GEF Small Grants for Community-Led Conservation Action (Sri Lanka)

Deadline: 09-Oct-26

The GEF Small Grants Program (SGP) in Sri Lanka is inviting eligible civil society organizations to submit proposals supporting the conservation and management of threatened ecosystems and species in central and southwestern Sri Lanka. The program aims to strengthen community participation in biodiversity conservation while supporting local organizations to address urgent threats to ecosystems and species. Grants will prioritize projects that combine conservation action with meaningful benefits for local and vulnerable communities.

About the GEF Small Grants Program

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (GEF SGP) in Sri Lanka is implemented by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and IUCN. The program supports local civil society organizations in addressing biodiversity conservation challenges, particularly those affecting threatened ecosystems and species.

Eligible organizations may include:

- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs). - Community-based organizations (CBOs). - Indigenous Peoples’ organizations. - Women‘s groups. - Youth groups. - Other eligible civil society organizations. The program seeks to empower local communities to play an active role in conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible applicants may request up to US$60,000 per project. The final grant amount will depend on factors including: - Technical merit of the proposal. - Scope and quality of the proposed project. - Availability of funding. - Relevance to the program’s conservation priorities. Applicants should therefore ensure that their requested budget is appropriate to the proposed activities and expected outcomes. What Projects Are Supported? The call prioritizes projects that promote community engagement in the management and restoration of threatened ecosystems and species.

Particular attention will be given to projects supporting

- Globally threatened species endemic to Sri Lanka. - Unprotected ecosystems adjacent to protected areas. - Ecosystems that provide important connections between protected areas. - Restoration of degraded forests. - Improved management of landscapes outside protected areas. - Biodiversity conservation in areas outside formal protected-area systems. - Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs). - Tangible livelihood benefits for vulnerable and marginalized communities. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection between conservation activities and community participation. Priority on Threatened Species and Ecosystems The program places strong emphasis on conserving globally threatened species that are endemic to Sri Lanka. Projects may also focus on threatened ecosystems that are not formally protected or that connect with existing protected areas. Supporting these areas can help improve biodiversity conservation beyond the boundaries of formally protected sites while strengthening community involvement in environmental management. Forest Restoration and Landscape Management One of the thematic priorities is the restoration of degraded forests. Projects may also improve the management of landscapes outside protected areas to support biodiversity conservation. These approaches recognize that important habitats and species can exist outside formal protected areas and that effective conservation may require cooperation between communities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. Support for OECMs The call also supports initiatives related to Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs). Projects can contribute to identifying, establishing, or strengthening effective conservation approaches in areas that may not be formally designated as protected areas but can deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes. Livelihood Benefits for Vulnerable Communities In addition to conservation outcomes, the program encourages projects that provide tangible livelihood benefits to vulnerable groups.

Priority groups include:

- Women. - Youth. - Persons with disabilities. - Marginalized communities. Applicants should demonstrate how their projects can connect biodiversity conservation with meaningful benefits for participating communities. Who Can Apply? The program is designed to support eligible civil society organizations working in central and southwestern Sri Lanka.

Potential applicants include:

- NGOs. - Community-based organizations. - Indigenous Peoples’ organizations. - Women’s groups. - Youth groups. - Other eligible civil society organizations. Organizations should demonstrate their ability to implement community-focused conservation activities that align with the priorities of the call. How to Prepare a Strong Proposal Applicants should develop proposals that clearly explain the conservation problem being addressed and how community engagement will contribute to achieving meaningful results. A strong proposal should clearly demonstrate: - The threatened ecosystem or species being addressed. - The conservation challenge or problem. - The proposed community engagement approach. - The restoration or management activities to be undertaken. - The expected biodiversity benefits. - Benefits for vulnerable or marginalized communities where relevant. - The project’s contribution to the program’s thematic priorities. - A realistic scope and budget. Projects should show a clear and practical connection between proposed activities and expected conservation outcomes. Key Facts About the GEF Small Grants Program Sri Lanka

- Program: GEF Small Grants Program (SGP)

- Country: Sri Lanka

- Geographic focus: Central and southwestern Sri Lanka

- Maximum funding: Up to US$60,000 per project

- Implementing organizations: Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and IUCN

- Primary applicants: Eligible civil society organizations

- Focus: Threatened ecosystems and species

- Community focus: Community engagement in conservation and ecosystem management

- Priority areas: Forest restoration,