Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a Call for Proposals for Low Value Grants under the Model Lives Project to support community-based organizations in Basilan, Philippines. Eligible groups can receive up to USD 30,000 per community for projects that promote sustainable fisheries, coastal resource management, and livelihood opportunities for marginalized fisherfolk communities.
About the Opportunity
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting proposals for Low Value Grants to support projects that build a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient fisheries sector in Basilan.
The grant is part of the Modelling Livelihood Solutions for Coastal Communities in Basilan (Model Lives Project), which is co-funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP.
The project runs from January 2025 to December 2026 and focuses on developing practical livelihood models that improve economic opportunities for coastal and fisherfolk communities.
Funding Information
- Maximum grant amount: USD 30,000 per community
What the Grant Supports
The Low Value Grant facility supports community-led and grassroots initiatives that improve livelihoods while protecting coastal ecosystems.
Eligible activities may include:
- Community mobilization
- Awareness-raising campaigns
- Capacity-building for community-based organizations
- Self-help and community-led initiatives
- Income-generating activities
- Poverty reduction efforts
- Coastal resource conservation
- Mangrove restoration
- Seaborne patrols
- Sustainable coastal resource management
- Other livelihood and environmental protection activities benefiting coastal communities
Programme Goals
The grant aims to:
- Strengthen the institutional capacity of community-based organizations
- Support income diversification for fisherfolk
- Increase income and profitability for beneficiaries
- Improve sustainable fisheries practices
- Strengthen coastal resource conservation and management
- Promote community participation in local development
- Improve the long-term resilience of coastal ecosystems
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must be:
- Community-based organizations (CBOs)
- Associations based in eligible communities
Applicants must also:
- Have elected officers
- Have a clear organizational structure
- Have established policies
- Maintain an existing commercial bank account
- Be officially recognized by the local government unit (LGU) or another relevant government partner
- Be based in one of the assisted communities under the Model Lives Project
Target Communities
Applicants must be based in or represent beneficiaries from one of the following communities in Basilan Province:
- Barangay Lawi-Lawi, Municipality of Lantawan
- Barangay Bohelebung, Municipality of Tipo-Tipo
- Barangay Lower Benembengan, Municipality of Sumisip
A grant recipient may either:
- Directly represent beneficiaries from these communities, or
- Be composed of the beneficiaries themselves
Preference Criteria
- Women-led community organizations will receive preference
This is intended to ensure that vulnerable and marginalized groups benefit from the opportunity.
Why This Grant Matters
This is a strong local opportunity for grassroots organizations working in coastal livelihoods, fisheries, and environmental protection.
It is especially valuable because it combines:
- Livelihood support
- Community empowerment
- Sustainable fisheries
- Coastal conservation
- Women-led inclusion
- Local ownership of development
What Makes a Strong Application?
Strong proposals are likely to show:
- Clear alignment with sustainable fisheries and coastal livelihoods
- Strong benefit to marginalized fisherfolk communities
- Practical, community-based implementation
- A realistic plan for income generation or resource conservation
- Strong organizational readiness and local recognition
- Clear connection to one of the target communities
- Participation of women and vulnerable groups
How to Apply
While the provided text does not include a deadline or direct application link, applicants should prepare:
- Proof of organization recognition by the LGU or relevant authority
- List of elected officers
- Organizational structure and policies
- Bank account details
- Project proposal aligned with the Model Lives Project
- Budget up to USD 30,000
- Description of target beneficiaries
- Evidence of community base in one of the eligible barangays
- Implementation plan and expected results
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying from outside the target communities
- Submitting a proposal without clear fisheries or coastal livelihood relevance
- Failing to show community-based governance
- Not having an existing commercial bank account
- Proposing activities without measurable livelihood or conservation outcomes
- Ignoring the importance of women’s participation or leadership
FAQs
What is the UNDP Low Value Grant in Basilan?
It is a community grant opportunity under the Model Lives Project that supports local initiatives for sustainable fisheries, livelihoods, and coastal resource management in Basilan.
How much funding is available?
Eligible organizations can receive up to USD 30,000 per community.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are community-based organizations or associations in the target communities with elected officers, clear structures, policies, a commercial bank account, and official recognition.
Which communities are eligible?
The target communities are:
- Barangay Lawi-Lawi (Lantawan)
- Barangay Bohelebung (Tipo-Tipo)
- Barangay Lower Benembengan (Sumisip)
Are women-led groups encouraged?
Yes. Women-led community organizations will receive preference.
Final Takeaway
The UNDP Low Value Grants for Basilan offer an important opportunity for community-based organizations in selected coastal communities to strengthen livelihoods, fisheries resilience, and environmental stewardship.
With up to USD 30,000 per community, this is a valuable funding window for grassroots, community-led, and women-inclusive initiatives that support both economic empowerment and coastal sustainability.
For more information, visit UNDP.