Call for Proposals for Large Grants for Final Assessment Workshop

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), with CANARI, is offering large grants of US $50,000–$180,000 to support a Final Assessment Workshop and related activities in the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot. The grant focuses on evaluating Phase II conservation outcomes and producing a final proceedings report.

This funding supports collaboration, knowledge sharing, and documentation of biodiversity conservation impacts across Caribbean nations as part of CEPF’s Phase II investment (2021–2027).

Overview

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), in collaboration with the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), is inviting Letters of Inquiry for large-scale grants.

The purpose of this call is to support the final evaluation of CEPF’s Phase II investment in the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot. The funding will enable the organization of a Final Assessment Workshop and the preparation of a comprehensive post-meeting proceedings report.

This initiative ensures that conservation outcomes are properly documented and used to guide future biodiversity strategies in the region.

Key Purpose of the Grant

The grant is designed to:

• Organize a Final Assessment Workshop for CEPF Phase II
• Support preparatory activities leading to the workshop
• Document outcomes of biodiversity conservation efforts
• Produce a formal proceedings report after the meeting
• Strengthen knowledge sharing across Caribbean conservation actors
• Inform future biodiversity investment strategies

Funding Details

• Grant size range: US $50,000 to US $180,000
• Maximum total funding available: US $180,000 (for one or more projects)
• Funding type: Large grants
• Application format: Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

Program Context (CEPF Phase II Investment)

This funding is part of CEPF Phase II investment in the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot.

Phase II Timeline

• Start: August 2021
• End: July 2027

Geographic Focus Areas

Projects must relate to biodiversity conservation in Caribbean nations including:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bahamas
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Jamaica
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

About CEPF

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a global biodiversity funding initiative that supports conservation in critical ecosystems worldwide.

Key characteristics:

• Joint initiative of multiple international partners
• Financed through the World Bank
• Supported by the Government of Japan
• Builds on earlier investment phase (2010–2016)
• Focuses on biodiversity hotspot conservation

CEPF supports civil society-led conservation efforts in biologically important regions.

Eligible Applicants

The following organizations can apply:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Community-based organizations
• Universities and academic institutions
• Private sector organizations

Ineligible Applicants

• Individuals (cannot apply independently)
• Government agencies (not eligible)

Special Conditions for Government-Owned Institutions

Government-affiliated or government-owned institutions may apply only if they:

• Have independent legal status
• Can receive private funding
• Do not claim sovereign immunity

Collaboration Requirements

• Joint applications are encouraged
• One lead organization must submit the proposal
• All partners must have clearly defined roles and responsibilities
• Collaboration and multi-stakeholder participation are strongly encouraged

Key Activities Supported

Funded projects may include:

• Planning and organizing the Final Assessment Workshop
• Pre-workshop coordination and consultation activities
• Data compilation and synthesis of CEPF Phase II results
• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration sessions
• Documentation and reporting of outcomes
• Production of a final proceedings report
• Knowledge sharing and dissemination activities

Expected Outcomes

The funding aims to produce:

• A comprehensive evaluation of CEPF Phase II outcomes
• Documented lessons learned from biodiversity projects
• Improved regional knowledge sharing and coordination
• Strategic insights for future conservation investment
• A formal proceedings report capturing key findings

How the Application Process Works

Step 1: Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

Applicants submit a Letter of Inquiry outlining:

• Organizational background
• Proposed role in the assessment process
• Planned activities and methodology
• Regional relevance and partnerships

Step 2: Review and Screening

CEPF evaluates submissions based on:

• Relevance to biodiversity hotspot priorities
• Technical and organizational capacity
• Collaboration strength
• Alignment with assessment objectives

Step 3: Selection

Successful applicants are selected for large grant funding.

Step 4: Implementation

Selected organizations carry out:

• Workshop organization
• Stakeholder coordination
• Reporting and documentation
• Final dissemination of results

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Experience in biodiversity or conservation projects
• Capacity to manage regional or multi-country initiatives
• Strength of partnerships and collaboration approach
• Ability to deliver high-quality reporting and documentation
• Relevance to CEPF Phase II evaluation objectives

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as an individual rather than an organization
• Missing eligibility requirements for legal status
• Weak justification for regional or biodiversity relevance
• Lack of clear role definition in partnerships
• Incomplete or unclear LOI documentation
• Ignoring the focus on final assessment and reporting

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly link your proposal to CEPF Phase II evaluation goals
• Highlight experience in biodiversity or ecosystem projects
• Demonstrate strong regional partnerships
• Provide a clear and realistic workshop plan
• Emphasize knowledge sharing and reporting capacity
• Show ability to coordinate multi-country stakeholders

Why This Grant Matters

This funding opportunity plays a key role in strengthening global biodiversity conservation by:

• Evaluating long-term conservation investments
• Improving accountability and learning in environmental programs
• Strengthening collaboration across Caribbean nations
• Generating insights for future ecosystem protection strategies
• Ensuring transparency and documentation of conservation outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the funding range for this grant?

The grant provides US $50,000 to US $180,000 per project.

2. What is the main purpose of this funding?

It supports a Final Assessment Workshop and reporting for CEPF Phase II in the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot.

3. Who can apply for the grant?

NGOs, community groups, universities, and private sector organizations can apply.

4. Can individuals apply?

No, individuals are not eligible to apply independently.

5. Are government agencies eligible?

No, government agencies are not eligible, but some government-owned institutions may apply under strict conditions.

6. Which countries are included in the program area?

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

7. What is required in the application?

Applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry outlining their project plan, capacity, and role in the final assessment process.

Conclusion

The CEPF Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot Final Assessment Grant supports a critical evaluation of Phase II conservation efforts across the Caribbean region. By funding workshops, documentation, and collaborative analysis, the program ensures that biodiversity investments are properly assessed, shared, and used to guide future environmental strategies.