CMS Small Grants - Deadline Approaching

CMS Small Grants - Deadline Approaching

Small grants available from UNEP/CMS for conserving animal migrations across the globe, deadline 30 November 2013. A perfect source of funding for saiga projects!

The CMS Small Grants Programme (SGP) was established in 1994 by the Fourth Conference of the Parties  as a grassroots tool that has served as a catalyst for further action to protect migratory species and their habitats, funding projects in more than 30 countries since its inception.

The SGP plays a crucial role in strengthening the implementation of the Convention through supporting CMS conservation initiatives for a number of taxa, with a strong focus on implementation in developing countries.

The deadline for the 2013-2014 call for proposals is 30 November 2013. Applications have to be endorsed by the CMS Focal Point(s) of those countries where activities are planned as part of the project. Thanks to a generous contribution from UNEP, at least €75,000 will be available for the 2013 funding round. Individual projects under the Programme can receive up to €15,000. However, applications for lower amounts are encouraged.

How to apply

To prepare an application for the CMS SGP, it is  recommended that applicants refer to the Guide for Applicants available below. The Guide provides assistance in preparing and submitting applications.

The Application Package, also available below, contains all the forms that need to be completed and submitted.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the CMS Small Grants Programme, countries submitting a proposal must:

1.     Have ratified CMS;
2.     Be below 0.200 in the UN Scale of Assessment (see table below);
3.     Be not more than three years in arrears with their contributions
4.     If Parties more than three years in arrears pay their dues by the submission deadline for applications (30 November 2013), they will be eligible for funding.

Governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations, communities, conservationists and researchers engaged in the conservation of migratory species may submit proposals. Projects should contribute to the implementation of the Convention and focus on migratory species. Project duration should not exceed two years and applications must be endorsed by the national CMS Focal Point(s) of those eligible countries where activities are taking place. The implementing agency must have a bank account that can receive international payments.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the revised SGP guidelines  (UNEP/CMS/Conf.10.43).

Project selection

Projects under the SGP are evaluated and ranked  by the CMS Scientific Council and the UNEP/CMS Secretariat according to the guidelines devised for the operation of the Programme (see the Information Documents below). Projects are judged using a specific SGP Assessment Form, which applicants may wish to consult.

Amongst high-scoring projects those with secured co-funding will be given priority, as well as those requiring urgent conservation action. In terms of species, priority is given in the following order: species on Appendix I and listed for Concerted Action, other species on Appendix I, species on Appendix II and in exceptional circumstances other migratory species

 

Small Grants Programme English français
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Guide for Applicants
APPLICATION PACKAGE
Part A: Application Form
Part B: Endorsement Form
Part C: Project Budget Form
Information Documents English français
Español
Revised Guidelines for the Operation of the Small Grants Programme
Country eligibility (status July 2013)
Assessment Form
List of National Focal Points
CMS Species Appendices
UNEP/CMS/Resolution 10.23 Concerted and Cooperative Action
Successful Projects 2012
Project of the Month