Deadline: 10-Mar-2026
The Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP) is a small grants initiative by CORDAP that provides up to USD 100,000 for locally led coral conservation and restoration R&D projects in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
The program prioritizes innovative, scalable, and affordable solutions that build local scientific capacity and address critical gaps in coral conservation and restoration.
Overview
The Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP) is a Small Grants Program launched by CORDAP to support research and development (R&D) projects that respond to coral conservation and restoration challenges at the local level.
CLIP is designed specifically to empower scientists, researchers, and organizations in developing countries to lead innovation, strengthen foundational coral science, and translate research into practical, locally relevant solutions.
The program emphasizes capacity development, ensuring that funding strengthens long-term local expertise rather than short-term interventions.
Core Objectives of CLIP
CLIP is built around three interconnected objectives.
Program Objectives
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Encourage local technology development and innovative approaches to coral conservation and restoration
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Strengthen R&D capacity of local scientists, researchers, and institutions in LMICs
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Address critical knowledge gaps in local coral conservation and restoration efforts
The program prioritizes projects that generate new knowledge while laying the groundwork for effective, scalable coral interventions.
Priority Research and Innovation Areas
CLIP supports a broad range of coral-related R&D, with specific priority areas identified by CORDAP.
Priority Themes
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Assisted evolution
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Aquaculture and automation
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Preservation of cold-water corals (CWC)
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Reducing early-life stage mortality
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Blended artificial and natural reef systems
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Improving R&D methods tailored to developing country contexts
Projects may focus on novel interventions, the improvement or scaling of existing approaches, or the translation of research into actionable solutions.
Funding Amount and Project Duration
Grant Size
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Maximum funding: Up to USD 100,000 per project
Project Duration
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1 to 2 years
Funding is intended to support research activities, technology development, and capacity building that are feasible within this timeframe.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Lead Applicants
Lead applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Be based in a Low- or Middle-Income Country (LMIC), as classified by the OECD
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Hold a full-time position within the organization they represent
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Allocate the majority of project funding to local individuals
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Be affiliated with an organization that has been operational for at least two years
Eligible Organization Types
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Not-for-profit organizations
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For-profit organizations
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Research institutions
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Governmental entities
All applicants must meet CORDAP’s specific eligibility and operational criteria.
Partnerships and Collaboration Rules
Partnerships
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Partnerships are encouraged but not required
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Single-organization proposals are permitted
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Co-applicants from non-LMIC countries are allowed, but cannot receive funding
Proposal Limits
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A lead applicant may submit only one proposal as Principal Investigator
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A lead applicant may participate in no more than one additional proposal as a co-applicant
These limits ensure broad participation and equitable access to funding.
What CLIP Is Looking For
CLIP prioritizes projects with strong potential for long-term impact.
Preferred Project Characteristics
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Locally driven and context-specific solutions
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Scalable and replicable interventions
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Clear capacity-building outcomes for local scientists and institutions
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Strong foundation science supporting coral conservation and restoration
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Practical pathways from research to real-world application
Projects that combine innovation with local ownership are especially competitive.
How the CLIP Small Grants Program Works
Step-by-Step Overview
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Identify a local coral conservation or restoration challenge.
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Design an R&D project aligned with CLIP priority areas.
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Ensure the project strengthens local research capacity and leadership.
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Confirm organizational eligibility and operational history.
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Develop a realistic budget prioritizing local personnel and resources.
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Submit a complete proposal in line with CORDAP’s requirements.
Only eligible and complete proposals are considered for funding.
Why This Program Matters
Coral reefs are under increasing threat, and many affected regions lack access to sustained R&D funding.
Program Significance
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Empowers LMIC-led coral research and innovation
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Builds lasting local scientific and institutional capacity
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Promotes affordable, locally appropriate solutions
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Supports scalable interventions with global relevance
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Strengthens the foundation science needed for effective coral restoration
CLIP helps shift coral conservation leadership to the communities closest to the ecosystems at risk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Proposing projects without a clear local capacity-building component
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Requesting funding primarily for non-local partners
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Submitting proposals outside the stated priority areas
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Exceeding proposal participation limits
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Presenting ideas that are not feasible within a 1–2 year timeframe
Strong proposals clearly balance innovation, practicality, and local leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP)?
CLIP is a small grants program by CORDAP supporting innovative coral conservation and restoration R&D in LMICs.
How much funding is available?
Projects can receive up to USD 100,000 for a duration of one to two years.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, research institutions, and government entities based in LMICs.
Are partnerships required?
No. Partnerships are encouraged, but single-organization proposals are allowed.
Can organizations from high-income countries receive funding?
No. Co-applicants from non-LMIC countries may participate but cannot receive funding.
What types of projects are prioritized?
Projects focusing on innovative, scalable coral conservation and restoration solutions with strong local capacity-building components.
How many proposals can one applicant submit?
One proposal as a lead applicant and participation in one additional proposal as a co-applicant.
Conclusion
The Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP) is a strategic funding opportunity for locally led coral conservation and restoration research in developing countries.
By combining meaningful financial support with a strong emphasis on local innovation, capacity building, and scalable impact, CLIP provides a powerful platform for advancing coral science and safeguarding reef ecosystems where the need is greatest.
For more information, visit CORDAP.
