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Large Grants Opportunity for Biodiversity Conservation

Deadline: 18-Sep-2026

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is accepting Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for Large Grants to support biodiversity conservation projects in eligible countries within the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot. Grants ranging from US$50,000 to US$180,000 are available for eligible civil society organizations, universities, community groups, and qualifying private enterprises working to protect globally important ecosystems.

CEPF Large Grants Overview

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) provides financial support to organizations implementing projects that conserve biodiversity, protect threatened ecosystems, and strengthen civil society engagement in conservation.

This funding opportunity focuses on supporting conservation initiatives within selected countries of the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the world’s most biologically rich and threatened regions.

The current funding round begins with the submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Organizations with strong project concepts may later be invited to submit a full grant application.

Funding Available

Eligible organizations may apply for:

  • Minimum grant: US$50,000
  • Maximum grant: US$180,000

Funding supports large-scale biodiversity conservation initiatives that align with CEPF’s strategic priorities.

Program Objectives

The CEPF Large Grants Program aims to:

  • Conserve globally significant biodiversity.
  • Protect threatened ecosystems and habitats.
  • Strengthen civil society participation in conservation.
  • Support sustainable environmental management.
  • Promote long-term ecosystem resilience.
  • Encourage collaborative conservation initiatives.
  • Improve biodiversity protection within the Mediterranean Basin.

Eligible Countries

The current call is open to projects implemented in the following countries:

Projects should directly contribute to biodiversity conservation within these eligible locations.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
  • Community groups
  • Universities
  • Small private enterprises

Applicants must be legally established organizations capable of receiving grant funding.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following are not eligible to apply directly:

  • Individual applicants

Individuals interested in the program must work through an eligible civil society organization or other qualifying institution.

Organizational Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Have their own organizational bank account.
  • Be legally authorized under national law to receive charitable contributions.
  • Meet all legal requirements necessary to receive international grant funding.

Government-owned organizations may apply only if they satisfy additional eligibility conditions.

Special Requirements for Government-Owned Institutions

Government-owned enterprises or institutions are eligible only if they:

  • Possess legal independence from government.
  • Have legal authority to receive private or charitable funding.
  • Do not claim sovereign immunity regarding grant administration.

Organizations should carefully verify compliance before applying.

Eligible Project Focus

Projects should contribute to:

  • Biodiversity conservation.
  • Habitat protection.
  • Ecosystem restoration.
  • Conservation planning.
  • Sustainable natural resource management.
  • Civil society participation in environmental protection.
  • Long-term conservation outcomes.

Projects should align with CEPF’s strategic investment priorities for the Mediterranean Basin.

Activities That Cannot Be Funded

Grant funding cannot be used for:

  • Purchasing land.
  • Involuntary resettlement of people.
  • Activities that negatively affect physical cultural resources.
  • Activities that adversely affect Indigenous Peoples without their broad community support.

Applicants should ensure their proposed activities fully comply with CEPF environmental and social safeguard requirements.

Multiple Applications

Organizations may:

  • Submit more than one Letter of Inquiry if each proposal addresses a different strategic direction.

However:

  • CEPF will not award more than one project to the same organization under this funding call.

Applicants should prioritize their strongest proposals.

Why This Grant Matters

The CEPF Large Grants Program helps organizations:

  • Protect globally important biodiversity.
  • Strengthen environmental conservation.
  • Restore threatened ecosystems.
  • Build local conservation capacity.
  • Support community-based conservation.
  • Promote sustainable development.
  • Strengthen environmental partnerships.
  • Protect natural heritage for future generations.

The program plays an important role in safeguarding one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

How to Apply

Follow these general steps:

  1. Confirm that your organization is eligible.
  2. Ensure your project will be implemented in an eligible country.
  3. Develop a biodiversity conservation project aligned with CEPF priorities.
  4. Review CEPF environmental and social safeguard requirements.
  5. Prepare a strong Letter of Inquiry (LOI).
  6. Submit the LOI according to the official CEPF application process.
  7. If invited, prepare and submit a full grant proposal.

Applicants should clearly explain the conservation outcomes, implementation strategy, and expected environmental impact.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

  • Clearly define the biodiversity problem.
  • Demonstrate measurable conservation outcomes.
  • Align the project with CEPF strategic priorities.
  • Show organizational capacity to deliver the project.
  • Include realistic timelines and budgets.
  • Demonstrate collaboration with local communities where appropriate.
  • Address environmental and social safeguards.
  • Explain the project’s long-term sustainability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

  • Applying as an individual.
  • Proposing projects outside eligible countries.
  • Including ineligible activities such as land acquisition.
  • Failing to demonstrate legal organizational eligibility.
  • Ignoring safeguard requirements.
  • Submitting weak conservation objectives.
  • Applying for multiple projects under the same strategic direction.
  • Providing incomplete organizational information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the CEPF Large Grants Program?

The CEPF Large Grants Program provides funding of US$50,000 to US$180,000 for biodiversity conservation projects in eligible Mediterranean Basin countries.

2. How much funding is available?

Eligible organizations may request grants ranging from US$50,000 to US$180,000.

3. Which countries are eligible?

Projects may be implemented in:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Jordan
  • Lebanon
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • North Macedonia
  • Palestine
  • Tunisia

4. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include NGOs, community groups, universities, and eligible small private enterprises. Individuals cannot apply directly.

5. What activities are not eligible for funding?

Funding cannot support land purchases, involuntary resettlement, activities harming cultural resources, or projects adversely affecting Indigenous Peoples without broad community support.

6. Can one organization submit multiple applications?

Yes. Organizations may submit multiple Letters of Inquiry under different strategic directions, but only one project will be funded per organization under this call.

7. What makes a competitive application?

Strong applications demonstrate significant biodiversity conservation impact, alignment with CEPF priorities, organizational capacity, compliance with environmental safeguards, measurable outcomes, and long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) Large Grants 2026 provides US$50,000–US$180,000 to support biodiversity conservation initiatives across eligible Mediterranean Basin countries. By investing in civil society organizations working to protect ecosystems, conserve threatened species, and strengthen sustainable environmental management, the program contributes to the long-term preservation of one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots while empowering local organizations to lead meaningful conservation action.

For more information, visit CEPF.