Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), in collaboration with the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) as the Regional Implementation Team, launched a call for letters of inquiry to support a large grant focused on conducting a final assessment of CEPF’s Phase II investment in the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot. CEPF is a global initiative funded by multiple international donors, including development agencies, governments, and multilateral institutions, and is designed to empower civil society organizations to conserve biodiversity in critical ecosystems. This specific funding opportunity aims to synthesize lessons learned, document results, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders engaged in conservation across the Caribbean region. The purpose of this grant is to support the design and execution of a comprehensive final assessment process, culminating in a multi-day regional workshop and a set of related outputs. The funded project is expected to include pre-event research and analysis, logistical coordination and facilitation of the assessment meeting, and the development of a final proceedings report. The assessment will evaluate the outcomes of CEPF-funded projects, identify best practices and lessons learned, and foster networking among participating organizations. It will also explore future opportunities for conservation initiatives and funding partnerships within the region. Funding under this opportunity ranges from 50,000 to 180,000 US dollars, with CEPF anticipating awarding a single grant within this range. The funding supports a broad scope of activities, including event planning, travel and accommodation for eligible participants, interpretation services, communications outputs, and reporting. The project is expected to begin around August 2026 and conclude by June 2027, with the final assessment event to be held between January and April 2027 in the Dominican Republic. The grant also supports pre-event and post-event communications to disseminate findings to a wider audience. Eligible applicants include non-governmental organizations, community groups, private enterprises, universities, and other civil society organizations. Government agencies are not eligible unless they meet specific criteria demonstrating independence and the ability to receive private funding. Applicants may submit proposals individually or as part of a consortium, with one lead organization responsible for coordination. Individuals cannot apply independently and must partner with an eligible organization. The program is designed to engage organizations with demonstrated experience in event coordination, research, communications, and biodiversity conservation. The application process follows a two-stage approach. Interested applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry through the ConservationGrants online portal. Submissions are accepted in English or Spanish and must be completed electronically; email submissions are not accepted. Following the review of letters of inquiry, CEPF may invite selected applicants to submit full proposals. The evaluation criteria include the quality and feasibility of the proposed approach, relevant experience, logistical capabilities, communication expertise, and budget realism. CEPF may also conduct interviews with top applicants and facilitate partnerships among complementary organizations. Applications opened on April 8, 2026 and will close on May 17, 2026. CEPF anticipates a review period of approximately two weeks after the submission deadline. The selected grantee will work closely with CEPF and CANARI to finalize event details, including scheduling, participant engagement, and reporting outputs. The program emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and long-term impact, with the final assessment serving as a critical milestone in evaluating CEPF’s regional investment and informing future conservation strategies.

Ensure strong demonstration of event planning experience and regional knowledge; provide a realistic budget and clear logistical approach; highlight communications and stakeholder engagement capacity