The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) is offering grants to Indonesia-based fishers associations to strengthen advocacy, participatory governance, and sustainable fisheries management. The program supports small-scale fishing communities in reducing illegal fishing, influencing fisheries policies, and securing equitable access to fisheries resources. Applications are open to legally registered national fishers associations with experience in fisheries advocacy.
Overview of the Grant Opportunity
The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), a UK-based non-profit organization that protects the environment and defends human rights, is inviting applications from national fishers associations in Indonesia. The grants are part of the “A Global Toolkit for Participatory Fisheries Governance” project, which operates across 15 countries in the Global South. The initiative aims to strengthen small-scale fishing communities by promoting inclusive fisheries management, improving food security, and enhancing livelihoods.
Key objectives of the program include:
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Enhancing participation of small-scale fishers in fisheries governance and decision-making.
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Promoting community surveillance to prevent industrial illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
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Supporting the formation of co-management associations to reduce artisanal IUU fishing.
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Driving policy reforms to secure equitable access and tenure rights to fisheries resources.
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Building capacity within fishers associations to effectively influence national and local fisheries policies.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Be Indonesia-based and legally registered as a national fishers association or civil society organization representing small-scale fishers.
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Demonstrate prior experience in fisheries-related initiatives.
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Have a proven track record in advocacy and influencing fisheries regulation at regional or national levels.
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While a national presence is advantageous, it is not mandatory.
Why This Grant Matters
Small-scale fishers often face challenges such as limited participation in decision-making, vulnerability to industrial and artisanal IUU fishing, restricted access to fisheries resources, and weak advocacy capacity. These grants allow associations to:
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Strengthen advocacy for sustainable fisheries management.
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Secure legal rights and equitable access to resources.
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Improve organizational capacity to influence policy.
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Contribute to food security, livelihoods, and community resilience.
How to Apply / How it Works
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organization is legally registered, represents small-scale fishers, and has prior experience in fisheries advocacy.
Step 2: Prepare the Proposal
Your proposal should include:
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Advocacy initiatives aimed at influencing fisheries policies or legislation.
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Capacity-building activities or training programs for fishers associations.
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Staffing support or consultancy services to enhance organizational effectiveness.
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Budget plans covering employment, travel, events, communications, IT, and office expenses.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Follow EJF’s official submission guidelines and include all required documentation, such as legal registration proof, previous project experience, and organizational track record.
Step 4: Review and Award
EJF evaluates proposals for alignment with project objectives. Selected organizations receive small grants to implement advocacy and participatory governance initiatives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting proposals without clear alignment to fisheries governance objectives.
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Failing to demonstrate prior advocacy experience.
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Incomplete legal registration or proof of organizational capacity.
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Insufficient budget justification for planned activities.
FAQ
1. What activities can the grant fund? Advocacy campaigns, capacity-building, staffing, consultancy, travel, events, IT, communications, and office space.
2. Can regional fishers associations apply? Yes, but applicants must be legally registered national associations or organizations representing small-scale fishers.
3. Is prior fisheries experience required? Yes, organizations must show a proven track record in fisheries advocacy and policy influence.
4. Can the grant cover staff salaries? Yes, for staff directly supporting participatory fisheries governance initiatives.
5. How long is the application process? Deadlines are set by EJF; applicants should check the official website.
6. Are international organizations eligible? No, only Indonesia-based national fishers associations or civil society organizations are eligible.
7. What outcomes are expected? Strengthened advocacy capacity, improved participation in fisheries governance, and measurable influence on fisheries policies.
Conclusion
The EJF grant provides Indonesian fishers associations a strategic opportunity to enhance advocacy, strengthen governance participation, and secure equitable fisheries access. By applying, organizations can reduce illegal fishing, improve livelihoods, and influence sustainable fisheries management, contributing to stronger communities and resilient small-scale fisheries.
For more information, visit EJF.
