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Small Grants Facility for Environmental Governance Action (Trinidad and Tobago)

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Deadline: 30-Jan-2026

The Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) Small Grants Program supports civil society organisations and community groups in Trinidad and Tobago to advance environmental governance, transparency, accountability, and justice. Offering up to USD 10,000 for short-term initiatives under the EnviroRightsTT project, the grant funds practical advocacy and pilot actions to protect the right to a healthy environment. Projects must be completed within six months and no later than 30 June 2026.

Funding for Environmental Governance and Justice in Trinidad and Tobago

Overview of the Small Grants Opportunity

The Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) is offering a Small Grants Program to support civil society organisations and community groups in Trinidad and Tobago. The grant enables practical, action-oriented initiatives that strengthen environmental governance, public participation, transparency, accountability, and access to justice.

This funding opportunity is part of the Taking Action component of the EnviroRightsTT Project, which focuses on translating environmental rights knowledge into concrete advocacy and policy impact.

Key Grant Details

  • Grant provider: Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI)

  • Grant name: CANARI Small Grant (EnviroRightsTT Project)

  • Eligible location: Trinidad and Tobago

  • Target groups: Civil society organisations and community groups

  • Funding amount: Up to USD 10,000

  • Project duration: Maximum of 6 months

  • Project completion deadline: On or before 30 June 2026

  • Grant type: Advocacy initiatives and pilot projects

About the EnviroRightsTT Project

The EnviroRightsTT Project is a multi-phase initiative aimed at strengthening environmental democracy in Trinidad and Tobago.

Project Evolution

  • Earlier phases focused on mobilisation, awareness raising, and capacity building

  • The current Taking Action phase supports real-world implementation of advocacy and governance initiatives

  • Emphasis is on converting knowledge, networks, and civic engagement into measurable environmental outcomes

Focus Areas and Priority Themes

Funded initiatives must address one or more of the following environmental governance priorities.

Environmental Transparency and Accountability

  • Improving transparency in environmental decision-making

  • Strengthening accountability of public and private sector actors

  • Promoting access to environmental information

Access to Justice and Legal Remedies

  • Expanding access to justice in environmental matters

  • Advocating for legal remedies and enforcement mechanisms

  • Strengthening the role of oversight and adjudication bodies

Public Participation and Policy Influence

  • Empowering citizens to participate in environmental policymaking

  • Campaigning for greater public consultation and inclusion

  • Supporting advocacy for updates to environmental legislation

Legal and Institutional Reform

  • Advocating for expanded jurisdiction of the Environmental Commission

  • Supporting updates to the Environmental Management Act

  • Promoting alignment with international environmental standards

Climate Justice and Vulnerable Communities

  • Addressing environmental and climate change impacts on vulnerable communities

  • Raising awareness of “sacrifice zones” affecting marginalised populations

  • Promoting environmental equity and justice

Regional and International Commitments

  • Advocating for Trinidad and Tobago to become a party to the Escazú Agreement

  • Promoting rights related to access to information, participation, and justice

Who Is Eligible?

The CANARI Small Grants Program is designed for local, action-oriented actors.

Eligible Applicants

  • Civil society organisations based in Trinidad and Tobago

  • Community-based organisations and grassroots groups

  • Advocacy-focused non-governmental organisations

Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to implement a short-term initiative aligned with environmental governance and justice objectives.

What the Grant Supports

The grant is intended to fund initiatives that deliver tangible outcomes.

Supported Activities

  • Environmental advocacy campaigns

  • Policy engagement and reform initiatives

  • Pilot projects promoting transparency and accountability

  • Community mobilisation and participation efforts

  • Awareness-raising linked to action and reform

What Is Not the Focus

  • Long-term infrastructure projects

  • Activities without a clear advocacy or governance outcome

  • Initiatives exceeding the six-month timeframe

Why This Grant Matters

Environmental governance in Trinidad and Tobago faces challenges related to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. This grant directly supports civil society’s role as:

  • Independent watchdogs in environmental decision-making

  • Constructive partners in sustainable development

  • Advocates for citizens’ right to a healthy environment

  • Drivers of legal, institutional, and policy reform

By funding practical action, the program strengthens democratic environmental governance and climate justice.

How the Grant Works

  1. Eligible organisations design a short-term advocacy or pilot initiative aligned with priority themes.

  2. Applicants submit a grant application under the EnviroRightsTT Taking Action component.

  3. Selected projects receive funding of up to USD 10,000.

  4. Projects are implemented over a maximum of six months.

  5. All activities must be completed by or before 30 June 2026.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Proposing activities that are purely awareness-based with no action component

  • Submitting projects that exceed the six-month duration

  • Failing to clearly link activities to environmental governance outcomes

  • Overlooking vulnerable communities or equity considerations

  • Proposing initiatives outside Trinidad and Tobago

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the CANARI Small Grant?

Civil society organisations and community groups operating in Trinidad and Tobago are eligible.

How much funding is available per project?

Each project may receive up to USD 10,000.

What types of projects are prioritised?

Advocacy initiatives and pilot projects that strengthen transparency, accountability, public participation, and access to justice in environmental governance.

How long can funded projects run?

Projects may run for a maximum of six months.

What is the final deadline for project completion?

All funded initiatives must be completed by or before 30 June 2026.

Does the grant support climate change-related initiatives?

Yes. Projects addressing climate impacts, particularly on vulnerable communities, are strongly encouraged.

Is advocacy for the Escazú Agreement eligible?

Yes. Advocacy promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s accession to the Escazú Agreement is a stated priority.

Conclusion

The CANARI Small Grants Program under the EnviroRightsTT Project provides a strategic funding opportunity for civil society organisations and community groups to advance environmental governance and justice in Trinidad and Tobago. With targeted funding, clear priority areas, and a focus on practical action, the grant empowers local actors to protect environmental rights, influence policy, and promote transparency and accountability for a healthier and more just environment.

For more information, visit CANARI.

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