Open Call for Biodiversity Conservation Grants (Indonesia)

Deadline: 15-Mar-2026

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and Burung Indonesia are inviting civil society organizations to submit letters of inquiry for biodiversity conservation projects in Wallacea. Grants are available as small (up to US $50,000) or large (US $50,001–$150,000) with project durations up to 24 months, supporting NGOs, community groups, Indigenous organizations, women’s groups, and private companies engaged in conservation and capacity-building initiatives. Applications require legal registration in Indonesia, financial accountability, and submission through designated platforms.

Overview of the Opportunity

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), in partnership with Burung Indonesia as the Regional Implementation Team, is funding biodiversity conservation initiatives in the Wallacea hotspot. The program supports projects in biodiversity conservation, capacity building, and civil society engagement. Eligible activities focus on implementation within Wallacea, with an emphasis on sustainability, ecological impact, and local community involvement.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible organizations include:

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• Community groups

• Indigenous People’s Organizations

• Women’s groups

• Private companies engaged in conservation

• Other civil society organizations legally registered in Indonesia
  Eligibility requirements:

• Must be legally registered under Indonesian law

• Authorized to receive domestic or foreign funding

• Able to provide financial accountability and reporting

• Demonstrated experience in capacity building and biodiversity conservation in Wallacea

Grant Types and Funding Details

CEPF offers two categories of grants:

1. Small Grants: Up to US $50,000, managed by Burung Indonesia under a simplified application and reporting process. Applications are submitted directly to the Regional Implementation Team, and grant agreements are issued in Bahasa Indonesia. Applicants may proceed directly from letter of inquiry to award, subject to review and negotiations.

2. Large Grants: US $50,001–$150,000, managed by the CEPF Secretariat via Conservation International. Grant agreements are issued in English, and applications must be submitted through the ConservationGrants electronic portal.

Funding notes:

• Proposals exceeding US $150,000 will not be considered

• Recommended funding for large grants: US $75,000–$125,000

• Project duration: up to 24 months

• Earliest anticipated start date: 1 July 2026

How to Apply

Small Grants

1. Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) directly to the Burung Indonesia Regional Implementation Team.

2. Use the designated proposal format, including a logical framework and budget template.

3. Provide supporting documents: institutional establishment deeds, proof of registration with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, or alternative legal documents (articles of association, bylaws).

4. Applications may proceed from LOI directly to award, subject to revisions and negotiations.

Large Grants

1. Register and submit applications via the ConservationGrants electronic portal; email submissions are not accepted.

2. Include all required documentation as specified on the portal.

3. Technical issues can be resolved through the official support email.

4. Emphasize past and ongoing experience in capacity building within Wallacea.

5. Review prior grantees and project summaries on CEPF and Burung Indonesia platforms to align proposals with funding expectations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting large grant applications outside the ConservationGrants portal

• Requesting funding above the US $150,000 limit

• Failing to provide legal registration or financial documentation

• Ignoring the 24-month project duration limit

• Overlooking previous grantee projects and funding patterns

Why This Grant Matters

• Supports critical biodiversity conservation in Wallacea, a globally recognized hotspot

• Strengthens local capacity and civil society engagement

• Encourages inclusive participation of Indigenous communities and women’s groups

• Provides funding for projects with tangible ecological and social impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for these grants? Civil society organizations legally registered in Indonesia, including NGOs, community groups, Indigenous organizations, women’s groups, and private companies working on conservation.
2. What is the maximum funding available? Small grants: up to US $50,000; Large grants: US $50,001–$150,000.
3. How long can projects last? Projects can last up to 24 months, starting as early as 1 July 2026.
4. How do I submit a large grant application? All large grant applications must be submitted through the ConservationGrants portal; email submissions are not accepted.
5. Are proposals exceeding the funding limit considered? No, proposals exceeding US $150,000 will be rejected.
6. What supporting documents are required? Required documents include institutional establishment deeds, proof of registration with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, or articles of association and bylaws if newly established.
7. Can I request technical support during submission? Yes, technical issues are addressed via the official ConservationGrants support email.

Conclusion

The CEPF and Burung Indonesia Wallacea grant program offers a structured pathway for civil society organizations to drive biodiversity conservation. With clearly defined small and large grant categories, project duration limits, and submission protocols, this opportunity empowers organizations to create measurable ecological and social impact in Wallacea. Careful compliance with eligibility, funding guidelines, and prior project research will maximize the likelihood of successful applications.

For more information, visit CEPF.