This Call for Proposals aims to promote integrated conservation approaches that recognize the independence of land and sea, while empowering local communities to lead and participate in sustainable environment stewardship.

Goal

• Protect and enhance ecosystems: Protect and enhance critical ecosystems in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines against threats inclusive of pollution, unsustainable development, climate change.
• Strengthen the governance and management effectiveness of protected areas: Strengthen the effectiveness of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ MPAs to protect critical environments.
• Educate and create responsible communities: Educate, raise awareness and empower citizens of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to support conservation efforts, with a focus on youth and gender mainstreaming.
• Create sustainable livelihoods: Provide funding and training to persons supporting conservation efforts.

Focus Areas

• For the SVGCF 4th Call for Proposals focusing on the blue economy, potential applicants can consider the following areas of focus to help conceptualize their concept notes:
  • Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: Projects that promote sustainable fishing, enhance aquaculture efficiency, reduce bycatch, and conserve marine biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods.
  • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Coastal Conservation: Initiatives to establish, manage, or expand MPAs and protect coastal ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, which are crucial for marine life.
  • Marine Pollution Prevention and Waste Management: Projects focused on reducing marine pollution, including plastics and chemicals, through waste management, community education, and initiatives to prevent ocean debris.
  • Sustainable Tourism: Proposals that encourage eco-friendly tourism, such as responsible diving and snorkelling, to protect marine and coastal environments while supporting local economies.
  • Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience: Initiatives to boost the resilience of coastal communities and marine ecosystems against climate change impacts like sea level rise, ocean acidification, and extreme weather, through habitat restoration, infrastructure improvements, and community-based adaptation strategies.

Funding Information

• Approximately XCD$253,650.00 is allocated under this Call for Proposals.
• Grant size may range from XCD$13,500 - $81,000 (USD $5,000 - $30,000).
• Funded projects may be implemented within a maximum of 24 months.

Eligibility Criteria

• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Conservation Fund (SVGCF) is seeking applications from eligible registered government agencies, local universities or colleges, registered local or regional (Caribbean) non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private businesses, local community associations, and other appropriate local entities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines under its Grant-Making Framework.

Application Requirements

• Applications for funding from the SVGCF may be received from the following entities:
  • Public sector agencies of the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines responsible for natural resource, protected areas and biodiversity conservation. Public sector agencies must provide a 1:1 match of funds through in-kind or cash contributions for all proposals; in-kind contributions may be no more than 50% of the match.
  • Local universities or colleges conducting activities relevant to the vision, mission, goals, and strategies of the SVGCF.
  • Local or regional (Caribbean) NGOs established, legally-registered and existing in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for no less than 5 years and with an established track record and complementary source of funds.
  • Private corporations or other companies from relevant industries involved in marine/terrestrial ecosystem and biodiversity clean-up, protection, conservation, and/or monitoring. Private corporations must provide a 2:1 match of cash funds for all proposals, and they must not generate a profit through project activities.
  • Local community associations/community bodies with direct impact on marine and/or terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem resources (e.g., fisherfolk associations, youth groups, church groups).
  • Other appropriate local entities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines working toward the vision, mission, and goals of the SVGCF.

For more information, visit SVGCF.

https://svgcf.org/4th-call-for-proposals/