Deadline: 19-Apr-2026
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and the International Institute of Education of Brazil (IEB) are inviting Letters of Inquiry for large grants above US$50,000 to support strategic conservation projects in the Cerrado hotspot. Eligible applicants include NGOs, community groups, foundations, private companies (except individual micro-entrepreneurs), and other civil society organizations working on biodiversity conservation, restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
Overview
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), in partnership with the International Institute of Education of Brazil (IEB), has launched a call for Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) to support high-impact conservation initiatives in the Cerrado hotspot.
This funding opportunity is designed for a small number of strategic, landscape-scale projects that can strengthen biodiversity conservation, ecological connectivity, climate resilience, and inclusive territorial governance in the region.
Focus Areas
Projects should align with one or more of the following priority areas:
- Management plans for Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs) in Key Biodiversity Areas and priority corridors
- Strengthening ecological connectivity and protection of water resources
- Integrated fire management
- Restoration of native vegetation, especially threatened and priority tree species
- Restoration guided by measurable plans for climate resilience and water conservation
- Strengthening cooperatives and associations previously supported by CEPF
- Promoting nature-based solutions
- Supporting ecosystem-based adaptation
- Improving monitoring of results
- Linking conservation with sustainable livelihoods
- Ensuring gender equity
- Encouraging leadership roles for women and youth
Purpose of the Grants
The call aims to fund projects that can deliver long-term, strategic conservation impact across the Cerrado landscape.
Selected projects are expected to contribute to:
- Ecological corridor consolidation
- Improved territorial governance
- Long-term biodiversity conservation
- Better social inclusion
- Stronger local institutions
- Greater engagement with political and financial systems that shape land use and socio-biodiversity
There is also strong emphasis on replication and scalability, meaning projects should have the potential to expand or be adapted in other areas.
Funding Amount
This call is for large grants.
- Grant size: More than US$50,000
The exact amount is not specified, but all selected projects will be funded above this threshold.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to a broad range of organizations.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants may include:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Community groups
- Foundations
- Private companies (except individual micro-entrepreneurs)
- Civil society organizations
- Other legally eligible institutions capable of implementing the proposed work
Collaborative Applications
- Collaborative proposals are encouraged
- There must be a lead organization
- Roles and responsibilities of all partners should be clearly defined
Geographic Flexibility
Organizations outside the immediate project area may still apply if:
- Their project directly benefits eligible regions within the Cerrado hotspot
What Makes a Strong Proposal?
Competitive proposals should demonstrate:
- Strong technical capacity
- Strong institutional capacity
- Ability to work at a landscape scale
- Clear contribution to biodiversity conservation
- Practical plans for restoration, resilience, or governance
- Potential for replication and scaling
- Meaningful community and institutional engagement
- Clear inclusion of gender equity, especially roles for women and youth
Additional Support for Grantees
Selected projects will receive more than just funding.
Implementation will be coordinated with the regional team, and the International Institute of Education of Brazil (IEB) will provide:
- Technical assistance
- Support for partnership building
- Learning opportunities
- Guidance for effective project management
This added support can help strengthen project delivery and long-term impact.
Why This Grant Matters
This is a strong opportunity for organizations working in the Cerrado hotspot because it supports large, strategic conservation projects rather than only small local activities.
The call is especially valuable for organizations that want to:
- Work across landscapes and ecological corridors
- Combine conservation and climate resilience
- Link restoration with livelihoods
- Strengthen community institutions
- Scale successful models
- Build stronger governance and systems-level influence
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the CEPF and IEB grant for?
It supports strategic conservation projects in the Cerrado hotspot, with focus on biodiversity protection, ecological connectivity, restoration, fire management, climate resilience, and inclusive livelihoods.
How much funding is available?
This is a large grant opportunity, and selected projects will receive more than US$50,000.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include NGOs, community groups, foundations, private companies (excluding individual micro-entrepreneurs), and other civil society organizations.
Are partnerships allowed?
Yes. Collaborative proposals are encouraged, but one lead organization must be identified and partner roles must be clearly defined.
Can organizations outside the Cerrado apply?
Yes, if the proposed work directly benefits eligible regions within the Cerrado hotspot.
Will grantees receive technical support?
Yes. The International Institute of Education of Brazil (IEB) will provide technical assistance, partnership support, learning opportunities, and project management guidance.
Conclusion
The CEPF and IEB call for Letters of Inquiry is an important opportunity for organizations seeking to implement large-scale conservation projects in the Cerrado hotspot. With grants above US$50,000, support for restoration, ecological corridors, climate resilience, and inclusive livelihoods, and additional technical assistance from IEB, this call is well-suited for organizations with strong capacity and a vision for lasting, scalable conservation impact.
For more information, visit CEPF.