Along the coastlines of Belize, you can find stretches of sandy shores, thick mangrove forests, and sparkling blue waters that provide a home to an incredible variety of marine life. From the bustling coral reefs to the quiet lagoons, it’s a place where people and nature are deeply connected. In these coastal communities, many groups discuss solutions to the environmental challenges they face. They know every tide, every change in the water, and even the creatures that swim below its surface. For years, they’ve worked quietly to preserve the marine resources their families depend on. But when it comes to securing the funding to amplify their efforts, they often hit a wall. It’s voices like these that the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund) wants to uplift. Established to provide finance and support the sustainable management of Belize’s marine and coastal areas, the Belize Fund has awarded approximately BZ $10.8 million in grants to organizations tackling environmental challenges. Yet, until recently, many of these grants went to large, well-established NGOs. While these NGOs are critical players in conservation and managing protected areas, the Belize Fund recognized the imbalance. Smaller, community groups, often the ones closest to the issues, were being unintentionally left out. “We realized that while our process ensures accountability and transparency, it wasn’t reaching everyone it needed to,” says Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director of the Belize Fund. “We knew we had to rethink our approach if we wanted to truly achieve fairness and lasting results, recognizing that communities are very important to conservation.” Closing the Gap Through its first two Calls for Proposals, the Belize Fund recognized key barriers that many small, community groups face in accessing grants. Challenges ranged from a lack of formal registration and financial systems to limited experience with project reporting and management. “The traditional model worked well for large organizations, but it unintentionally excluded other people who are also on the frontlines every day,” explains Josue Oliva, Program Manager at the Belize Fund. “We had to ask ourselves: how can we change that?” A Revised Approach Determined to be more inclusive and responsive, the Belize Fund introduced Community Grants during its 3rd Call for Proposals. Designed specifically for smaller entities—like women’s groups, youth associations, and indigenous cooperatives—these grants seek to address the challenges these groups face in accessing financing. The requirements are simple: applicants must be registered in Belize and demonstrate active involvement in their communities. And then the Belize Fund helps with managing the funds. “We offer training in proposal writing, provide consultants to guide organizations through the application process, and we help with managing finances for approved projects, ” says Oliva. “We’re meeting people where they are, so these entities can focus on implementing their projects, building sustainable livelihoods and conserving our natural resources.” Investing in People Recognizing that access to funding is just one step, the Belize Fund has also invested heavily in capacity-building initiatives. These include in-person information sessions, proposal-writing workshops, and direct support from consultants to guide organizations through the application process. “We want to do more than just provide money for conservation,” says Dr. Cho-Ricketts. ” We want to equip people with the tools they need to succeed and create a foundation for long-term impact.” Empowering Communities, Ensuring Sustainability The Belize Fund’s new approach is already making a difference. Out of eight community grant proposals, four have been approved for funding totalling US $150,000, with another in the pipeline. The approved projects focus on key areas: managing the 66’ reserve around the Three Lagoons System, enhancing public awareness and engagement in coastal and marine management, supporting sustainable fishing and livelihoods in Chunox, and ensuring compliance with international shark fishery standards to protect key species. By removing barriers and supporting smaller groups, the Fund is giving underrepresented communities a chance to play a bigger role in conservation. “Every community has a part to play in creating a sustainable future,” says Dr. Cho-Ricketts. “When we give local groups the tools and resources they need, we’re investing in conservation that benefits everyone, now and in the future.” As the Belize Fund continues to evolve, it is balancing the need to conserve ecosystems with the importance of empowering the people who rely on them. With a focus on inclusion and innovation, the Fund is showing how grant-making can drive meaningful change. Written By: Chalsey Gill Anthony, Communications Officer, Belize Fund
