Caribbean Biodiversity Fund

Quick Stats

• Total Assets Under Management: USD $94 million (2023)
• Total Committed (EbA Facility): USD $40 million across 34 projects
• Decision Time: Approximately 3-7 months (from concept note to award)
• Grant Range: USD $250,000 - $3,000,000
• Geographic Focus: Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Contact Details

Website: www.caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org

Email: secretariat@caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org

Phone: +44(0)161 9424731

Address: Oakwood Corporate Services, 3rd Floor, 1 Ashley Road, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 2DT

Programme-Specific Contacts:

• EbA Facility: programmanager_eba@caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org
• ACE Facility: programmanager_ace@caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org

Overview

Established in September 2012, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) is a regional umbrella environmental fund registered as a UK charity (1149889) and charitable company (08204716). With a mission “to ensure continuous funding for conservation and sustainable development in the Caribbean,” the CBF has grown its endowment fund from USD $31 million in 2016 to USD $94 million in 2023, benefiting 12 Caribbean countries. After over a decade, the CBF has directly or indirectly funded an estimated 100 projects and initiatives implementing effective conservation actions across the region. The fund operates through three strategic programmes: Conservation Finance (endowment-based), Climate Change (EbA Facility with USD $60 million sinking fund), and Nature-Based Economies (ACE Facility with USD $28 million sinking fund). The CBF received an additional EUR €10 million from the German Government in December 2023, extending its funding capacity through 2030.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Facility - Climate Change Program

• Medium Grants: USD $250,000 - $1,000,000
• Large Grants: USD $1,000,000 - $3,000,000 (Fifth Call increased from previous USD $2 million cap)
• Focus: Climate change adaptation through ecosystem services in marine and coastal zones
• Application Method: Competitive calls for proposals (typically annual)
• Track Record: 34 innovative projects funded through four rounds totaling USD $40 million committed

2. Advancing Circular Economy (ACE) Facility - Nature-Based Economies Program

• Grant Range: USD $400,000 - $2,000,000
• Focus: Reducing marine litter in the insular Caribbean through circular economy approaches
• Application Method: Competitive calls for proposals
• Requirement: Co-financing required

3. Conservation Finance Program

• Delivery Method: Funding channeled through partner National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs)
• Focus: Protection and management of biodiversity and natural resources
• Track Record: USD $8.3 million disbursed to 10 countries

Priority Areas

What They Actively Fund:

• Ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change in marine and coastal zones
• Restoration and rehabilitation of ecosystems (mangroves, coral reefs, coastal forests)
• Management of protected areas
• Reduction of negative impacts of climate-related threats
• Measures to reduce physical damage on ecosystems
• Ridge-to-reef approaches with clear benefits to coastal-marine ecosystems
• Circular economy initiatives to reduce marine litter
• Youth and women empowerment through sustainable livelihoods
• Sustainable agriculture and climate resilience for farmers
• Community-based conservation initiatives

Eligible Countries:

• EbA Facility: Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Conservation Finance: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago

Eligible Applicants:

• National Conservation Trust Funds (NCTFs)
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Community-based organizations (CBOs)
• Government agencies
• Regional/international organizations
• Private sector entities
• Universities and research institutions

What They Don't Fund

Applicants must consult the CBF Environmental and Social Policy and Exclusion List to ensure alignment with CBF requirements. The policy aims to ensure activities yield significant environmental and social benefits while avoiding negative impacts. Based on standard environmental fund exclusions, prohibited activities typically include:

• Projects not aligned with ecosystem-based adaptation or conservation goals
• Activities outside eligible geographic areas
• Projects not focused on marine and coastal zones (for EbA Facility)
• Activities violating environmental and social safeguards

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Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

• Karolin Troubetzkoy - Chair
• Brenda Boddie-John - Vice Chair
• Glenn Bannister - Treasurer
• Miguel Gutiérrez - Director
• Joth Singh - Director
• Melanie McTurk - Director
• Sixto Inchaustegui - Director
• Petipha Lewis - Director
• Ingrid Parchment - Director
• Louise Mitchell - Director
• Anne-Isabelle Bonifassi - Director
• Albert Paul - Director

No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Secretariat Team

• Karen McDonald Gayle - Chief Executive Officer (appointed March 2022, after serving as Acting CEO from August 2021)
• Ulrike Krauss - Program Manager, Climate Change Program/EbA Facility
• Rachel Ramsey - Program Manager, Nature-based Economies Program/ACE Facility
• Tanja Lieuw - Program Manager, Conservation Finance Program (over 10 years' experience in biodiversity conservation)
• Junior Buchanan - Senior Finance Officer
• Hayden Billingy - Technical Officer, EbA Facility
• Asha-Gaye Cowell - Program Officer, Conservation Finance
• Renée Smith - Communications Officer
• Theresa Erin Sanderson - Technical Officer, CRAB Project

Leadership Quotes

Karen McDonald Gayle, CEO, on the 30x30 conservation goal: "30×30 is a distant goal, it's actually an urgent priority that requires all hands on board."

On regional collaboration: “The concept that the problems that we have need to be solved by the governments is a myth that we need to move past.”

On circular economy projects: “The launch of these projects represents a pivotal moment for the Caribbean.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Two-Step Application Process:

• Complete the Concept Note Template (limited to 7 pages)
• Use Times New Roman, font size 12
• Submit in English, French, or Spanish
• Required attachments:
• Audited financial statements
• Business registration documents
• Compliance declarations with environmental and social policies

• Only successful concept note applicants are invited to submit full proposals

Application Portal: Online submission through CBF website during open calls

Decision Timeline

Example Timeline (EbA Facility Fifth Call):

• Concept Note Deadline: December 17, 2024
• Concept Note Selection Decision: March 11, 2025 (approximately 3 months)
• Full Proposal Deadline: June 3, 2025
• Final Grant Award Decision: July 29, 2025 (approximately 7 months from initial submission)

Applicants receive an email acknowledging receipt of their Concept Note at the time of submission.

Success Rates

While specific percentage success rates are not publicly disclosed, the CBF's EbA Facility has funded 34 projects from four rounds of competitive calls, demonstrating a selective but significant grant-making capacity. The fund has supported an estimated 100 projects and initiatives across all programmes.

Reapplication Policy

Past and existing CBF grantees may apply independently of the number of projects they have undertaken with CBF. However, grantees' past performance will be considered in the selection process. Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly detailed in available materials.

Application Success Factors

Selection Committee Preferences

Geographic Leadership: The Selection Committee favorably views submissions led by applicants from eligible Caribbean countries (rather than international organizations applying on behalf of Caribbean partners).

Regional Collaboration: Regional project proposals covering multiple countries are encouraged.

Critical Success Factors

1. Clear EbA Focus: Projects must demonstrate the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.

2. Marine and Coastal Zone Impact: For EbA Facility, projects must be focused on or demonstrate direct impact on marine and coastal zones. Ridge-to-reef approaches are supported provided there is clear benefit to coastal-marine ecosystems.

3. Policy Alignment: Carefully review and align with the CBF Environmental and Social Policy and Exclusion List before application.

4. Template Adherence: Follow provided templates precisely with all required documentation.

5. Co-financing: Particularly for ACE Facility, demonstrate capacity to complement CBF grants with co-financing.

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

• Haiti: "Elaboration d'un Plan de restauration de 100 ha de mangroves dans les aires protégées" - Mangrove restoration in protected areas
• Haiti: “Increasing the Resilience of Farmers in La Vallée de Jacmel to Climate Change Hazards” - Climate adaptation for agriculture
• Cuba: “Preservation, Valorization of Biodiversity, and Sustainable Environmental Management in Acul des Pins”
• Union Island: “Empowering Young Women on Union Island through Sustainable Livelihood Initiatives”
• Youth Agriculture Science Internship Programme (YASIP) - Supporting agricultural science education

Common Themes in Successful Projects

• Community empowerment (particularly youth and women)
• Climate resilience building
• Ecosystem restoration (mangroves, coral reefs)
• Sustainable livelihoods linked to conservation
• Measurable adaptation outcomes
• Local leadership and ownership

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Caribbean-Led Preferred: Applications led by Caribbean-based organizations are viewed more favorably than international entities. If you're an international organization, partner with strong local Caribbean entities.

1. Demonstrate Clear EbA: Your project must explicitly show how biodiversity and ecosystem services will help communities adapt to climate change. Avoid generic conservation—focus on adaptation benefits.

1. Marine-Coastal Connection Essential: For EbA Facility grants, even if your project includes inland activities (like agroforestry or watershed management), you must demonstrate clear benefits to marine and coastal ecosystems.

1. Regional Thinking Valued: Consider multi-country proposals that can share lessons and create regional impact across Caribbean SIDS.

1. Policy Compliance Non-Negotiable: Review the Environmental and Social Policy and Exclusion List before investing time in your application. Non-compliant projects will be rejected.

1. Co-financing Strengthens Applications: Particularly for ACE Facility, demonstrate capacity to leverage additional resources beyond CBF funding.

1. Track Record Matters: If you're a previous grantee, your past performance will influence future funding decisions. Deliver excellently on current grants to improve future prospects.

References

1. Caribbean Biodiversity Fund Official Website - https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/
2. Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, “Who We Are” - https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/who-we-are/
3. Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, “Our People” - https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/our-people/
4. Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, “Climate Change Program” - https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/our-priorities/climate-change/
5. Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, “Nature-Based Economies Program” - https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/our-priorities/nature-based-economies/
6. Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, “Conservation Finance Program” - https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/our-priorities/conservation-finance/
7. Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, “Calls for Proposals” - https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/call-for-proposal/
8. Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, "Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Facility's Fifth Call for Proposals" - https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/call-for-proposal/ecosystem-based-adaptation-eba-facilitys-fifth-call-for-proposals/
9. Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, “Our Projects” - https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/projects/
10. UK Charity Commission Register, Charity Number 1149889 - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1149889
11. Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, “CBF Environmental and Social Policy and Exclusion List” - https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/resources/cbf-environmental-and-social-policy-and-exclusion-list/
12. UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, “Caribbean Biodiversity Fund” - https://forest-finance.un.org/content/caribbean-biodiversity-fund
13. Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, “2023 Annual Report” - https://caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CBF-2023-Annual-Report.pdf
14. Global Voices, “Caribbean environmental experts call for more collaboration to meet 30×30 goal” - https://globalvoices.org/2024/10/11/caribbean-environmental-experts-call-for-more-collaboration-to-meet-30x30-goal/
15. SLUNCF, “Caribbean Biodiversity Fund Announces New CEO” - https://www.sluncf.org/post/caribbean-biodiversity-fund-announces-new-ceo