Deadline: 16-Mar-2026
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is inviting Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for biodiversity conservation projects in the Indo-Burma Hotspot. This funding opportunity supports civil society-led initiatives that strengthen protected area governance, integrate biodiversity into development planning, and build the capacity of local organizations, with grants ranging from US$50,000 to US$250,000.
CEPF–IUCN Call for Letters of Inquiry in the Indo-Burma Hotspot
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have launched a call for Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) to support biodiversity conservation projects in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. The call targets local and regional civil society organizations working to protect ecosystems, strengthen conservation governance, and support sustainable livelihoods across priority landscapes.
About the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
CEPF is a global conservation funding mechanism designed to safeguard the world’s most biologically rich and threatened regions, known as biodiversity hotspots. It focuses on empowering civil society to play a central role in conservation, ensuring long-term environmental sustainability through locally driven solutions.
Geographic Focus: Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot
The Indo-Burma Hotspot is one of the world’s most biologically diverse and threatened regions. This funding opportunity is open to projects implemented in the following countries:
Funding Priorities Under This Call
Projects submitted under this call must align with CEPF’s investment priorities for the Indo-Burma Hotspot. Eligible priorities include:
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Strengthening management effectiveness of Protected and Conserved Areas (PCAs)
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Enhancing governance of PCAs through engagement with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs)
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Integrating biodiversity, ecosystem services, and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into development planning within priority corridors
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Building the institutional capacity of civil society organizations working on biodiversity, livelihoods, and community resilience
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Supporting networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange to address emerging conservation threats
Types and Size of Grants Available
CEPF offers two categories of grants under this call:
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Small Grants: Up to US$50,000
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Large Grants: Between US$50,000 and US$250,000
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects with a duration of 12 to 24 months, with an intended start date of 1 July 2026.
Eligible Applicants and Languages
This call is open to a wide range of civil society actors, including:
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Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
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Community-based organizations
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Indigenous Peoples’ organizations
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Women’s groups
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Local private sector entities
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Grassroots and regional CSOs
Applicants may apply regardless of whether they have previously received CEPF funding. Individual applicants are not eligible and must partner with a registered CSO.
Language requirements vary by grant type:
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Large Grants: English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish
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Small Grants: Burmese, Chinese, English, Khmer, Lao, Thai, or Vietnamese
Who Is Eligible to Apply
Eligible applicants must:
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Be a legally recognized civil society organization
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Operate in one or more eligible Indo-Burma countries
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Propose projects aligned with CEPF investment priorities
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Demonstrate institutional and technical capacity to deliver results
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Collaborate with communities, IPLCs, or relevant stakeholders
Why This Funding Opportunity Matters
This call supports locally driven conservation solutions in one of the most threatened biodiversity hotspots globally. By strengthening governance, integrating nature into development planning, and empowering civil society, CEPF and IUCN aim to achieve long-term, scalable conservation impacts that also support community livelihoods and resilience.
Gender and Social Inclusion Considerations
Projects that actively integrate gender equality and social inclusion in line with CEPF’s gender policy are strongly encouraged. Proposals should demonstrate how women, Indigenous Peoples, and marginalized groups are meaningfully involved in decision-making and benefit from conservation outcomes.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Applicants must follow a structured application process:
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Review the CEPF investment priorities for the Indo-Burma Hotspot
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Develop a clear project concept aligned with eligible priorities
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Prepare and submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through the designated application system
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Ensure the LOI clearly outlines objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and budget range
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Shortlisted applicants may be invited to submit a full project proposal
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
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Submitting projects outside CEPF’s stated priorities
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Proposing unrealistic timelines or budgets
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Failing to demonstrate community or stakeholder engagement
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Ignoring gender and social inclusion considerations
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Submitting applications as individuals rather than through CSOs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)?
An LOI is a short concept note outlining the proposed project, its objectives, activities, and alignment with CEPF priorities.
Can organizations without prior CEPF funding apply?
Yes. CEPF welcomes applications from organizations that have never received CEPF funding.
Are individuals allowed to apply?
No. Individual applicants must collaborate with an eligible civil society organization.
What is the recommended project duration?
Projects should be designed for 12 to 24 months.
When should projects begin?
Selected projects are expected to start around 1 July 2026.
Is gender integration mandatory?
While not mandatory, projects that integrate gender considerations are strongly encouraged and prioritized.
Can projects focus on livelihoods as well as conservation?
Yes. Projects may integrate biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods and community development.
Conclusion
The CEPF–IUCN call for Letters of Inquiry offers a strategic opportunity for civil society organizations to advance biodiversity conservation in the Indo-Burma Hotspot. By supporting strong governance, inclusive development planning, and organizational capacity building, this funding aims to deliver lasting conservation outcomes while empowering local communities and institutions.
For more information, visit IUCN.