HOW TO APPLY
The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund) awards grants through its Grants Award Program (GAP) to support scientific research, climate change adaptation, conservation projects, and blue businesses focused on Belize’s coastal and marine resources.
Each year, the Belize Fund issues a Call for Proposals inviting eligible non-government entities to submit concept papers for funding consideration.
All concept papers must be submitted through the online Grants Application Platform. This is a two-step process:
Call for Proposals Two-step Application Process
Concept Paper Guidelines:
A concept paper is a brief but well-thought-out proposal—not a vague idea. It should not exceed 5 pages (letter size) and must include:
- Organizational Biodata
- Project Summary
- Goal and Objectives, Outcomes, Outputs and Activities
- Relevance to the Belize Fund-Thematic Areas
- Budget Summary
Required concept paper attachments:
- Registration Certificate
- Articles of Association or By-Laws (optional)
- Certificate of Good Standing or Detailed Extract (optional)
Screening Criteria for Concept Paper:
- Alignment with the TA and Conservation Commitments
Is the proposed goal, outcomes and outputs directly aligned with any of the Belize Fund’s Thematic Areas? Is it aligned with the Conservation Commitments?
- Feasibility of the proposed concept idea
Does the submitted concept paper have the potential for success? Is the proposed goal and outcomes achievable within the proposed time frame? Is the proposed idea viable?
- Potential for Impact
Does the concept idea complement or contribute to any existing national effort or activities? Is there potential for replication and/or upscaling the proposed idea?
What happens after you apply?
- Eligibility Screening – We review all submissions to confirm basic requirements.
- Organizational Assessment – We assess your technical and financial capacity.
- Full Proposal Stage – If your concept is accepted, you’ll be invited to submit a detailed proposal.
- Evaluation & Decision – The Blue Bonds Committee reviews all proposals and makes recommendations to the Belize Fund’s Board of Directors for final approval.
NOTE:
- Not all accepted concept papers receive funding. The process is competitive, and only the projects that have the greatest positive impact on Belize's ocean space are selected.
- Successful concept papers will be invited to submit full proposals, which will be evaluated on additional criteria including detailed budget accuracy, co-financing requirements, complete implementation plans aligned with logical frameworks, organizational and financial capacity assessments, environmental and social safeguards, dedicated project banking arrangements, and compliance with anti-money laundering requirements.
- Applicants will receive a formal response on the status of their application. The entire process takes about six months.
DOWNLOAD HERE: Concept Paper Template