate-smart agriculture
• Sustainable farming
• Food security
• Agricultural innovation

Women’s Empowerment

• Women’s leadership
• Economic empowerment
• Gender equality
• Women’s participation in development

Cross-Cutting Priorities

Projects will receive additional consideration if they:

• Integrate gender equality throughout project activities
• Promote regional integration
• Build partnerships with the overseas French Caribbean territories
• Encourage collaboration among eligible countries

Funding Information

Grant Amount

• Minimum Grant: €1,000
• Maximum Grant: €4,600

Grant funding is converted into the local currency of the recipient’s country.

Eligible Project Costs

Funding may be used for:

• Training activities
• Small-scale infrastructure
• Equipment
• Materials and supplies
• Consumables
• Transportation expenses
• Per diem for essential travel
• Trainer and service provider fees
• Seminar and workshop expenses
• Information and awareness activities
• Communication and outreach costs

Eligible Countries

Projects implemented in the following countries are eligible:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Barbados
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Jamaica
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Trinidad and Tobago

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Civil society organizations
• Community-based organizations
• Non-governmental organizations
• Organizations implementing projects within the eligible countries
• Applicants whose projects align with the programme priorities and funding conditions

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization operates within one of the eligible countries and your project aligns with the programme priorities.

Step 2: Design Your Project

Develop a project focusing on one or more priority areas such as:

• Ocean conservation
• Youth development
• Women’s empowerment
• Sustainable agriculture
• Culture
• Sports
• Francophonie

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Develop a realistic budget covering eligible project expenses.

Step 4: Complete the Application

Prepare all required application documents, including:

• Project description
• Objectives
• Activities
• Budget
• Timeline
• Expected outcomes

Step 5: Submit Your Proposal

Submit the completed application according to the programme guidelines before the deadline.

Step 6: Project Evaluation

Applications are assessed based on:

• Relevance to programme priorities
• Innovation
• Regional impact
• Sustainability
• Gender integration
• Partnership potential
• Budget feasibility

Why This Programme Matters

The France Embassy Small Grants Programme helps:

• Strengthen civil society across the Caribbean
• Promote sustainable environmental management
• Support youth and women’s empowerment
• Encourage regional cooperation
• Protect marine biodiversity
• Foster cultural exchange
• Build stronger community organizations
• Support locally driven development solutions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects outside the eligible countries
• Applying with activities unrelated to programme priorities
• Preparing unrealistic budgets
• Omitting gender considerations
• Weak project planning or unclear objectives
• Failing to demonstrate regional or community impact
• Including ineligible expenses in the budget

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly align your project with one or more priority themes
• Demonstrate measurable community benefits
• Include gender-responsive activities where appropriate
• Highlight regional collaboration and partnerships
• Present a realistic implementation plan
• Prepare a transparent and detailed budget
• Explain how the project will continue after grant funding ends

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the France Embassy 2026 Small Grants Programme?

It is a regional grant programme managed by the Department of Cooperation and Cultural Action (SCAC) of the Embassy of France that supports innovative civil society projects across the Eastern Caribbean region.

2. How much funding is available?

Grants range from €1,000 to €4,600, with payments made in the local currency of the recipient country.

3. Which countries are eligible?

Projects may be implemented in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

4. What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports projects related to ocean conservation, sports, cultural and creative industries, Francophonie, youth development, sustainable agriculture, and women’s empowerment.

5. What expenses can be funded?

Eligible costs include training, equipment, light infrastructure, materials, transportation, per diem, trainer fees, seminars, communication activities, and project supplies.

6. What factors strengthen an application?

Projects that integrate gender equality, promote regional cooperation, and establish partnerships with overseas French Caribbean territories receive additional consideration.

7. Why is this programme important?

The programme supports community-led innovation, strengthens regional collaboration, promotes sustainable development, and helps civil society organizations create lasting environmental, cultural, and social impact across the Caribbean.

Conclusion

The France Embassy 2026 Small Grants Programme provides valuable financial support for civil society organizations implementing innovative projects across the Eastern Caribbean region. By investing in environmental conservation, youth, culture, sustainable agriculture, women’s empowerment, and regional cooperation, the programme helps strengthen communities while advancing sustainable and inclusive development.