Convocatoria a Proyectos – 2025
Photo: Martin Leglize
Open: July 15, 2025 – September 9, 2025
18th CALL FOR PROJECTS
The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) is pleased to announce the annual call for projects with two funding windows:
Traditional Small Grants Program
Support for the management and protection of coastal and marine resources in the Mesoamerican Reef System (SAM).
This call will support:
- Sustainable enterprises/businesses with a demonstrable positive impact on the natural resources of the SAM,
- Resilience of protected areas, coastal communities and NGOs,
- Wastewater and solid waste management, and
- Effective conservation and protection of fish spawning aggregations. This call is restricted to specific protected areas.
Reef Rescue Initiative
Support and strengthening of coral reef restoration, repopulation, and rehabilitation in the SAM region.
In its ninth call, the Reef Rescue Initiative will promote:
- Activities aimed at addressing and responding to coral bleaching,
- Strategies to prevent and address coral diseases, including Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD),
- New techniques for the restoration, repopulation, and rehabilitation of coral reefs, and
- Coral restoration projects that incorporate sustainable enterprises/businesses.
This call is not restricted to specific protected areas.
Click on the window of your interest to learn the full guidelines of the call:
Support for the management and protection of coastal and marine resources in the Mesoamerican Reef System (SAM).
1. Traditional Small Grants Window
The French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM), the German Cooperation through KfW, the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, and the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) are pleased to announce the 18th joint call for projects. Below you will find detailed information on the objectives, eligible applicants, proposal format, deadline, and instructions for submitting proposals.
General Objective
To contribute to the conservation of the ecosystem functions of the Mesoamerican Reef System and its resilience.
Specific Objectives
- Support the design and/or implementation of sustainable enterprises/businesses with a demonstrable positive impact on the natural resources of the SAM (e.g., market innovations related to wastewater management, solid waste, and enterprises/businesses led by women, indigenous peoples, or communities will be prioritized).
- Support actions to strengthen the resilience of protected areas, coastal communities, and NGOs.
- Support and strengthen efforts for wastewater and solid waste management.
- Support activities related to the effective conservation and protection of fish spawning aggregations in the region.
Women’s groups, indigenous peoples, and legally recognized/registered community groups are welcome to submit proposals directly.
The following table provides examples of possible eligible investments. However, activities not included in the table may also be funded. If you have questions about a specific activity, please contact Elisa Blanda (eblanda@marfund.org).
Los objetivos: A. “Apoyar el diseño y/o implementación de emprendimientos/negocios con impacto positivo demostrable en los recursos naturales del SAM”, B. “Apoyar acciones para fortalecer la resiliencia de las áreas protegidas, comunidades costeras y ONG” y C. «Apoyar y fortalecer los esfuerzos para la gestión de aguas residuales y residuos sólidos», aplican para las siguientes 18 áreas protegidas costeras y marinas priorizadas, así como sus áreas de influencia.
The fourth objective, D. “Support activities related to the effective conservation and protection of fish spawning aggregations in the region”, is not restricted to protected areas.
Proposals may have a duration of up to two years. Proposals with a duration of up to 17 months may request a maximum amount of US$30,000, while proposals between 18 and 24 months may request a maximum amount of US$50,000, based on the needs of the project and the execution capacity of the beneficiary entity. For two-year projects, funding is approved for both years, but the disbursement for the second year will depend on the performance of the first year.
Two-year projects
For proposals with a duration of 2 years (with a maximum amount of US$50,000), the applicant may allocate between US$8,000 and US$10,000 in sub-grants. For example, this amount can be used as seed funding for different projects by women, indigenous peoples, and/or communities, as long as the sub-grant aligns with the objectives of the overall proposal. The methodology to be implemented for selecting and assigning the sub-grant and its application de salvaguardas ambientales y sociales debe explicarse de forma clara en la propuesta.
For additional information on the traditional funding window please click here.
Support and strengthening of coral reef restoration, repopulation, and rehabilitation in the SAM region
2. Reef Rescue Initiative Window (RRI)
The German Cooperation through KfW, the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund), and the Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD) are pleased to announce the ninth call for projects of the Reef Rescue Initiative (RRI). This call focuses on coral reefs in the region and is not restricted to specific protected areas.
Objectives
- Develop activities aimed at addressing and responding to coral bleaching, for example, monitoring/mapping to determine the impact of bleaching and/or bleaching resilience, bleaching mitigation measures, design and implementation of coral restoration plans, among others.
- Promote strategies to prevent and address coral diseases, including Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD).
- Promote and contribute to new techniques for the restoration, repopulation, and rehabilitation of coral reefs in the SAM region in areas where work is simultaneously being done to address threats to coral reefs.
- Coral restoration projects that incorporate sustainable enterprises/businesses.
This call is not restricted to protected areas. All coral reefs in the SAM are eligible. Proposals must clearly justify the site where activities will be carried out for the benefit of the Mesoamerican Reef.
Proposals may have a duration of up to 24 months. The maximum grant amount will be US$30,000, based on the needs of the project and the execution capacity of the beneficiary entity.
For additional information on the Reef Rescue Initiative funding window please click here
The following list includes eligible applicants for this call:
- Community organizations, including fishermen’s groups,
- Governmental organizations,
- Non-governmental organizations, and
- Academia e Individuos (deben tener apoyo administrativo de una ONG)
Las organizaciones potenciales deben de ser:
- Legalmente reconocidas o registradas en su país;
- Cumplir con los requisitos para operar como una entidad legal local;
- Guiadas por una Junta Directiva operativa;
- Disponer de un sistema y estructura de gestión financiera sólida (auditorias anuales, etc.);
- Tener una buena historia como beneficiario (es decir, una implementación efectiva del proyecto/donación); y
- Creíble en el campo de la gestión de los recursos marinos.
Para ser elegibles, las organizaciones deben de tener su sede establecida en cualquiera de los cuatro países de la región SAM.
La participación comunitaria podrá ser apoyada directamente, o bien indirectamente a través de una ONG, siempre y cuando exista un acuerdo entre las dos que demuestre que la comunidad es un participante activo en el proyecto.
Para maximizar los recursos disponibles, las propuestas que impliquen la duplicación de fondos/esfuerzos financiados por otras iniciativas o programas de MAR Fund serán descartadas.
Proposal format and submission
Proposals must be submitted through the formato en línea en la página de MAR Fund. Adjunto encontrará el formato de propuesta en Word y anexos en Excel que puede utilizar como guía. Para las organizaciones comunitarias o grupos que pueden demostrar la falta de disponibilidad de Internet, las propuestas pueden enviarse a las siguientes direcciones, dependiendo del país en el que se presentará la propuesta:
FOR BELIZE
Protected Areas Conservation Trust
c/o Darrel Audinette
2 Mango Street, Belmopan City, Cayo, Belize
Email address: cimanager@pactbelize.org
FOR GUATEMALA
The Mesoamerican Reef Fund
c/o Elisa Blanda
22 Av. 0-59, Zona 15, Vista Hermosa II, Guatemala, Guatemala 01015
Email address: eblanda@marfund.org
FOR HONDURAS
Fundación Biosfera
c/o Ana Paz
Colonia Bella Oriente, Bloque B, Casa 4503, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Email address: a.pazfunbio@gmail.com
FOR MEXICO
Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, A.C.
c/o Cintia Landa
Boulevard Cumbres, Supermanzana 310, Manzana 109, Lote 3, Oficina 3J, Tercer Piso, Paza Sky Cumbres,
C.P. 77560, Cancún, Quintana Roo, México
Email address: cintia.landa@fmcn.org
La fecha límite para la presentación de propuestas es el 11 de octubre de 2019. Todas las propuestas deben ser recibidas a más tardar a las 11:59 PM, hora local de cada país.
Each member fund and the MAR Fund central office can provide guidance regarding the relevance of the project idea, the coherence and structure of the proposal, and the elements included in the document. It is important to note, however, that the approval of proposals is the exclusive responsibility of the Board of Directors.
Los interesados en recibir apoyo técnico para la preparación de la propuesta, en especial respecto a la Tabla de Desarrollo de Proyectos, podrán solicitar apoyo a más tardar el 6 de septiembre de 2019) y deben completar el “Formato de solicitud de apoyo para la preparación de las propuestas” (Anexo 1) y enviarlo al representante del fondo miembro que corresponda.
El apoyo será organizado por el personal técnico de los fondos miembro de Belice, Honduras y México. En Guatemala, el personal técnico de MAR Fund brindará el apoyo. La persona que proporcione el apoyo en cada país se trasladará a la oficina del solicitante por un día para guiarlos y trabajar con ellos en la propuesta. En caso no sea posible el traslado, se programará una llamada por medio de Skype. El apoyo o asistencia al proceso para el desarrollo de propuestas no implica un compromiso de financiación de la propuesta resultante.
Proposals may be submitted in Spanish or English.
Project proposals will be reviewed by the Proposal Evaluation Committee, which will make recommendations to the MAR Fund Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will be responsible for the final decision on proposals.
Applicants will be notified of the selection process results in February 2020 by email.
Para preguntas sobre esta convocatoria a proyectos y el proceso de donación, por favor comuníquese, antes del 27 de septiembre, 2019, con las siguientes personas:
Elisa Blanda
Technical Assistant, Small Grants Program
eblanda@marfund.org
Cc:
Claudio González
Technical Coordinator
cgonzalez@marfund.org
MAR Fund
Tel./fax +502 2369-3188
REQUEST FORM FOR PROPOSAL PREPARATION SUPPORT
- Proposal title
_____________________________________________________________________
- Applying Organization
_____________________________________________________________________
- Exact physical address (Community, Neighborhood, street, city, Municipality/State, Department, Phone, e-mail)
_____________________________________________________________________
- Country
_____________________________________________________________________
- Protected Area (if applicable)
_____________________________________________________________________
- Brief description of the type of organization and main activities carried out
_____________________________________________________________________
- What type of project are you interested in submitting to the SAM Fund? (Provide a brief description)
_____________________________________________________________________
- Have you submitted proposals in previous callstorias anteriores del Fondo SAM?
Si ____ No ____
- Si la respuesta es sí ¿Ha sido aprobada su propuesta? Si ____ No ____
Indique el título del proyecto y el año de ejecución
- ¿Por qué requieren apoyo en la preparación de la propuesta?
_____________________________________________________________________
- ¿Quién o quienes se involucrarán en la formulación de la propuesta? (Indicar si es personal permanente, miembro(s) directivo(s), personal voluntario y su experiencia de trabajo con la organización/institución solicitante
_____________________________________________________________________
- Agregar cualquier información que considere importante para conocimiento del Fondo SAM
_____________________________________________________________________
Para descargar el Anexo 1 en formato Word – Clic aquí
Download the proposal format and annexes
Las propuestas deben presentarse (excepto casos particulares) a través del Sistema de Gestión de Proyectos de MAR Fund. Como primer paso a seguir, cada organización debe registrarse en el siguiente link (http://sgp.marfund.org/forms/
Sustainable Marine Resources Management in Belize
3. Belize Marine Fund:
The Belize Marine Fund is pleased to announce its fourth request for proposals. This financial mechanism has been established with technical and financial support from Oak Foundation to provide long-term financial sustainability for high-priority natural resources management and conservation initiatives in Belize. More recently, the BMF has also received some financial support from the Getch Foundation to support key areas of its programmatic effort. This call is not restricted to priority Belizean protected areas. Therefore, all coastal and marine protected areas of Belize are eligible.
General objective
To support traditional marine conservation and civil society organizations to develop and implement initiatives that address and provides solutions to sustainable resources use and management issues; while working to achieve “market readiness” for the capitalization of market-based investments.
Broad funding priorities include: 1) Improved management effectiveness of marine protected areas across the national seascape; 2) Reduced pressures on the marine resources; and 3) Effective marketing of Belize’s reef at national and international levels to build awareness and support for its protection and sustainable use.
Specific Objectives
- To support the identification and development of a portfolio/pipeline of potentially “marketable” initiatives and support the evolution of these projects to investable opportunities.
- To support improved management effectiveness of MPAs across the national seascape and support for effective monitoring and conservation of fish replenishment sites and fish spawning aggregations sites (FSAs).
- To address the need for sustainable financing in marine resources management by working with key stakeholders to integrate financial planning into areas of conservation planning.
We are delighted to extend a special invitation to marine conservation NGOs in Belize to submit proposals, within the scope of the established objectives and funding priorities. A list of examples of potential projects follows:
- Improved management effectiveness of MPAs across the national seascape (for example, investments that improve seascape management and collaboration; protection, monitoring and surveillance of FSAs; effective management practices of the network of coastal and marine protected areas; investments in capacity building for MPA personnel; investments in initiatives that result in strengthened, engaged and functional MPA stakeholder groups; projects that promotes enabling environment for improved transparency and strengthened surveillance and enforcement; and efforts that contribute towards ensuring MPAs meet critical operational, equipment and infrastructure costs).
- Effective implementation of managed access (for example, support for the established package of fish replenishment zones, expansion and operationalization of replenishment zones; continued engagement of fishers towards support of managed access and functional managed access committees; projects that contribute towards multi-year monitoring programmes/research to inform management and adaptive management; and support for fishers in moving towards value-added fishing and product traceability).
- Sustainable income diversification opportunities for fishers/fishing communities (for example, strategic investments in income diversification initiatives based on sound investment strategies and successful models; and investment in adding value / follow-on funding for expansion of successful income diversification investments).
- Improved stewardship and support for enhanced and effective marine resources management, and effective marketing of Belize’s reef at local and national levels (for example, revised valuation of the ecosystem services provided by Belize’s reef, mangroves and seagrass; support for initiatives/actions that result in improved prioritization of marine resource management on the national agenda; enhanced protection of flagship and keystone species for ecosystems health; investments in effort to improve local and national awareness and stewardship of Belize’s reef and coastal ecosystems; support for improved engagement of tourism sector / private sector as active stewards of Belize’s reef and coastal ecosystems; support for professional international marketing campaigns promoting Belize’s reef; and support for engaging the next generation in good stewardship for Belize’s reef and coastal ecosystems/resource conservation).
- Reduced watershed impact (for example, support for river to reef strategies that address watershed impact, solid waste and sewage management; and support for improved water quality monitoring at the site level and across the MPA system).
- Improved financial sustainability of MPA co-management organizations (for example, investments in NGO financial sustainability mechanisms based on sound business plans; and investments in the provision of an enabling environment and portfolio of projects for piloting impact investment in Belize).
- Increased climate change resilience (for example, investments in climate smart approach to reef and mangrove restoration and resilience; efforts towards risk reduction and ocean resilience; and investment in efforts for increased environmental sustainability and climate smarting of coastal/caye development).
The following are considered eligible applicants for the request for proposals:
- Not-for-profit organizations,
- Community-based organizations, including fisher’s groups,
- Education/academia, or scientific organizations
Potential grantee organizations must be:
- Legally recognized or registered in Belize;
- In compliance and good standing with any or all requirements for operation as a legal local entity;
- Guided by an operational Board of Directors;
- Have a sound financial management system and structure in place (annual audits etc.);
- Have a good history as a grantee (i.e. effective grant/project implementation); and
- Credible in the field of marine resources management.
The Belize Marine Fund (BMF) also seeks eligible organizations with project interests that meet the following criteria:
- Can demonstrate measurable results on progress of at least one of the stated RfP objectives;
- Coordinate their implementation across multiple stakeholders;
- Strengthen local management capacity of professionals and institutions;
- Have transferable or replicable outcomes for other communities/protected areas;
- Work to address (root causes of) some of Belize’s and the region’s most pressing environmental and marine resources management challenges;
- Can be replicated locally, nationally and across broad geographical locations;
- Incorporate plans (considerations) for long-term sustainability of the work;
- Are of a collaborative nature;
- Build on broader national/regional projects and initiatives for Mesoamerican Reef management and conservation;
- Have secured other sources of matching funds from entities not affiliated with the Belize Marine Fund;
- Respond to national, regional or global conservation plans/goals;
- Have activities that are closely aligned with the applicant organization’s mission and/or are otherwise sustainable beyond the project period; and
- Build on current work in the area or successful model projects in the region.
The maximum grant amount will be US$30,000, based on project needs and absorptive capacity of the implementing institution.
For this RfP, at least 25% of the total project budget must come from other sources, as a match to the requested funds. The maximum amount allowed for administrative costs cannot exceed 15% of the total amount requested. Administration expenses refer exclusively to the fixed operating costs of the organization.
The maximum project period is 24 months.
The deadline for the presentation of proposals is October 11, 2019. All proposals must be received no later than 11:59 PM.
Para esta convocatoria, al menos 25% del presupuesto total deberá provenir de otras fuentes, como contrapartida a los fondos solicitados. El monto máximo permitido para gastos de administración no podrá exceder el 10% del monto total solicitado. Los gastos de administración se refieren exclusivamente a los costos fijos de operación de la organización.
Los proyectos pueden tener una duración de hasta 12 meses.
Proposals must be submitted through the on-line format on the MAR Fund webpage. For community organizations or groups that can demonstrate lack of Internet availability, proposals can be submitted by email to the Belize Marine Fund Project Officer, Angeline Valentine at avalentine@marfund.org. Attached you will find the proposal format and its annexes in Word/Excel.
Proposals and proposal ideas can be discussed with the BMF Project Officer and/or the MAR Fund Executive Director by email or phone if presented at least three weeks prior to the deadline (by September 27, 2019). The Project Officer can provide guidance in relation to the pertinence of the project idea, coherence and structure of the proposal and elements included in the document. It is important to emphasize, however, that the approval of proposals is the exclusive responsibility of the Belize Marine Fund Steering Committee.
Proposals are to be submitted in English.
Project proposals will be reviewed by the Belize Marine Fund’s Grants and Evaluation Committee, which will make recommendations to the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is responsible for final determination of the proposals.
Applicants will be notified of the selection process results by the end of February 2020 through email.
For further questions on this request for proposals and the grant process, please contact:
Angeline Valentine
Project Officer
Belize Marine Fund
avalentine@marfund.org
Tel: (501) 615-9645
Download the proposal format and annexes
Proposals must be submitted (except in particular cases) through the MAR Fund on-line Small Grants Program system. As a first step to follow, each organization must register in the following link (https://sgp.marfund.org/forms/
The following list includes eligible applicants for this call:
- Community organizations, including women’s and indigenous peoples’ organizations,
- Governmental organizations,
- Non-governmental organizations, and
- Academia and individuals (both must have administrative support from an NGO, which will submit the proposal and be responsible for the grant if the project is approved).
Potential organizations must:
- Be legally recognized or registered in their country;
- Be in compliance with and up to date on the requirements to operate as a legally established entity;
- Be guided by an active Board of Directors;
- Have a financial management system and structure (accounting, annual audits, etc.);
- Have a good track record as a grantee (i.e., effective implementation of other projects/grants); and
- Have experience in the field of coastal and marine resource management.
To be eligible, organizations must be headquartered in any of the four countries of the SAM region (Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras).
Community organizations –including organizaciones de mujeres y pueblos indígenas– o bien indirectamente a través de una ONG, siempre y cuando exista y se comparta un acuerdo firmado entre las dos que demuestre que la organización comunitaria es un co-diseñador y participante activo en el proyecto.
Para maximizar los recursos disponibles, las propuestas que impliquen la duplicación de fondos/esfuerzos financiados por otras iniciativas o programas de MAR Fund no serán consideradas.
Todas las organizaciones que sean apoyadas deberán implementar y monitorear el cumplimiento del Sistema de Gestión Ambiental y Social (SGAS) de MAR Fund a lo largo de la ejecución del proyecto. En caso de que la organización cuente ya con políticas o procedimientos propios, estos podrán aplicarse si satisfacen los requisitos del SGAS de MAR Fund.
Además de encontrar la información relacionada al SGAS en nuestra website, se recomienda revisar el Apéndice B, que incluye otros requisitos para aplicar a esta convocatoria. Para preguntas sobre el SGAS por favor comuníquese con las siguientes personas: Elisa Blanda (eblanda@marfund.org) o Karla Zaldaña (kzaldana@marfund.org).
Criteria for the Traditional and Reef Rescue Initiative windows:
The following criteria will be applied in the review and selection of proposals. Some projects may not necessarily meet all conditions. Projects must:
- Demonstrate measurable results on progress in at least one of the established objectives or themes;
- Coordinate implementation through multiple stakeholders;
- Generate transferable or replicable results in other communities or protected areas;
- Strengthen the local management capacity of professionals and institutions;
- Contribute to strengthening local capacities;
- Engage the relevant MPAs (if applicable) and be aligned with their management plans and the institutional priorities of the protected areas’ governing bodies;
- Create a new source of funding to reduce the financial gap of the protected area where work is being done (if applicable);
- Be aligned with national, regional, and/or global strategies, plans, or policies;
- Be aligned with ridge-to-reef strategies;
- Have activities closely aligned with the mission of the applying organization;
- Propose actividades que sean sostenibles más allá de la duración del proyecto;
- Construir sobre trabajo actual en el área o proyectos modelo exitosos en la región;
- Demonstrate la participación comunitaria y su empoderamiento en las actividades propuestas (cartas avales como documentos de respaldo de la comunidad/ONG/OG);
- En el caso de colaboraciones con otras entidades locales (mujeres, pueblos indígenas, grupos/organizaciones comunitarias, ONG y OG), presentar cartas de colaboración para el proyecto;
- Promover la resiliencia colectiva y/o comunitaria; e
- Identificar claramente y evaluar los riesgos e impactos ambientales y sociales de las actividades propuestas.
Criteria específicos para la ventana de la Iniciativa de Rescate de Arrecife:
- Crear una nueva fuente de financiamiento para la restauración de arrecifes de coral en la región (si aplica); y
- Generar resultados transferibles a sitios con potencial para la restauración de arrecifes de coral.
For this call, at least 25% of the total budget must come from other sources, as a co-financing contribution to the requested funds. The co-financing can be in cash or in-kind. Partial salaries of personnel directly involved in project implementation may be included. The maximum allowable amount for administrative expenses cannot exceed 10% of the total amount requested. Administrative expenses refer exclusively to the fixed operating costs of the organization.
The proposal budget may include costs for the implementation and compliance with MAR Fund’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS). Eligible costs include, for example, the purchase of health and safety equipment, first aid kits, and diving insurance, among others, to be detailed in the proposal budget. Information related to MAR Fund’s ESMS can be found on our website.
If your proposal is a continuation of a project supported by the small grants program that ended no more than 3 months ago or is about to end (within a maximum of 6 months), you may submit a new proposal by selecting the “CONTINUITY” option in the online proposal format. Applicants may use information from the previous proposal or adjust it as necessary. Please include a brief update on results to date in the Introduction and Justification (section c of the online proposal format). También deberá enviar como documentos adjuntos los documentos de debida diligencia que tuvieron modificaciones/actualizaciones, la nueva Tabla de Desarrollo del Proyecto, el Budget del Proyecto y el Cuestionario de Evaluación Ambiental y Social. This proposal will be evaluated like the others. If the proposal is approved, an amendment will be made to the last grant agreement to streamline the grant processes.
Complete proposals and their annexed due diligence documentation, including the Appendix B signed, must be submitted through the online proposal format on the MAR Fund website. Los proponentes que presenten una propuesta sobre implementación de emprendimientos/negocios sostenibles que puedan demostrar un impacto positivo en los recursos naturales del SAM deberán llenar también el business form. Proposals that do not have complete documentation will not be evaluated and will be discarded.
In addition to the proposal, a video of up to three minutes may be submitted, presenting in a concise and engaging manner the implementers, objective, activities, expected results, project impacts, and other relevant context not mentioned in the proposal. It does not need to be a professional video, but rather an informal yet informative one prepared by the applicants (e.g., with mobile phones). Alternatively, the applicant may request a brief call with Elisa Blanda (eblanda@marfund.org) y Karla Zaldaña (kzaldana@marfund.org), at least two weeks before the deadline, August 26, 2025, para presentar en no más de tres minutos la misma información que se requiere para el vídeo. Esta llamada se grabará y se compartirá con el comité de evaluación.
Adjunto encontrará el formato de propuesta y anexos en Word/Excel. Para las organizaciones comunitarias o grupos que pueden demostrar la falta de conexión a Internet, las propuestas pueden enviarse a las siguientes direcciones, de los fondos miembros o la oficina central de MAR Fund, dependiendo del país en el que se presentará la propuesta:
PARA MÉXICO
Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, A.C. (FMCN)
c/o Cintia Landa
Correo electrónico: cintia.landa@fmcn.org
FOR BELIZE
Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT)
c/o Robbin Burns
2 Mango Street, Belmopan City, Cayo, Belize
Correo electrónico: cimanager@pactbelize.org
FOR GUATEMALA
The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund)
c/o Elisa Blanda
22 Av. 0-59, Zona 15, Vista Hermosa II, Guatemala, Guatemala 01015
Correo electrónico: eblanda@marfund.org
FOR HONDURAS
Fundación Biosfera (FB)
c/o María Arteaga
Colonia Bella Oriente, Bloque B, Casa 4503, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Correo electrónico: fbpcoordinacion@gmail.com
La fecha límite para la presentación de propuestas es el 9 de septiembre de 2025. Todas las propuestas deben ser recibidas a más tardar a las 11:59 p. m., hora local de cada país. De requerir asistencia técnica, ésta se proporcionará hasta el mismo día a las 5:00 p. m. (CST).
MAR Fund can answer questions regarding the project idea, coherence and structure of the proposal, and the elements included in the document or the requested annexes. For this, applicants must contact the corresponding member fund or the MAR Fund central office with sufficient notice (no more than four weeks after the call launch, August 12, 2025) to be assisted. The guidance provided does not imply approval of the proposal; the final approval of proposals is the exclusive responsibility of the Board of Directors.
To request a call to make a brief presentation on the objective, activities, expected results, proposed project impacts, and any relevant context not mentioned in the proposal instead of developing a short video, the deadline is August 26, 2025.
Los interesados en recibir hasta US$1,000 para la preparación de la propuesta, podrán solicitarlo por medio del “Formato de solicitud de apoyo para desarrollo de propuestas” (Annex 1) and submit it complete and signed to the MAR Fund central office no more than four weeks after the call launch (August 12, 2025). Support requests will be evaluated by MAR Fund and selected applicants will be notified one week later (August 19, 2025).
The applying organization may use the funds, for example, to hire an external consultant of their choice to develop the proposal and/or to organize consultation meetings with local stakeholders.
The consultant providing support will schedule one or more virtual calls (e.g., Zoom) with the applicants to guide and work with them on the proposal if an in-person meeting is not possible. Support or assistance in the proposal development process does not imply a funding commitment for the resulting proposal.
The amount of up to US$1,000 will be transferred to the selected organization only after MAR Fund receives the complete proposal in a timely manner. This transrencia será un reembolso, por lo tanto, la organización deberá contratar y pagar al consultor previamente, y presentar a MAR Fund los comprobantes de gastos correspondientes para su reembolso. Si se contemplan actividades de campo, se deberán presentar verificadores de las salvaguardas ambientales y sociales aplicadas.
Proposals may be submitted in Spanish or English.
- Applicants and beneficiaries must comply with MAR Fund’s ESMS during the proposal application and project implementation.
- If the proposal includes the construction of small infrastructure, the applicant must submit, at the proposal stage, documented proof of land ownership or legal right to use it. Acceptable documentation may include, as appropriate: registered property titles, purchase contracts, loan-for-use agreements, assembly resolutions for communal or ejidal land, approved management plan or program (for co-managers or managers), or any other legally valid document in accordance with national regulations.
- If the proposal is approved, the beneficiary must comply with all applicable national laws and administrative regulations for the receipt and management of grant funds, including legal registration, tax obligations, financial reporting, and banking compliance. The organization will maintain adequate accounting records, ensure the traceability of funds, and make such records available to auditors upon request.
- Si se aprueba la solicitud de apoyo para el desarrollo de la propuesta y/o se aprueba la propia propuesta, los beneficiarios son responsables de proporcionar una cuenta bancaria a nombre de la ONG para recibir los fondos, junto con toda la información necesaria para las transferencias internacionales. Los beneficiarios también deberán notificar a su banco la transferencia de los fondos y facilitar toda la información necesaria para garantizar recepción satisfactoria desde el extranjero.
The selection process will be carried out in accordance with MAR Fund’s internal evaluation guidelines, and the result will be final. Applicants whose proposals are incomplete or do not meet the call’s guidelines will be notified at the beginning of the process. Those selected to advance to the next phase will be contacted with instructions to make the necessary revisions. Finally, project proposals will be reviewed by the Proposal Evaluation Committee, which will make recommendations to the MAR Fund Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will be responsible for the final decision on proposals to support.
Applicants will be notified of the selection process results in March 2026 through the online platform and by email.
For questions about this call for projects and the grant process, please contact:
Elisa Blanda
Small Grants Program Officer
Central Office
eblanda@marfund.org
- Los proponentes que no hayan recibido apoyo financiero para elaborar la propuesta a través del proceso descrito en la sección “Apoyo financiero para el desarrollo de propuestas” son responsables de todos los costos asociados con la elaboración y la presentación de las propuestas que someterán a evaluación de MAR Fund, por lo que reconocen que no existe obligación alguna por parte de MAR Fund de cubrir dichos costos – ya sea total o parcialmente – ni de proporcionar ningún anticipo o compensación en caso de que su(s) propuesta(s) no resulte elegida(s).
- Applicants acknowledge and accept that the preparation of the proposal(s) does not constitute a financial obligation on the part of MAR Fund, and therefore the economic and financial responsibility for the preparation of the proposal(s) rests exclusively with the applicant(s), regardless of the outcome of the selection process.
Download the proposal format and annexes
Proposals must be submitted (except in special cases) through the MAR Fund Project Management System (online platform).
As a first step, check whether your organization is already registered in our system by consulting the following list:
If your organization is already registered, you can log directly into the project management system (PMS) and add a new project.
If your organization is already registered and you do not know or remember your access credentials, please contact Elisa Blanda (eblanda@marfund.org) for technical support.
If your organization is not on the above list, please register at the following link https://ppd-sgp.marfund.org/forms/es/, completing the organization form.
We recommend registering as soon as possible. Upon registration, you will receive a notification email with your system access credentials.
Additional information for both windows:
Socios de las dos ventanas financieras
German Development Bank
(KfW)
(KfW)
KfW (German Development Bank) is a German government-owned development bank headquartered in Frankfurt. Su nombre proviene originalmente del “Instituto de Crédito para la Reconstrucción”. Fue establecido en 1948, después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial como parte del Plan Marshall. Los propósitos de esta institución consisten en dar impulso a la economía, la sociedad y la ecología a nivel mundial. Apoya el mejoramiento sostenible de las condiciones económicas y de vida en los ámbitos de la clase media, protección de recursos naturales, economía de viviendas, infraestructura, educación, financiamiento de proyectos y exportaciones y en la cooperación al desarrollo. Desde el 2018, es el tercer banco más grande de Alemania por balance. Cubre más del 90% de sus necesidades de préstamos en el mercado capital, principalmente a través de enlaces que están garantizados por el gobierno federal. Esto le permite a KfW recaudar fondos en condiciones ventajosas. Su exención de impuestos corporativos debido a su estatus legal como agencia pública y el capital no remunerado proporcionado por sus accionistas públicos le permite a KfW otorgar préstamos para los fines prescritos por la ley de KfW a tasas más bajas que los bancos comerciales. KfW ha estado involucrado en la conservación del Sistema Arrecifal Mesoamericano (SAM), apoyando el fortalecimiento de las áreas protegidas costeras y marinas, protegiendo los recursos naturales y promoviendo su uso sostenible.
French Facility for Global Environment
(FFEM)
(FFEM)
The French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM) was established to promote a sustainable global environment and works in Latin America, Africa, and Asia on ecosystem protection. Its work focuses primarily on mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting the ozone layer, biodiversity, marine resources, and soil. FFEM has worked in various national parks across these continents in conjunction with other global environmental groups como el Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza, en la financiación y la protección de áreas de vulnerabilidad ecológica. También ha trabajado extensamente en las islas del Océano Índico, como las Seychelles. En el Sistema Arrecifal Mesoamericano (SAM), FFEM apoya también la recuperación de las poblaciones de peces mediante el fortalecimiento de la protección y monitoreo de una red regional de sitios de agregación reproductiva de peces.
Paul M. Angell Family
Foundation
Foundation
In 1996, David and Lynn Angell created a family foundation to manage their philanthropic efforts. For them, philanthropy was an extension of their natural inclination to help people, knowing that sometimes people need a helping hand. Helping others was a principle they took seriously and enjoyed immensely, and their motivations arose from a deep spiritual desire to make a difference in the world. The Foundation promotes high-impact programs thae ayuden a personas a alcanzar la autosuficiencia y el bienestar, proporcionando artículos de primera necesidad y estabilidad económica. La Fundación ha estado involucrada en la conservación del Sistema Arrecifal Mesoamericano (SAM), abordando una de las principales amenazas para la región: los efluentes de aguas residuales no tratadas y los residuos sólidos, apoyando la construcción y/o mejora de la infraestructura para el manejo de residuos sólidos y líquidos, el cambio de comportamiento de las comunidades a través de la educación, la implementación de buenas prácticas ambientales y la creación de nuevas alianzas para la protección del recurso hídrico, entre otros.
Central American Commission for Environment and Development
(CCAD)
(CCAD)
The Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD) is the body of the Central American Integration System (SICA) responsible for the environmental agenda. Its objective is “to contribute to the sustainable development of the Central American region, strengthening the cooperation and integration regime for environmental management.” CCAD seeks the appropriate way to harmonize national policy guidelines and laws with regional strategies for coral reef conservation and restorationos, a fin de establecer una colaboración entre los países de la región para buscar conjuntamente la adopción de prácticas de desarrollo sostenible, impulsando proyectos de la cuenca al arrecife.