Eligible Countries: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Opening Date: Wednesday, 22 July, 2026
Closing Date: Monday, 31 August, 2026
Grant size: Up to US$50,000
Eligible Activities: Investment Priorities 1.1, 2.1 and 2.2
Eligible Languages: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish
LOI Template: Download here
Applications are now open for the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) Small Grants 2026 under the Guinea Forests of West Africa Biodiversity Hotspot programme. The call seeks proposals from civil society organizations and other eligible institutions working to conserve one of the world’s most biologically rich and threatened ecosystems.
Managed by the Regional Implementation Team (RIT)—A Rocha Ghana and AJESH—the programme provides grants of up to USD 50,000 to support biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and community-based conservation initiatives across eligible countries in West Africa.
About the Grant
The CEPF Small Grants Programme supports projects that contribute to the conservation of globally important biodiversity while improving the wellbeing of local communities.
Projects must align with selected investment priorities identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile for the Guinea Forests of West Africa Biodiversity Hotspot, specifically:
- Investment Priority 1.1
- Investment Priority 2.1
- Investment Priority 2.2
The programme encourages locally led initiatives that deliver measurable conservation outcomes and strengthen civil society’s role in protecting biodiversity.
Eligibility
Applications are invited from:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Community-based organizations (CBOs)
- Civil society organizations (CSOs)
- Private sector organizations
- Independent public institutions
- Other eligible non-profit organizations operating within the eligible countries
Applicants should carefully review the official call to ensure their proposed project aligns with CEPF’s investment priorities.
Application Process
Applicants must:
- Complete the official Letter of Inquiry (LOI) template provided by CEPF.
- Submit the LOI in Microsoft Word (.docx) format (the main application must not be submitted only as a PDF).
- Include any required supporting documents (PDF attachments are accepted).
- Email the completed application and supporting documents to the address provided in the call.
Eligible Languages
Applications may be submitted in:
- English
- French
- Portuguese
- Spanish
The CEPF Small Grants Programme is an excellent opportunity for organizations working to protect biodiversity and strengthen community conservation across West Africa. With funding of up to USD 50,000, successful projects can support ecosystem restoration, protect threatened species and habitats, empower local communities, and contribute to the long-term conservat
Call for Letters of Inquiry Details
- English (PDF – 250 KB)
- French (PDF – 257 KB)
- Spanish (PDF – 255 KB)
- Portuguese (PDF – 255 KB)
More Information
On the 4th of August, the RIT will host an online Information Session regarding this Call for Letters of Inquiry. The information will be posted here.
Important submission requirement:
Applicants must complete and submit the official Letter of Inquiry template in Microsoft Word format (.docx). The main LOI application form must not be converted to or submitted only as a PDF.
Supporting documents may be submitted in PDF format.
Submit one completed LOI .docx file and any relevant supporting documents to cepf.gfwa.applications@arocha.org no later than 31 August 2026 at 11:59 p.m. GMT/UTC.
Questions about the call should be sent to: cepf.gfwa.info@arocha.org
Additional Resources
