Grants Available for Coastal and Marine Conservation (Belize)

The Belize Fund has opened its 5th Call for Proposals for the 2026–2027 funding cycle to support projects that strengthen Belize’s coastal and marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable blue economy opportunities. Funding is available through Community, Medium, and Large Grants, with awards ranging from BZ$50,000 to BZ$500,000, depending on the project category.

About the Belize Fund 5th Call for Proposals

The Belize Fund is inviting applications for projects that contribute to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of Belize’s coastal and marine resources.

The 2026–2027 funding cycle aims to strengthen ecosystem resilience, support sustainable livelihoods, promote climate adaptation, and encourage innovative blue economy enterprises that balance environmental protection with economic development.

Programme Objectives

The programme seeks to:

Strengthen coastal and marine ecosystem conservation.
Promote sustainable fisheries and responsible resource management.
Improve climate resilience in coastal communities.
Support sustainable blue economy enterprises.
Enhance governance and stewardship of marine resources.
Increase economic opportunities for coastal communities.
Encourage women’s and youth participation in the blue economy.

Priority Funding Areas

Projects may address one or more of the following areas:

Sustainable fishing.
Fisheries traceability and monitoring.
Capacity building for fishing communities.
Nature-based solutions.
Climate adaptation.
Coastal ecosystem restoration.
Marine ecosystem restoration.
Pollution reduction.
Renewable energy.
Sustainable blue economy enterprises.
Value-added fisheries products.
Sustainable mariculture.
Reef-friendly tourism.
Circular economy initiatives.
Sustainable marine biodiversity products.

Fisheries Component

The fisheries component supports initiatives that improve the sustainability and resilience of Belize’s fisheries sector.

Eligible activities may include:

Sustainable fishing practices.
Fisheries stewardship.
Fish stock recovery.
Fisheries monitoring.
Product traceability.
Scientific research.
Citizen science initiatives.
Fisheries infrastructure improvements.
Fisheries data collection and reporting.

Projects may also incorporate innovative technologies such as:

Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS).
Satellite tracking.
Electronic logbooks.
Acoustic sensors.
Fish-finding technologies.

Climate Resilience Component

Projects may strengthen coastal resilience through:

Shoreline protection.
Reef restoration.
Nature-based solutions.
Community-led climate planning.
Coastal ecosystem restoration.
Pollution reduction initiatives.
Renewable energy for fisheries and tourism.
Sustainable livelihood development.

Sustainable Blue Economy Component

The programme encourages innovative businesses and enterprises that support both conservation and local economic development.

Examples include:

Value-added fisheries products.
Sustainable mariculture pilot projects.
Reef-friendly tourism.
Circular economy businesses reducing marine litter.
Marine biodiversity products.
Nutraceutical development.
Cosmetic products.
Sustainable crafts and accessories.

Special emphasis is placed on increasing participation by women and young entrepreneurs.

Grant Categories

Medium Grants

Funding: BZ$50,000 to BZ$150,000
Project duration: Up to 2 years
Co-financing requirement: 10%

Large Grants

Funding: BZ$150,000 to BZ$500,000
Project duration: 2 to 3 years
Co-financing requirement: 25%

Community Grants

Funding: Up to BZ$100,000
Project duration: 1 to 2 years
Co-financing:
- No co-financing required for grants up to BZ$50,000.
- 10% co-financing required for grants above BZ$50,000.

Who Can Apply?

Regular Grants

Applicants must:

Be registered with the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry.
Have operated in Belize for at least one year before application.
Demonstrate successful financial management.
Demonstrate successful project management experience.

Community Grants

Applicants must:

Be registered with the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry.
Be located in a coastal community or coastal area.
Have at least one year of active operations.
Maintain a functional governing or executive body that meets regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Belize Fund 5th Call for Proposals?

It is a competitive funding programme supporting projects that strengthen Belize’s coastal and marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable blue economy development.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include registered organizations operating in Belize that meet the programme’s eligibility requirements for either Regular or Community Grants.

What funding is available?

Funding includes:

Community Grants: Up to BZ$100,000
Medium Grants: BZ$50,000–BZ$150,000
Large Grants: BZ$150,000–BZ$500,000

What sectors are supported?

Projects may focus on fisheries, climate resilience, marine conservation, ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, sustainable tourism, mariculture, pollution reduction, and blue economy enterprises.

Is co-financing required?

Yes.

Medium Grants require 10% co-financing.
Large Grants require 25% co-financing.
Community Grants above BZ$50,000 require 10% co-financing.

Can projects include technology for fisheries management?

Yes. Projects may incorporate technologies such as vessel monitoring systems, satellite tracking, electronic logbooks, acoustic sensors, and other fisheries monitoring tools.

Are women’s and youth initiatives encouraged?

Yes. The programme encourages projects that promote leadership, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities for women and young people.

What climate-related activities are eligible?

Eligible activities include shoreline protection, reef restoration, ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, pollution reduction, renewable energy, and community resilience planning.

Can community-based organisations apply?

Yes. Community organisations located in eligible coastal areas may apply for Community Grants if they meet the registration and governance requirements.

What types of sustainable businesses are supported?

Examples include value-added fisheries products, sustainable mariculture, reef-friendly tourism, circular economy initiatives, and marine biodiversity products such as nutraceuticals, cosmetics, crafts, and accessories.

Conclusion

The Belize Fund’s 2026–2027 Call for Proposals provides significant funding opportunities for organizations working to protect Belize’s coastal and marine resources while promoting sustainable economic development. By supporting fisheries innovation, climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and blue economy enterprises, the programme aims to strengthen environmental stewardship and create lasting benefits for coastal communities across Belize.