Grants
The Seed Fund issues grant opportunities through open calls for proposals or through direct invitations for specialised work. See below for our latest opportunities and for further information about the application process.
How to apply
Each call is designed to address a specific set of priorities identified within a Country Package.
All proposals are reviewed by the Seed Fund Delivery Team, and funding is awarded according to established procedures and donor requirements.
Eligibility criteria
To apply for support from The Seed Fund, applicants should:
Align with our priorities
We focus on building capacity, protecting ecosystems, supporting communities, strengthening knowledge, and unlocking finance that turns ambition into lasting conservation action. Learn more about our priority areas.
Be an eligible organisation
Applicants may include civil society organisations, public institutions and research organisations authorised to receive charitable grants in the host country.
Demonstrate capacity to manage funds responsibly
Applicants must show the ability to manage funds responsibly and will be assessed through financial and compliance reviews, safeguards screening, and AML/CFT checks in line with CI policies.
Comply with The Seed Fund environmental and social safeguards
Applicants must comply with Seed Fund safeguards, including requirements on stakeholder engagement, gender inclusion and grievance mechanisms.
Open calls
Download an application pack below to get started
Grant management and resources
Once awarded, grants follow a structured management process that ensures transparency, accountability, and progress toward positive outcomes. Grantees will have access to a suite of tools and guidance to support effective implementation, including:
- Safeguards templates and guidance aligned with the Seed Fund’s Environmental and Social Management System
- Monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) guidelines and logical framework tools
- Financial reporting templates, procurement guidance, and risk assessment tools
- Guidance on good stakeholder engagement, gender-responsive planning, and community participation
The materials ensure that grantees can meet the Seed Fund’s standards on transparency, social inclusion, environmental integrity, and financial accountability.
Reporting requirements
Grantees are required to report according to the schedule defined in their grant agreement. Reporting typically includes:
- Progress reports: Submitted semi-annually or quarterly
- Financial report: Submitted on the same interval as progress reports
- Safeguards monitoring: Reporting on risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and grievance resolution
- Final reports: Required within 60 days of grant end
Some grantees may require independent project audits based on donor requirements or risk assessments.
Periodic desk reviews and site visits will also take place to confirm progress, check safeguards compliance, and assess capacity needs.
Unsuccessful applications
We provide a written explanation to all applicants whose proposals are unsuccessful. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Seed Fund Secretariat if they have additional questions about the decision.
If the applicant is not satisfied with the response, a grievance may be submitted to The Seed Fund via the Conservation International (CI) Ethics Hotline.
The CI Ethics Hotline consists of a toll-free telephone line (+1-866-294-8674) and a secure web portal that allows grievances to be made anonymously.
Grievances contact
Conservation International’s Accountability and Grievance Mechanism provides a clear process for stakeholders, individuals and communities to raise concerns related to Conservation International (CI) initiatives. It ensures timely, consistent responses and access to justice, consistent with CI’s Rights-based Approach to conservation.
