Call for Proposals: People Development Third Sector Grant Facility (Barbados)

The Government of Barbados, through the Ministry of Labour, Social Security, and the Third Sector, invites proposals for the 2026 People Development Third Sector Grant Facility. This funding opportunity aims to empower community-led initiatives that enhance skills, inclusion, employability, and national development in Barbados. The deadline for submissions is 20 November 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Government of Barbados Ministry of Labour

- Opportunity Type: Grant

- Funding Amount: Up to BDS $30,000 per grant

- Eligible Applicants: Registered charities and NGOs based in Barbados

- Eligible Countries: Barbados

- Deadline: 20 November 2026, 4:00 p.m.

- Project Duration: Activities must be implemented within six months

About the Opportunity

The People Development Third Sector Grant Facility supports initiatives that address key development areas in Barbados. The program seeks to enhance community capabilities in sectors crucial for national progress, focusing on skill development and increasing employability. This initiative is part of the Government’s commitment to foster inclusive growth and social equity. Funding and Benefits Successful applicants will receive grants of up to BDS $30,000. The funding is intended to aid community organizations in executing projects that align with the strategic priority areas outlined for 2026. This financial support aims to bolster the operational capacity of third sector organizations, enabling them to contribute effectively to national development goals. Who Is Eligible?

- Applicant Types: Registered charities and non-governmental organizations

- Geographic Coverage: Organizations must be based in Barbados

- Requirements: Applicants must have been established for at least three years prior to the application deadline

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas - Education and Training for People with Disabilities: Focus on inclusive and accessible learning environments.

- Innovation and Enterprise: Encourage entrepreneurship and the development of STEAM skills.

- Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET): Support training aligned with emerging sectors like the Green, Blue, and Orange Economies.

- Digital Transition: Promote digital literacy and technological adaptation.

- Health and Wellness: Initiatives for healthier workplaces and crime prevention.

- Youth Engagement: Programs for school-to-work transitions and skills development for vulnerable youth.

- Future Skills and Workforce Readiness: Enhancing communication, critical thinking, and AI literacy.

- Care Economy: Training and certification for care workers and innovation in caregiving.

Why This Opportunity Matters This grant facility is crucial for reinforcing the capacity of third sector organizations in Barbados to drive social change and development. By focusing on strategic areas such as digital transition and youth engagement, the initiative supports the creation of a skilled and adaptable workforce, essential for the nation’s economic resilience and growth. How to Apply

- Download Application Materials: Request the 2026 Policy and Guidelines, including the application template, by emailing pdgf@labour.gov.bb.

- Prepare Your Proposal: Complete the application template and gather the necessary supporting documents.

- Submit Your Proposal: Email your completed proposal to pdgf@labour.gov.bb with the subject line “PROPOSAL FOR PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT GRANT” by 20 November 2026, 4:00 p.m.

- Evaluation: Proposals will be assessed on criteria such as operational capacity, relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes

- Ensure Compliance: Adhere strictly to the application guidelines and deadline.

- Clear Objectives: Clearly define your project’s goals and how they align with the strategic priority areas.

- Comprehensive Budget: Provide a detailed and realistic budget that demonstrates cost-effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions Who can apply for the grant? Registered charities and non-governmental organizations based in Barbados are eligible. What is the maximum funding amount per grant? Grants are available for up to BDS $30,000. When is the application deadline? The deadline for submissions is 20 November 2026, at 4:00 p.m. What are the priority areas for 2026? Priority areas include education and training for people with disabilities, innovation, digital transition, health and wellness, and more. How can I obtain the application guidelines? Email pdgf@labour.gov.bb to request the 2026 Policy and Guidelines and the application template. Next Steps Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the official guidelines and prepare their proposals in line with the strategic objectives outlined. For more detailed information, please consult the application guidelines or contact the Ministry of Labour directly.