Call for Nature Connect Small Grant Funding – 2027 (South Africa)

Nature Connect—appointed to issue small grants on behalf of the Table Mountain Fund (TMF)—is inviting applications for its 2027 funding cycle. The grants support new grassroots organisations and community groups to participate in conservation and the green economy within the Cape Floristic Region, with projects based in the greater Cape Town area (within 50 km of Cape Town CBD). Applications close on 19 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Opportunity name: Nature Connect Small Grant Funding Applications – 2027

- Funding provider (issuing facility): Nature Connect (on behalf of the Table Mountain Fund, TMF)

- Grant size: Up to R36,250 per project

- Number of applications: Only one application per organisation

- Eligible locations: Greater Cape Town area, within 50 km of Cape Town CBD

- Focus areas: Community participation linked to conservation, biodiversity, environmental education, sustainable livelihoods, and/or ecotourism

- Application deadline: 19 October 2026 (late applications not considered)

- Shortlisting notice: by 30 October 2026

- In-person presentations: in November 2026 (for shortlisted applicants)

- Target project start: 1 December 2026 through August 2027

- Application channel: Online application form only (email submissions not considered)

About the Opportunity

Nature Connect has been appointed as a facility to issue small grants on behalf of the Table Mountain Fund (TMF). These small grants are designed to help new grassroots organisations and community groups enter and participate in the conservation sector and green economy. For the 2027 funding cycle, the opportunity calls for projects that demonstrate a clear link between community participation and outcomes such as conservation, biodiversity, environmental education, sustainable livelihoods, and/or ecotourism. Funding and Benefits

- Maximum grant amount: Up to R36,250 per project

- Application limit: Only one application per organisation will be accepted.

- Salaries: A maximum of 20% of the grant may be allocated to salaries if necessary.

- What the grant is intended to support: Practical, community-based initiatives contributing to conservation and/or the green economy.

Not specified in the source: any co-funding requirements, cost-sharing expectations, or whether grants are fixed versus variable amounts within the “up to” limit.

Who Is Eligible?

The call encourages applications from:

- New organisations entering the conservation or ecotourism sectors—particularly those enabling greater participation by communities, youth and women. - Individuals and community groups aiming to establish initiatives in conservation or ecotourism—particularly those working with youth and women in under-resourced communities. Registered NPOs in good standing may apply if proposing a new project or initiative aligned with the call’s focus themes.

Preference (not a strict requirement):

- Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received funding from Nature Connect.

Geography requirement (mandatory):

- Projects must be based in the greater Cape Town area, within 50 km of Cape Town CBD. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas Projects should demonstrate links between community participation and the following themes (including integrated projects combining multiple themes): - Biodiversity enhancement

- Examples: clean-ups in green spaces, habitat restoration or rehabilitation, and indigenous planting

- Sustainable livelihoods and skills development

- Examples: recycling programmes that benefit nature, capacity building, and skills development linked to the green economy

- Environmental education and awareness - Particularly initiatives in under-resourced communities - Ecotourism initiatives - Examples: wildlife monitoring/citizen science tourism, local natural guide programmes, youth ecotourism programmes, and marine ecotourism initiatives connecting visitors with nature while supporting conservation and local communities - Integrated projects - Projects that combine two or more of the above focus areas Why This Opportunity Matters This call targets community-led and biodiversity-relevant work in the greater Cape Town area, with emphasis on practical conservation and green economy outcomes. It is specifically structured to support new entrants (including grassroots organisations, community groups, and individuals seeking to establish initiatives), and it highlights community involvement—particularly participation that includes youth and women. How to Apply - Complete the online application form - Use the “Small Grants Funding Application Form” provided on the official opportunity page. - Email submissions will not be considered. - Submit by 19 October 2026 - Applications must be received by the deadline; late applications will not be considered. - Shortlisting by 30 October 2026 - After an initial review, shortlisted applicants will be notified by 30 October 2026. - Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present projects in person in November 2026. - Selection and notification - A review panel will assess shortlisted applications and select successful grantees. - Projects are aiming to commence from 1 December 2026 through August 2027. Official enquiry contact (for this call): Project Assistant Imaan at [contact details removed]. Official application link: Not specified in the source text you provided beyond the named form. Please use the official opportunity page to access the “Small Grants Funding Application Form”. Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Focus on outcomes: Clearly explain the conservation/environmental outcomes and how the project will benefit biodiversity, the environment, and/or local communities.

- Show real participation: Demonstrate meaningful community participation and how the project responds to genuine community needs or opportunities.

- Keep the plan realistic: Provide a practical and achievable plan, including who will be involved and how activities connect to intended outcomes.

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