CBRB Grants to Empower Communities and Promote Gender Equality (Seychelles)

Deadline: 26-Feb-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is accepting applications for its Community-Based Resilience Building (CBRB) Grant Program to fund community-led initiatives that promote resilience, gender equality, sustainable livelihoods, and ecosystem protection. Small grants of up to USD 15,000 (NGOs) and USD 8,000 (CBOs/cooperatives) are available, with at least 80% allocated to direct implementation. Eligible projects must operate in Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, and the Inner Islands and align with the UNDP CBRB Approach.

What Is the UNDP CBRB Grant Program?

The CBRB (Community-Based Resilience Building) Grant Program supports grassroots initiatives that:

• Strengthen community resilience to risks and climate impacts

• Promote gender equality and women’s leadership

• Enhance sustainable livelihoods

• Foster social cohesion and local ownership

• Integrate ecosystem-based solutions

The program emphasizes risk-informed, inclusive, and participatory development approaches.

Core Objectives of the CBRB Program

Funded interventions must aim to:

1. Strengthen gender equality and women’s leadership in resilience building

2. Support inclusive, risk-informed community-driven development

3. Enhance local economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods

4. Foster systemic risk reduction using area-based approaches

5. Promote social cohesion and collective action for long-term sustainability

Priority Thematic Areas

Projects must address at least one of the following:

• Resilient livelihoods

• Resilient community infrastructure

• Ecosystem-based management

• Gender equality and social inclusion

• Local leadership development

• Knowledge sharing and innovation

Thematic Area 1: Resilient Livelihoods

This area focuses on strengthening economic resilience for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

Eligible activities include:

• Climate-resilient agriculture

• Agroforestry and fisheries

• Eco-tourism initiatives

• Food preservation and processing

• Community savings and loan schemes

• Revolving funds for risk-informed enterprises

• Entrepreneurship training (business planning, financial literacy, market access)

Projects must demonstrate how livelihoods will remain sustainable under climate or disaster-related risks.

Thematic Area 2: Ecosystem-Based Management

This area supports biodiversity conservation and ecosystem rehabilitation to protect livelihoods and reduce risk.

Eligible activities include:

• Reforestation using native species

• Mangrove restoration

• Watershed protection

• Community-managed nurseries

• Erosion control and slope stabilization

• Agroecology and permaculture practices

• Sustainable natural resource management

Projects must show environmental sustainability and long-term ecosystem benefits.

Grant Size and Financial Requirements

Funding Levels

• Up to USD 15,000 for eligible NGOs

• Up to USD 8,000 for eligible CBOs and community cooperatives

Financial Conditions

• At least 80% of funding must support direct implementation

• In-kind contributions from community members are encouraged

• Administrative costs must remain limited

Projects should clearly justify all budget items.

Geographic Focus Areas

Eligible projects must operate in:

• Mahe

• Praslin

• La Digue

• Inner Islands

Applicants must demonstrate local relevance within these areas.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered NGOs

• Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

• Community cooperatives

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Strong community engagement

• Capacity to manage funds

• Alignment with UNDP CBRB principles

Key Proposal Requirements

To qualify, proposals must:

1. Address at least one thematic area

2. Align with the eight elements of the UNDP CBRB Approach

3. Be based on hazard, vulnerability, and risk assessments

4. Demonstrate strong community ownership

5. Be gender transformative

6. Deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits

7. Show sustainability beyond the funding period

8. Have replication or scaling potential

Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

What Does “Gender Transformative” Mean?

A gender-transformative project:

• Goes beyond participation targets

• Actively shifts unequal power dynamics

• Strengthens women’s leadership roles

• Improves access to resources and decision-making

Projects must clearly explain how gender equality is integrated into design and implementation.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Step 1: Conduct Local Risk Assessment

Identify climate, disaster, economic, or environmental risks affecting the community.

Step 2: Select Relevant Thematic Area

Align project activities with at least one CBRB priority area.

Step 3: Design Community-Led Interventions

Ensure:

• Participatory planning

• Inclusion of women and vulnerable groups

• Local ownership

Step 4: Develop Budget

Ensure:

• 80% minimum for direct activities

• Clear cost justification

• Feasible implementation plan

Step 5: Demonstrate Sustainability

Explain:

• How the project continues beyond grant funding

• Potential for replication or scaling

• Additional resource mobilization opportunities

Step 6: Complete Application Fully

Attach all required documents. Incomplete submissions risk disqualification.

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications are typically assessed on:

• Alignment with CBRB Approach

• Gender-transformative design

• Risk-informed planning

• Community ownership

• Environmental sustainability

• Feasibility and budget clarity

• Replication and scaling potential

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to conduct proper risk assessments

• Weak gender integration

• Over-allocating funds to administrative costs

• Lack of sustainability plan

• Minimal community participation

• Missing required attachments

Expert Tips for a Competitive Proposal

• Include baseline data on risks and vulnerabilities

• Demonstrate clear local leadership structures

• Show how women are decision-makers, not just beneficiaries

• Quantify expected outcomes (income increase, hectares restored, households reached)

• Link environmental interventions to livelihood benefits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum grant amount?

Up to USD 15,000 for NGOs and USD 8,000 for CBOs/cooperatives.

2. Can a project address multiple thematic areas?

Yes, provided at least one priority area is clearly addressed.

3. Is co-funding required?

Not mandatory, but in-kind contributions are encouraged.

4. What percentage must go to implementation?

At least 80% of funding must support direct project activities.

5. Are infrastructure projects eligible?

Yes, if aligned with resilience-building and community-driven approaches.

6. What makes a project gender transformative?

It must shift power dynamics, enhance women’s leadership, and ensure equitable access to resources.

7. Can projects be scaled after completion?

Yes. Proposals should demonstrate replication or scaling potential.

Conclusion

The UNDP CBRB Grant Program provides targeted funding for community-driven resilience initiatives in Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, and the Inner Islands. By prioritizing gender equality, ecosystem restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and participatory risk reduction, the program supports long-term, locally owned resilience solutions.

Organizations that integrate risk-informed planning, gender-transformative approaches, and sustainable impact strategies are well-positioned to secure funding and strengthen community resilience for the future.

For more information, visit UNDP.