Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
Grants to civil society organizations for conservation projects in the world’s biodiversity “hot spots”
Principal Office: International
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) makes grants for conservation projects in and near the world’s biodiversity “hot spots” (i.e., places of high biodiversity, and high risks of losing it).
The partnership comprises seven well-established organizations: Conservation International; the French Development Agency (l’Agence Française de Développement); the European Union; the Global Environment Facility (GEF); the Government of Japan; the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; and the World Bank.
Grant Programs for Agriculture, Energy, Environment, Natural Resources
Conservation in Biodiversity Hot Spots. Grant making in the CEPF is decentralized by biodiversity regions. Grants support CEPF’s conservation strategy for each “hot spot”.
Grants made through the CEPF fund conservation assessments, training, awareness raising, management planning, and field implementation of conservation programs.
Grant recipients are civil society organizations of all kinds: NGOs, community groups, private enterprises, universities, foundations, and others. Government organizations are eligible for participation if they meet certain requirements. Depending on the region and conservation strategy, CEPF’s grant recipients may include international as well as national organizations.
CEPF makes small grants (under US$20 thousand) and large grants (up to US$250 thousand).
About CEPF’s grants and how to apply
APPLICATION: CEPF’s website announces calls for proposals. Each call includes guidelines, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, contact information, and supporting details in one or more languages.
Grant seekers submit initial letters of inquiry (LOI). The LOI constitutes the full proposal for projects requesting US$20 thousand or less, i.e., the small grants.
For successful LOIs requesting more than US$20 thousand, CEPF invites applicants to submit full project proposals.
Link to open calls for proposals
Geographical Distribution of Grant Activities in Developing Countries
CEPF’s conservation strategies include current projects in the following regions, as defined by the Terra Viva Grants Directory.
Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands
East Asia
Middle East and North Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa
Latin America and Caribbean
CEPF’s website offers Google translation in different languages.
The CEPF offers a projects database and a list of grant recipients.
For biodiversity hotspots where CEPF is investing, interactive maps show areas eligible for funding.
The Learning Section includes case studies, reports and other materials from grantees around the world.
Our Team includes information about CEPF’s regional focal points.
The CEPF’s Secretariat is located at Conservation International, with contact information provided.