Deadline: 23-Mar-2026

The Table Mountain Fund provides grants to support projects that promote conservation awareness and inclusive environmental action in the Cape Floristic Region. Funding targets initiatives under the Pride Programme for fynbos appreciation and tourism, and the Care Programme for community empowerment and conservation capacity-building. Grants range from R100,000 to R250,000 per year for projects lasting one to three years.

Overview of the Fund

The Table Mountain Fund supports initiatives that protect and restore the Cape Floristic Region while encouraging community involvement in conservation. The 2026 call emphasizes:

• Raising awareness of fynbos and marine biodiversity

• Promoting inclusive conservation action through community engagement

• Supporting environmental education, advocacy, and the growth of conservation organisations

The fund has previously invested over R110 million in more than 350 projects, demonstrating a strong commitment to biodiversity and community-led conservation efforts.

Programmes

The funding is structured around two core programmes:

1. Pride Programme

• Encourages immersive experiences in fynbos and surrounding marine areas

• Promotes the value of indigenous and endemic fynbos

• Supports the creation of quality fynbos spaces, particularly in urban areas

• Encourages tourism in fynbos regions

• Educates youth about fynbos importance and uniqueness

2. Care Programme

• Builds a conservation community through capacity-building, collaboration, and networking

• Empowers communities to advocate for policy, legislation, and plan compliance

• Supports existing organisations to implement new conservation projects

• Expands the conservation community by fostering start-ups and growth of new conservation organisations

Funding Details

• Total available funding: R5,200,000 across both programmes

• Maximum grant per year: R250,000 for projects up to 3 years (total potential R750,000 per project)

• Small grants: Up to R100,000 for projects lasting up to 1 year

• Funding is intended to support initiatives aligned with conservation awareness, education, and community participation

Who is Eligible?

• Registered organisations in good standing with a clear interest in environmental education, community conservation, or advocacy in the Cape Floristic Region

• In exceptional cases, organisations not yet registered as non-profits may be considered if well-motivated

• Applicants should demonstrate capacity to deliver community-focused conservation projects

How to Apply

1. Identify whether your project aligns with the Pride Programme or Care Programme objectives.

2. Prepare a concept proposal outlining:

   • Project goals and outcomes

   • Activities and timelines

   • Target community and geographic area

   • Budget request within the grant limits

3. Submit the proposal to the Table Mountain Fund for evaluation.

4. Larger grants (R250,000/year) are intended for multi-year projects, while smaller grants (R100,000) support one-year initiatives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals outside the objectives of Pride or Care Programmes

• Failing to demonstrate community involvement or conservation impact

• Requesting funding amounts beyond the specified limits

• Ignoring registration or eligibility requirements

FAQs

1. What types of projects are supported?
Projects that promote fynbos awareness, environmental education, community conservation, and the growth of conservation organisations.

2. Who can apply for funding?
Registered organisations in good standing, and in exceptional cases, organisations not yet registered as non-profits.

3. What is the maximum funding available?
R250,000 per year for projects up to 3 years (R750,000 total) and R100,000 for one-year projects.

4. Can projects run for multiple years?
Yes, projects can run for up to 3 years under the larger grant option.

5. What are the focus areas of the Pride Programme?
Fynbos appreciation, immersive experiences, urban fynbos spaces, youth education, and tourism promotion.

6. What are the focus areas of the Care Programme?
Community capacity-building, advocacy, supporting conservation projects, and expanding conservation networks.

7. How is community involvement incorporated?
Projects must actively engage local communities in conservation, education, or advocacy activities.

Conclusion

The Table Mountain Fund provides an opportunity for organisations to promote biodiversity, conservation awareness, and inclusive environmental action in the Cape Floristic Region. By supporting projects under the Pride and Care Programmes, the fund strengthens community participation, environmental education, and the growth of conservation networks across South Africa.

For more information, visit Table Mountain Fund.