Call for Project Concepts: Marine Conservation Program Grants (Bahamas)

Deadline: 23-Mar-2026

The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund has launched its second Call for Project Concepts to support initiatives in marine conservation, climate-smart management, and sustainable blue economy development. Grants of up to USD 50,000 are available to non-profits, community organizations, academic institutions, research organizations, and government agencies implementing projects in priority protected areas.

Program Overview

The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF) supports projects that protect marine ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and promote sustainable blue economy practices. The fund emphasizes initiatives in priority protected areas and seeks to empower local communities, NGOs, academic institutions, research organizations, and government agencies to implement impactful conservation projects.

Funding Priorities

Projects should align with BPAF’s conservation and sustainability goals, including:

• Community-based marine conservation and management

• Climate-smart management planning and implementation for protected areas

• Research and monitoring to support national mangrove management plans

• Integrated coastal zone management, including mangrove restoration and invasive species removal

• Promotion of sustainable blue economy initiatives

• Capacity development and technical assistance for NGOs and communities

• Monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge sharing to strengthen marine protected area management

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

• Legally registered non-profit organizations and community-based organizations (minimum one year registration by February 2026)

• Local academic institutions and research organizations

• Government agencies involved in marine conservation

Project Scope

Funded projects should contribute to the ecological health and effective management of marine protected areas. Activities may include:

• Community-led conservation initiatives

• Improving management planning and ecological assessments

• Enhancing technical capacity for climate adaptation

• Promoting sustainable use of marine resources for biodiversity and local livelihoods

• Knowledge sharing, community engagement, and monitoring systems for marine conservation outcomes

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: Up to USD 50,000 per project concept

• Strategic projects demonstrating significant conservation impact may receive additional consideration

• Funding supports both ecological and community-focused conservation efforts

How to Apply

1. Ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria (non-profit, community organization, academic/research institution, or government agency).

2. Identify a project that aligns with BPAF priorities and is located in or directly affects a priority protected area.

3. Prepare a detailed project concept outlining objectives, activities, expected conservation outcomes, and community benefits.

4. Submit the project concept by the official deadline via the BPAF application portal.

5. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to develop full proposals for funding consideration.

Why This Fund Matters

• Strengthens marine protected area management and ecological health

• Promotes community engagement and local conservation leadership

• Supports climate-smart planning and sustainable blue economy initiatives

• Advances national conservation commitments under the BDCPMC

• Encourages collaborative projects among NGOs, communities, and government agencies

FAQs

1. Who is eligible to apply? Legally registered non-profits, community organizations, academic/research institutions, and government agencies active in marine conservation.
2. What is the maximum funding amount? Up to USD 50,000 per project concept.
3. Can international organizations apply? Only if their projects directly benefit Bahamian marine ecosystems in priority protected areas.
4. What types of projects are supported? Community conservation, ecological monitoring, climate-smart management, mangrove restoration, invasive species removal, and sustainable blue economy initiatives.
5. How long must organizations be registered? At least one year prior to February 2026.
6. Are strategic projects prioritized? Yes, projects demonstrating significant conservation impact are given additional consideration.
7. Where should projects take place? In, near, or directly affecting selected priority protected areas in The Bahamas.

Conclusion

The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund 2026 provides critical support for projects that protect marine ecosystems, enhance climate resilience, and foster sustainable blue economy development. By funding community-driven, NGO-led, academic, and government initiatives, BPAF promotes long-term conservation, improved management of marine protected areas, and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

For more information, visit Bahamas Protected Areas Fund.