Deadline: 03-Nov-2025
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility has announced the 2025 Call for Proposals under the Biodiversity Information for Development (BID) programme aimed at strengthening biodiversity data systems across sub-Saharan Africa.
Organizations rooted in eligible countries are invited to submit concept notes to secure funding designed to mobilize, share, and use biodiversity data more effectively.
The programme is funded by the European Union via its international partnerships office and seeks projects that plug critical gaps in biodiversity knowledge. Proposals should aim to make existing biodiversity data more accessible through GBIF, enhance institutional and national capacity for managing this data, and promote its use in policy, research, and regional decision-making. Collaboration between institutions is strongly encouraged, especially for initiatives that span national or regional priorities.
There are two types of funding available. One grant type focuses on strengthening single institutions to mobilize policy-relevant biodiversity data, with funding up to €30,000 over two years. The other is meant for multi-institutional projects fostering collaboration across partners, with funding up to €60,000 over the same period.
Eligibility is open to legal entities such as universities, museums, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, or government agencies formally registered in one of the eligible sub-Saharan African countries. The project activities must be non-profit, and all mobilized biodiversity data must be made openly available under an appropriate open license.
Successful projects will run from July 2026 and last up to 24 months. Applicants whose concept notes are shortlisted will be asked in early 2026 to submit full proposals, including detailed budgets, project plans, and letters of support. A mandatory workshop for capacity building in data mobilization will be held partway through the programme, and grantees will participate in skills certification as well.
This call represents a valuable chance for institutions in Africa to enhance biodiversity data infrastructure, help guide more informed environmental decision-making, and contribute to global biodiversity goals.
For more information, visit GBIF.