Deadline: 27-Apr-2026
The Ecos Fund under ISPN has launched Call for Proposals 47 (1st/2026) to support sustainable development, environmental conservation, and community resilience in Brazil. The call focuses on resilient landscapes, especially projects that strengthen food security and territorial governance in TICCAs within priority areas of the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes. A total of US$250,000 is available for eligible civil society organizations.
Short Description
This funding opportunity supports community-led projects in Brazil that promote environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods in traditional, indigenous, and local community territories. Managed by ISPN under the Small Grants Programme, the call aims to strengthen productive eco-social landscapes, improve food security, and reinforce governance in conserved territories in the Cerrado and Caatinga.
Funding Information
- Total available budget: US$250,000 (approximately R$1.3 million)
- Supports small projects
- Project duration: Up to 12 months
- Administrative costs: Allowed up to 15% of the total project budget
Focus Areas
Projects should contribute to:
- Sustainable development
- Environmental conservation
- Community-led resilience
- Food security
- Governance of TICCAs (territories and areas conserved by traditional, indigenous, and local communities)
- Strengthening resilient landscapes in the:
- Cerrado biome
- Caatinga biome
Eligible Activities
Funding may cover:
- Food acquisition
- Personnel costs directly linked to the project
- Technical assistance
- Training sessions
- Meetings and exchange activities
- Equipment, machinery, and tools for agroecological production
- Communication materials
- Transportation
- Construction and renovation
- Dissemination of project results
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a legally established civil society organization
- Have at least 2 years of existence
- Propose projects in territories that meet the characteristics of TICCAs
- Implement projects within priority landscapes of the Cerrado and Caatinga
- Align with the thematic priorities of the call
- Respect the budget limits for small projects
- Present a project timeline of up to 12 months
- Submit all required legal documentation
Program Background
The call is part of the Eighth Operational Phase of the Small Grants Programme in Brazil and is implemented by ISPN in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It is supported financially by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and the International Climate Initiative.
Tips for Applicants
To strengthen your proposal:
- Clearly show how the project supports food security and territorial governance
- Demonstrate relevance to TICCAs and the selected priority landscape
- Highlight benefits for traditional, indigenous, or local communities
- Include practical outcomes in conservation and sustainable livelihoods
- Keep the budget realistic and ensure administrative costs stay within 15%
- Make sure all legal documents are complete before submission
FAQs
Who can apply?
Only legally established civil society organizations with at least two years of existence are eligible.
What is the total funding available?
The call has a total budget of US$250,000 (around R$1.3 million).
What regions does the call target?
Projects must be implemented in priority landscapes within the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes in Brazil.
What kinds of projects are supported?
Projects focused on sustainable development, environmental conservation, food security, agroecological production, and TICCA governance are encouraged.
How long can projects last?
Projects can run for a maximum of 12 months.
Are administrative costs allowed?
Yes. Administrative costs are eligible, but they must not exceed 15% of the total project budget.
Final Takeaway
The Ecos Fund Call for Proposals 47 (1st/2026) is a valuable opportunity for Brazilian civil society organizations working with traditional, indigenous, and local communities in the Cerrado and Caatinga. With US$250,000 available, the call is well suited for community-based, conservation-driven projects that improve food security, territorial governance, and resilient livelihoods.
For more information, visit Ecos Fund.
