The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), is inviting proposals in the form of Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) for large grants from non-governmental organizations, community groups, private enterprises, universities and other civil society organizations. This is the first call for LOIs for large grants (projects with a budget between US $20,000 and US $250,000) for the second phase of ‘Investment in the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot’.
The deadline for receipt of LOIs is on Wednesday 14th February 2018. Projects are expected to start on 01 June 2018 the earliest and must be completed by 30 May 2022. LOIs will only be accepted for Strategic Direction 1 and 4, and only for the eligible countries Albania, Cabo Verde, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco and Tunisia. Project proposals should be built on biodiversity conservation as a fundamental component, and should demonstrate positive impacts on the conservation status of biodiversity.
Non-governmental organizations, community groups, universities and private enterprises may apply for funding. Individuals must work with civil society organizations to develop applications, rather than apply directly. Organizations must have their own bank account and be authorized under relevant national laws to receive charitable contributions.
Government-owned enterprises or institutions are eligible only if they can demonstrate that the enterprise or institution has: A legal personality independent of any government agency or actor; The authority to apply for and receive private funds; and May not assert a claim of sovereign immunity.
Applicants based outside of eligible countries may submit an LOI as long as the project deliverable is focused on the conservation need within an eligible country/countries. International organizations are encouraged to involve local organizations or communities as project partners or explain how local stakeholders will be engaged as part of project implementation.
CEPF has recruited Birdlife International as the Regional Implementation Team (or RIT) which in partnership with CEPF leads the implementation of the CEPF investment strategy for achieving conservation goals identified in the investment strategy, and provide assistance to civil society groups in designing, implementing and replicating successful conservation activities.
