Call for Proposals: Lao Ecology Small Grant Program Phase 3

Deadline: 18-Oct-2026

The Lao Ecology Small Grant Program Phase 3 (LESGP3) provides grants of up to US$25,000 per proposal to eligible local civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Lao PDR. The programme supports projects focused on biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resource management, and waste management. Funded by The McConnell Foundation and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), LESGP3 aims to strengthen the capacity of local organizations to address critical environmental challenges. Funded projects must be implemented in Lao PDR and completed within 12 months, with projects expected to start on 1 January 2027.

About the Lao Ecology Small Grant Program Phase 3

The Lao Ecology Small Grant Program Phase 3 is an environmental funding initiative designed to strengthen local civil society organizations and NGOs working on conservation and sustainable environmental management in Lao PDR. The programme is financed by The McConnell Foundation and implemented by IUCN. LESGP3 is modeled on the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) approach and uses established CEPF systems and processes associated with the Indo-Burma Hotspot, which includes Lao PDR. Why the Programme Matters Lao PDR contains important ecosystems and natural resources that face challenges related to biodiversity loss, unsustainable resource use, pollution, and waste. LESGP3 provides local organizations with financial resources to develop and implement practical environmental solutions. The programme also seeks to strengthen the organizational capacity of local CSOs and NGOs so they can play a stronger role in addressing environmental challenges. What Projects Does LESGP3 Support? Proposals must address at least one of the programme’s three thematic areas: - Biodiversity conservation - Sustainable natural resource management - Waste management Projects may address more than one thematic area when appropriate. Biodiversity Conservation The biodiversity conservation theme supports initiatives designed to protect species, ecosystems, forests, and biodiversity while strengthening community participation and environmental awareness.

Examples of eligible activities include:

- Species conservation - Village forest management - Participatory management of protected areas - Environmental education Projects should demonstrate how proposed activities contribute to biodiversity protection or improved conservation practices. Sustainable Natural Resource Management This thematic area focuses on sustainable use and management of natural resources while supporting local communities and livelihoods.

Potential activities include:

- Non-timber forest product management - Non-timber forest product marketing - Community fisheries - Ecotourism - Community-based natural resource management Projects should demonstrate a practical connection between sustainable resource use, environmental conservation, and community benefits. Waste Management LESGP3 also supports initiatives addressing pollution and waste-related environmental challenges.

Relevant activities may include:

- Pollution control - Solid waste management - Community-based waste initiatives - Activities designed to reduce environmental impacts from waste Applicants should clearly identify the waste-management challenge their project will address and explain the proposed solution. How Much Funding Is Available?

Eligible applicants can request up to:

US$25,000 per proposal The requested amount should be appropriate to the proposed activities and project objectives. Applicants should prepare a realistic budget showing how the grant will contribute to achieving the project’s environmental outcomes. Project Duration and Start Date Each funded project must be completed within a 12-month period.

Projects are expected to commence on:

1 January 2027 Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed activities can realistically be planned, implemented, and completed within the 12-month timeframe. Who Is Eligible? The programme is specifically intended for local CSOs and NGOs in Lao PDR.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be a local civil society organization or NGO. - Be legally registered. - Be headquartered in Lao PDR. - Implement the proposed project within Lao PDR. There are no additional geographical restrictions within Lao PDR, meaning eligible projects can be implemented in any part of the country, provided all other programme requirements are met. Can Organizations Submit Multiple Proposals? Yes. An eligible applicant may submit multiple proposals. However, an organization can receive only one grant under the programme. Organizations considering multiple proposals should therefore ensure that each submission represents a distinct and well-developed project while recognizing the one-grant-per-applicant limitation. How to Develop a Strong Proposal A competitive proposal should clearly connect the environmental challenge, proposed activities, expected results, and available resources.

Applicants should explain:

- What environmental problem the project addresses - Why the problem is important - Which LESGP3 thematic area the project supports - Who will benefit from the project - What activities will be implemented - How the activities will contribute to conservation or environmental improvement - What results are expected within 12 months - How the requested funding will be used - How the organization will manage project implementation How to Apply Applicants should prepare their proposal around the programme’s thematic priorities and eligibility requirements.

Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Verify that the organization is a legally registered local CSO or NGO headquartered in Lao PDR.

Step 2: Select a Priority Theme

Identify whether the project focuses on:

- Biodiversity conservation - Sustainable natural resource management - Waste management A proposal can address more than one theme where the