Call for Proposals: 2026 Capacity Enhancement Support Programme (CESP)
The 2026 CESP call is a small-to-medium grant for GBIF Participant nodes to run collaborative projects that build long-term skills, systems and partnerships for better use and sharing of biodiversity data across the GBIF network.
What this call is about
The Capacity Enhancement Support Programme (CESP) funds projects that help GBIF Participants strengthen their capacity to mobilize, manage and use biodiversity data, especially where partners have identified clear gaps or needs. Projects must be collaborative, led by a GBIF Participant node (Head of Delegation or node manager) and designed so that results benefit not just one institution, but the wider GBIF community at regional or global level.
Types of activities that can be funded
CESP supports four main kinds of activities: mentoring between nodes or institutions to transfer know‑how and best practice; regional or multi‑country workshops and training events; development, translation or adaptation of documentation and learning resources; and other well‑designed capacity‑development collaborations aligned with the GBIF Work Programme 2026. Each project can request up to €20,000, and funded activities must be non‑profit and focused on strengthening capacity rather than buying equipment or doing new field research.
Who can apply and key conditions
Only Heads of Delegation or node managers representing current GBIF Participants can submit applications, and they must be in good standing with GBIF and able to receive and manage funds in euros on behalf of all partners. Applicants must commit co‑funding (cash or in‑kind, such as staff time or travel), ensure all project partners are properly involved, and make all data and learning materials produced openly available under Creative Commons licences.
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Timeline and selection process
The call follows a two‑stage process: first, concept notes are submitted via the GBIF Grants Portal by 19 January 2026, 15:59 CET (UTC+1); selected applicants are then invited to develop full proposals, with final funding decisions expected by the end of June 2026. Funded projects are expected to start around 1 September 2026 and can run for up to 18 months, with proposals assessed on the relevance and urgency of the capacity need, strength of the partnership, expected benefits to the broader GBIF community, likelihood of sustainable results and cost‑effectiveness (including level of co‑funding).
What applicants should keep in mind
Project teams are encouraged to complete a capacity self‑assessment to clearly define their needs, align proposals with the GBIF Capacity Development Framework and GBIF Work Programme 2026, and plan activities that will continue to have impact after CESP funding ends. Applicants should register early on the GBIF Grants Portal and direct any technical or eligibility questions to the CESP team at CESP@gbif.org well before the deadline.
Click here to view The GBIF Network to see if you are aligible to apply.
Click here to visit the official website.