The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and IUCN are inviting Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) from Sri Lankan civil society organisations for projects under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Program.
The call focuses on strengthening community participation in the management of threatened ecosystems and species in central and southwestern Sri Lanka.
What Projects Are Supported?
Projects should focus on:
- Community participation in conservation and management of threatened ecosystems
- Protection and management of threatened species
- Community-led biodiversity conservation
- Strengthening the role of local communities in environmental management
- Conservation activities that benefit threatened ecosystems and species
Projects must be implemented within the eligible districts listed below.
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to Sri Lankan organisations, including:
- Non-governmental organisations
- Community-based organisations
- Indigenous Peoples’ organisations
- Women’s groups
- Youth groups
- Other civil society organisations
Important: This opportunity is specifically for organisations in Sri Lanka. Projects must also be located within the eligible districts.
Eligible Districts
Projects must be based in one of these five districts:
- Nuwara Eliya
- Kegalle
- Ratnapura
- Galle
- Matara
Funding
Selected projects can receive grants of up to US$60,000.
Application Process
Applicants must first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) using the official template provided by CEPF and IUCN.
Applicants are encouraged to review the full call document, eligibility requirements and selection criteria before submitting their LOI.
The application materials are available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.
Deadline
9 October 2026
Why Apply?
This opportunity provides funding for locally led conservation initiatives that put communities at the centre of protecting threatened ecosystems and species. It is particularly relevant for Sri Lankan NGOs, youth groups, community organizations and other civil society actors working in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
