Call for Research Proposals on Community Forest Governance Program (Nepal)

Deadline: 02-Mar-2026

The Just Nepal Foundation is inviting research proposals to assess good governance practices of 31 Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in Helambu Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchok. Bachelor’s and Master’s students or recent graduates in social sciences and related fields can apply for a research grant of NPR 50,000. Proposals must be submitted by March 2, 2026 (5:00 PM), and the study must be completed within two months.

The Just Nepal Foundation has announced a call for research proposals to evaluate governance practices among Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in Helambu Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchok, Nepal.

The study aims to strengthen transparency, participation, equity, and inclusive forest governance at the community level.

Research Purpose and Scope

The research will assess governance practices across 31 Community Forest User Groups in Helambu.

Key objectives include:

• Evaluating how governance principles are applied in daily operations

• Assessing how vulnerable households benefit from community forestry

• Identifying strengths and gaps in forest governance systems

The study will focus on the following governance dimensions:

• Transparency

• Participation

• Equity

• Compliance with rules and regulations

• Leadership quality

• Inclusion

• Conflict management

• Planning processes

• External influence

This research contributes to improving accountability and inclusive management in Nepal’s community forestry model.

Research Timeline and Deliverables

The selected researcher or research team must complete the study within two months.

The research must conclude by Baishakh 2083 (Nepali calendar).

Required Deliverables

1. Inception Plan

   • Detailed methodology

   • Work schedule

2. Field Data Collection and Analysis

   • Surveys and interviews

   • Focus group discussions

   • Observations

3. Draft Study Report

   • Initial findings and analysis

4. Final Report

   • Revised report incorporating feedback

   • Practical recommendations to improve governance practices

All deliverables must demonstrate analytical depth and practical relevance.

Funding and Support

Selected applicants will receive:

• A research grant of NPR 50,000

This grant covers the entire study process, including fieldwork, data collection, analysis, and report preparation.

Who is Eligible?

The opportunity is open to:

• Bachelor’s level students

• Master’s level students

• Recent graduates

Eligible academic backgrounds include:

• Sociology

• Rural Development

• Natural Resource Management

• Social Sciences

• Environmental Studies

• Related disciplines

Applicants may apply individually or as part of a study team.

Expected Research Methodology

Applicants must propose a well-justified and feasible methodology.

Possible methods include:

• Literature and policy review

• Surveys of Community Forest User Groups

• Key informant interviews (user committee members and forest users)

• Focus group discussions with vulnerable households

• Field observations

• Participatory assessment tools

The methodology should reflect strong research design and feasibility within the two-month timeline.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Academic relevance

• Quality and feasibility of the research proposal

• Prior research or fieldwork experience

• Understanding of community forestry and governance issues

• Capacity to complete fieldwork within the timeframe

• Inclusion of gender and social inclusion perspectives

• Writing and analytical skills

Preference will be given to:

• Applicants familiar with community forestry practices

• Those with knowledge of local context

• Candidates with prior field research experience

• Multidisciplinary research teams

How to Apply

Applicants must follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare a Detailed Research Proposal

The proposal should include:

• Background and justification

• Research objectives

• Methodology

• Work plan and timeline

• Expected outcomes

Step 2: Update Curriculum Vitae

Include academic qualifications and relevant research or field experience.

Step 3: Compile Documents

Combine the research proposal and CV into a single PDF file.

Step 4: Submit Before Deadline

• Submission Deadline: March 2, 2026

• Time: 5:00 PM

Incomplete applications or those not meeting eligibility criteria will be automatically disqualified.

Why This Research Matters

1. Strengthening Community Forestry Governance

Community Forest User Groups play a key role in Nepal’s forest management system.

2. Promoting Transparency and Inclusion

The study emphasizes equity, participation, and benefits for vulnerable households.

3. Supporting Evidence-Based Improvement

Findings will generate practical recommendations for improved governance practices.

4. Academic and Professional Development

This opportunity provides hands-on field research experience for students and recent graduates.

For aspiring researchers in governance and natural resource management, this grant offers both funding and practical impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete proposals

• Failing to include a clear methodology

• Ignoring gender and social inclusion perspectives

• Overambitious research plans not feasible within two months

• Missing the submission deadline

• Not combining documents into a single PDF

Strong proposals are clear, realistic, and well-structured.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this research grant?

Bachelor’s and Master’s students or recent graduates in relevant academic fields.

2. What is the grant amount?

Selected researchers will receive NPR 50,000.

3. Can teams apply?

Yes. Individual researchers or study teams may apply.

4. How long is the research period?

The study must be completed within two months, concluding by Baishakh 2083.

5. What documents are required?

A detailed research proposal and an updated CV submitted in a single PDF file.

6. What happens if the application is incomplete?

Incomplete or ineligible applications will be automatically disqualified.

7. What type of methodology is expected?

Applicants should design a justified approach that may include surveys, interviews, focus groups, policy review, and participatory tools.

Conclusion

The Just Nepal Foundation’s Community Forest Governance Research Grant 2026 offers students and recent graduates a funded opportunity to assess governance practices across 31 CFUGs in Helambu.

With a grant of NPR 50,000 and a focused two-month research timeline, this initiative supports evidence-based improvements in transparency, participation, and inclusive forest governance. Eligible applicants should prepare a strong, methodologically sound proposal and submit it by March 2, 2026.

For more information, visit Just Nepal Foundation.