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Protect the "Natural Jewels" of the Caribbean. The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a global initiative that provides funding and technical assistance to nongovernmental organizations and other private-sector partners to protect Earth’s most important yet threatened biodiversity hotspots.
In the Caribbean, the program is currently in its second phase of investment, managed locally by CANARI. The goal is to move from "talk" to "action" by empowering local communities to protect the land and sea that sustain them. This cycle specifically focuses on small, high-impact projects that reduce threats to endangered species, restore habitats, and strengthen the ability of civil society to manage our islands' natural resources.
Who Can Apply & Eligible Activities
Who Can Apply
CEPF specifically targets civil society organizations to ensure funding reaches the grassroots level.
Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs): Registered local non-profits and charities.
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs): Local groups, including fishers’ or farmers’ associations.
Academic Institutions: Universities and research centers with a legal personality.
Private Enterprises: Social businesses or companies engaged in conservation.
Indigenous, Women & Youth Groups: Organizations led by or serving marginalized and young populations.
Note: Government agencies and individuals are NOT eligible to apply directly. Also while internation al NGOs can apply, local Caribbean -led proposals are healivily prioritized.
Eligible Activities
Projects must align with CEPF’s "Strategic Directions." Eligible activities include:
Habitat Management: Strengthening the protection of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs).
Species Conservation: Specific action plans to protect globally threatened plants and animals.
Invasive Species Control: Monitoring and eradicating invasive alien species that threaten local ecosystems.
Sustainable Livelihoods: Creating "Green" or "Blue" jobs in ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, or artisan crafts.
Institutional Strengthening: Training for local organizations to improve their management and fundraising.
Connectivity Projects: Creating "conservation corridors" that allow wildlife to move safely between habitats.
Climate Resilience: Usimg nature-based solutions (like coral reeff restoration) to protect shorelines from storms.
Adocacy & Awareness: Campaigns to change local policies or community behaviour regarding environemt.
Capacity Building: Improving your organization's own internal accounting, planning, or fundraising.
Funding and Terms
Non-Reimbursable: This is a grant, not a loan - no repayment is required.
Direct Funding: Small grants are paid directly to the organization to manage.
Compliance: Applicants must adhere to CEPF’s "Safeguard Policies" (e.g., environmental and social standards).
Reporting: Grantees must provide regular progress and financial reports to CANARI.
Action-Oriented: Funding must be used for "on-the-ground" results, not purely academic research.
Coordination: Preference is given to projects that partner with other local stakeholders to avoid duplication.
No Instiutional Overheads: Funding must go towards project activities, not general office rent or high salaries.
Financial Accountability: Grantees must maintain clear receipts and records for transparent reporting.
Key Steps for Applicants
Read the Call: Review the full "11th Call for Letters of Inquiry" document on the CEPF or CANARI website.
Verify Location: Ensure your project takes place in a priority Key Biodiversity Area (KBA).
Prepare the LOI: Download the "Letter of Inquiry" Word template (available in English or Spanish).
Attend Webinars: Participate in informational sessions hosted by CANARI to refine your proposal and join regional Q&A sessions to ask CANARI staff specific questions.
Engage Stakeholders: Get letters of support or verbal agreement from the community you will be working in.
Submit the LOI: Upload your application to the CEPF portal before January 23rd.
Budget Review: Be prepared to adjust your budget based on feedback if you are shortlisted.
Eligible Countries
While the CEPF covers the whole Caribbean Hotspot, this specific 11th call focuses on:
Dominica
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Learn
Visit the official programme page:
https://www.cepf.net/grants/eligibility
Additional Notes for Applicants
Local Leadership: Applications led by local Caribbean organizations are highly prioritized over international ones.
Language: Proposals can be submitted in English or Spanish.
Evidence-Based: You must demonstrate a clear threat to biodiversity that your project will address.
Public Participation: Projects that involve the local community in decision-making are preferred.
Small Construction: Limited construction (e.g., trail maintenance or gazebos) is allowed if it directly supports conservation.
Focus on the "Why": Why does this specific bird, turtle, or forest matter to the world?
Be Realistic: A $20k grant cannot save an entire island; focus on a specific, achievable goal for 12 months.
Gender Inclusion: Projects that show how women will participate in leadership roles get higher scores.
Partnerships: Show that you are working with the government or other NGOs, not competing with them.
Sustainability: Explain what happens after the 12 months—how will the work continue?
Antigua Digest Note
The Caribbean Islands are one of the world's 36 "Biodiversity Hotspots"—areas with exceptional levels of unique plants and animals that are also under high threat of habitat loss. The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), with Phase II funding from the World Bank and the Government of Japan, empowers local people to lead the charge.
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) genuinely would like applicant to access the grants presented. They have provided an extensive array of information, webinars, videos and several sections on their websites to provide the necesssary knowledge needed to make the process as smooth as possible with a high possibility of success.
This program recognizes that the most effective conservation happens when local communities in the Caribbean and Latin America have the resources to protect their own natural heritage. If you see a threat to our mangroves, reefs, or forests, this is your chance to lead the response. Don't wait—the January 23rd deadline is closer than it looks!"
Need Help Applying?
Antigua Digest offers support services for individuals, entrepreneurs, non- profit organizations and MSMEs seeking grant funding.
We can assist you with:
Project concept development and alignment with grant criteria
Proposal writing (narrative, budget, logical framework)
Review of eligibility and compliance with terms
Submission monitoring and follow-up
Contact us at admin@antiguadigest.com for tailored assistance with your submission.