1. Access to the application form and submission of proposals
Is the application form available offline?
No, the form is not available offline.
Can an organization submit more than one proposal?
No. Only one proposal per organization is allowed.
2. Eligibility of organizations
What is an “emerging organization”?
An emerging CSO is a civil society organization that may be newly created or older, but still has significant structuring needs. It may have limited experience, modest resources, or require capacity strengthening (governance, financial management, management, tools, etc.). It is characterized above all by its development potential, local anchoring, and willingness to professionalize, regardless of its age.
Can a local organization co-lead a project with an international organization?
No. Only local organizations, legally registered in the country of intervention, are eligible as project leads. An international organization may participate as a partner but cannot lead the project.
Are consortiums eligible?
Yes, it is possible to apply as a consortium. However, one single organization must be designated as the lead partner and bear the technical and administrative responsibility of the project.
Can a CSO without experience apply?
The organization must have at least initial field experience related to biodiversity conservation. This experience may be demonstrated through activities carried out before the official registration of the CSO or through the experience of team members (academic, professional, volunteer work, etc.).
Are organizations that are not legally registered eligible?
Only legally registered organizations are eligible. However, an application is possible if the registration process is underway and finalized before June 2026.
Can a newly established organization apply?
Yes, if the members have prior field experience and an established connection to the territory. To justify the requested funding over the past three years, the organization may explain its situation directly in response to the relevant question.
Are cooperatives, public organizations, or projects led by individuals eligible?
No, these structures are not eligible. Only Civil Society Organizations (associations, local committees, groups, etc.) are eligible for this call for proposals.
3. Geographical eligibility and project duration
Which countries are eligible?
23 countries in West and Central Africa are eligible. Not eligible: Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic
Do projects have to last 24 months?The maximum duration is 24 months, but projects may be shorter.
4. Nature of projects and technical criteria
Is there a limit on operating costs and human resources?
There is no strict ceiling. However, a balance must be maintained between project-related activities and operating costs, which rarely represent more than 50% of the total budget.
How do I know if my project concerns rare and threatened biodiversity?
Projects that focus exclusively on ordinary biodiversity are not eligible. Rare and threatened biodiversity includes: species at risk of extinction, rare species, endemic species, as well as fragile or declining habitats or ecosystems. To verify whether your project concerns this type of biodiversity, you can refer to recognized tools and frameworks: the IUCN Red List, the World Database on Protected Areas (Protected Planet), the Red List of Ecosystems, as well as national or local institutional environmental and conservation documents.
Is a conservation project for a “sacred forest” eligible?
Yes, provided that these forests host species or ecosystems of interest, ideally listed on the IUCN Red List or recognized locally.
My project does not have biodiversity conservation as its main objective. Am I still eligible?
The primary objective of the project must be related to the conservation of threatened biodiversity.
5. Budget and Co-financing
Is a specific budget template required?
No. However, it is recommended to present a detailed, activity-based budget. You may use this report template (optional).
How should I convert my budget into euros?
Each organization is responsible for performing the conversion itself. You may refer to: Currency Converter | Exchange Rates | OANDA.
Can administrative or technical support from a donor/partner count as co-financing (25%)?
No. Only financial contributions or measurable in-kind material contributions can be considered as co-financing. (See the section on financial eligibility in the competition guidelines and in the webinar presentation.)
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6. Inclusion, gender, youth, and vulnerable groups
Is a specific study required to analyze the inclusive dimension of the project (gender, youth, minorities, etc.)?
This is not mandatory. However, it is necessary to identify the key issues and provide an initial analysis. More in-depth support will be offered to the shortlisted organizations.