Deadline: 8 March 2020
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and Fundación Futuro Latinoamericano, as part of the Regional Implementation Team for the Tropical Andes Hotspot, invites local and international non-governmental conservation organizations (NGOs), economic and community-based development NGOs, academic institutions, indigenous organizations, community-based organizations and representatives of the private sector interested in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources to apply for a small grant, within the framework of this call.
This call invites civil society organizations to submit letters of inquiry (LOI) to implement a capacity-building program for CEPF grantees and key stakeholder groups located in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, including a regional online training course and in-country event workshops in each of the four CEPF priority countries.
Objectives
The overall objective of this call is to build the institutional and operational capacity of CEPF grantees and key stakeholders in the four CEPF priority countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) to promote the effective management of conservation projects and financial resources in the CEPF priority Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and Corridors, as presented in the Tropical Andes Ecosystem Profile investment strategy. The main objectives of the capacity building program are:
- Strengthening technical capabilities of CEPF grantees and key stakeholders to prepare effective conservation projects that contribute to CEPF objectives in the Tropical Andes Hotspot.
- Strengthening administrative and financial management capacity of CEPF grantees and key stakeholder groups.
- Strengthening capacity to implement, monitor, and report on conservation projects.
Funding Information
- This call provides a maximum funding of US$49,950. This includes all costs associated with consultants level of effort, travel, workshops, coordination, logistics, taxes and other direct costs.
- The estimated start date for this project is 15 April 2020 and the close date is 30 October 2020.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for CEPF grant, the applicant needs to meet the following criteria:
- Be a local or international conservation non-governmental organization, economic development or community-based NGO, academic institution, indigenous organization, community-based organization, and private sector representatives interested in biodiversity conservation and/or the sustainable use of natural resources;
- Have a legal personality independent of any government agency or actor;
- Have the authority to apply for and receive private funds and be able to account for in a transparent manner and under a separate bank account.
- Not be able to assert a claim of sovereign immunity (CEPF is a fund aimed at civil society organizations. Public entities may only access under certain rules specific to this fund and for that reason it is specified among other aspects in the eligibility criteria that eligible entities cannot claim immunity).
Evaluation Criteria
CEPF grants are awarded on a competitive basis, in which LOIs are reviewed by the RIT, the national evaluation committee and other external technical reviewers when necessary. The evaluation of proposals will be conducted focusing the following technical and strategic criteria:
- Ability of Project to Achieve Desired Results: Are the objectives, approach/strategies and deliverables in the proposal well thought out and comprehensive? Are the project objectives, approach/strategies and proposed deliverables aligned to achieving strategic capacity building results?
- Applicant Capacity: Does the applicant have the capacity and comparative advantage (skills, knowledge, experience, relationships and understanding of local stakeholders) to successfully implement the project?
- Building Tropical Andes Civil Society Capacity: Does the project contribute to CEPF’s priority to empower Tropical Andes civil society organizations, including local community organizations and indigenous groups?
- Cost-effectiveness: Is the proposed funding request commensurate and reasonable in view of the objectives and activities proposed? Is the proposed funding request in line with the budget for this project?
How to Apply
All applicants for this small grant should complete a letter of inquiry (LOI) before the deadline for submission and following the established procedures and formats:
- LOI for small grants should be prepared in Word. You can download the LOI template in Spanish or English.
- Once completed, the LOI should be submitted online via the given website. If you cannot upload data into the form, please log in through a Google/Gmail account. If you do not have a Google/Gmail account, you can register to create one.
- Once you submit your LOI, you will receive an email confirming receipt. Note that no printed LOIs or LOIs sent via email will be accepted.
- The results of the evaluation of your LOI will be communicated via email.
For more information, visit https://www.cepf.net/grants/open-calls-for-proposals/2020-tropical-andes-small-grant-capacity-building