Deadline: 07-Jul-2026
The Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC) has launched its Large Grant Funding Window 2026–2027 to support projects that advance environmental conservation and sustainable development in Bhutan. Funding is available for initiatives focused on biodiversity conservation, human-wildlife coexistence, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and reducing environmental impacts of development activities.
Eligible government and non-government organizations must submit project concept notes aligned with the fund’s thematic priorities and Bhutan’s national development goals.
What is the Bhutan Trust Fund Large Grant Funding Window?
The Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC) provides financial support for projects that contribute to environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development in Bhutan.
The 2026–2027 Large Grant Funding Window is designed to support high-impact conservation initiatives that align with:
- The Royal Charter of the Bhutan Trust Fund
- Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan
- National environmental priorities
- Stakeholder consultation recommendations
Projects are expected to generate measurable environmental benefits and contribute to long-term sustainability.
Funding Focus Areas
Applicants must ensure their projects align with one or more of the following thematic areas.
1. Preserving Biological Diversity
Projects may focus on:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Habitat protection and restoration
- Species conservation
- Ecosystem management
- Protected area management
2. Enabling Human–Wildlife Coexistence
Projects may support:
- Human-wildlife conflict mitigation
- Community-based conservation
- Wildlife monitoring
- Sustainable land-use practices
- Awareness and education initiatives
3. Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change
Eligible activities may include:
- Climate adaptation strategies
- Climate resilience building
- Carbon reduction initiatives
- Ecosystem-based adaptation
- Community climate action projects
4. Addressing Environmental Impacts of Development
Projects may focus on:
- Environmental impact reduction
- Sustainable infrastructure practices
- Pollution prevention
- Natural resource management
- Environmental safeguards and monitoring
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
Applications may be submitted by:
- Government agencies
- Public institutions
- Civil society organizations
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Research and academic institutions
- Other eligible entities working in environmental conservation
Additional Requirements
Applicants should:
- Demonstrate alignment with the funding priorities
- Show technical capacity to implement the project
- Incorporate measurable outcomes
- Address sustainability and long-term impact
Gender Equality and Safeguard Requirements
The Bhutan Trust Fund encourages applicants to integrate:
- Gender equality considerations
- Social inclusion measures
- Environmental safeguards
- Risk management approaches
Projects that effectively address these cross-cutting themes may strengthen their overall proposal quality.
Why This Funding Matters
Bhutan is globally recognized for its commitment to environmental conservation and climate leadership.
This funding opportunity supports projects that:
- Protect biodiversity and ecosystems
- Strengthen climate resilience
- Promote sustainable development
- Reduce environmental degradation
- Support communities affected by environmental challenges
The program helps organizations implement innovative solutions that contribute to Bhutan’s long-term environmental sustainability goals.
How to Apply
For Non-Government Agencies
Organizations outside the Royal Government of Bhutan must:
Step 1: Prepare a Concept Note
Complete the official project concept note template available through the Bhutan Trust Fund.
Step 2: Review Alignment
Ensure the project aligns with at least one thematic priority area.
Step 3: Submit the Concept Note
Submit the completed concept note:
- In hard copy or soft copy to the Bhutan Trust Fund office, or
- Via email as a single PDF document to the designated contact person
For Royal Government of Bhutan Agencies
Government agencies must follow an additional approval process.
Step 1: Prepare the Concept Note
Complete the required concept note form.
Step 2: Route Through Parent Agency
Submit the proposal through the relevant parent central agency where applicable.
Step 3: Obtain Further Processing
The proposal must also be routed through the Department of Macro-Fiscal and Development Finance under the Ministry of Finance.
Step 4: Submit the Final Concept Note
Send the completed document:
- In hard copy or soft copy, or
- Via email as a single PDF document
What Makes a Strong Proposal?
Successful proposals typically demonstrate:
- Clear environmental relevance
- Alignment with funding priorities
- Measurable outcomes and indicators
- Strong implementation strategy
- Technical expertise
- Community engagement
- Long-term sustainability
- Replication or scaling potential
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the following:
- Submitting projects outside the thematic focus areas
- Failing to demonstrate environmental impact
- Ignoring gender or safeguard considerations
- Providing unclear objectives or outcomes
- Submitting incomplete concept notes
- Missing required routing procedures for government agencies
- Lack of evidence supporting project feasibility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the objective of the Large Grant Funding Window?
The program supports environmental conservation and sustainability projects that address Bhutan’s key environmental and climate priorities.
2. What thematic areas are eligible for funding?
Projects must focus on biodiversity conservation, human-wildlife coexistence, climate change mitigation and adaptation, or reducing environmental impacts of development.
3. Can non-government organizations apply?
Yes. NGOs and other eligible organizations outside the Royal Government of Bhutan may apply by submitting a concept note directly to the Bhutan Trust Fund.
4. Do government agencies follow a different application process?
Yes. Government agencies must route proposals through their parent central agency and the Department of Macro-Fiscal and Development Finance before submission.
5. Are gender and social inclusion considerations required?
Applicants are encouraged to integrate gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental safeguard measures where relevant.
6. What document is required for application?
Applicants must submit a completed project concept note using the official template provided by the Bhutan Trust Fund.
7. Where can applicants obtain additional information?
Further details, application materials, and guidance are available through the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation and its Environment and Climate Change Services team.
Conclusion
The Bhutan Trust Fund Large Grant Funding Window 2026–2027 offers a significant opportunity for organizations working to protect Bhutan’s environment and strengthen climate resilience. By supporting projects focused on biodiversity conservation, human-wildlife coexistence, climate action, and sustainable development, the program contributes to Bhutan’s long-term environmental goals while promoting innovative and impactful conservation solutions.
For more information, visit Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation.