Conservation Action Fund for Africa (CAFA) 2026: Grants for Locally Led Conservation Initiatives

The Conservation Action Fund for Africa (CAFA), launched by Conservation Allies, is inviting applications from locally led conservation organisations across Africa for its 2026 grant programme supporting practical biodiversity conservation and anti-deforestation initiatives.

The programme aims to strengthen grassroots conservation leadership by providing catalytic funding to small and medium-sized African conservation NGOs working in and around protected areas facing biodiversity loss, deforestation, and environmental pressure.

CAFA focuses on supporting locally driven conservation solutions that combine biodiversity protection, protected area management, ranger support, and community health interventions to create long-term environmental and social impact.

Funding Information

• Maximum grant size: USD20,000
• Grant duration: 12 months
• Number of pilot grants: More than 8 grants expected
• Future funding opportunity: Successful pilot projects may be considered for expanded multi-year funding support

Application Deadline

• Submission deadline: 22 May 2026
• Grant decisions communicated: June 2026

Eligible Countries

The programme is open to eligible organisations operating in:

• Angola
• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Djibouti
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Liberia
• Malawi
• Mali
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Republic of the Congo
• Rwanda
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Togo
• Uganda

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Local or nationally founded conservation NGOs
• Locally led organisations
• IUCN members in good standing
• Organisations supporting or managing WCPA-recognised protected areas
• Organisations with a minimum three-year track record of conservation results

Priority Areas

The fund prioritises:

• Local and national NGOs operating in West and Central Africa
• Projects reducing deforestation inside protected areas
• Conservation initiatives supporting ranger operations
• Organisations with experience in family planning or community healthcare support

Eligible Activities

The programme supports practical and measurable conservation interventions, including:

1. Ranger Patrol Operations and Anti-Deforestation Activities

Projects may include:

• Recruitment and training of rangers
• Ranger patrol operations
• Equipping conservation personnel
• Protected area enforcement activities
• Legal support and prosecution costs for serious environmental offences

2. Family Planning and Medical Services Around Protected Areas

Projects may support:

• Mobile family planning outreach services
• Community healthcare programmes
• Provision of contraceptives and reproductive healthcare
• Medical assistance in conservation communities
• Integration of conservation awareness into health outreach activities

Ineligible Activities

The fund does not support:

• Academic research
• Education-only projects
• General economic development activities
• Monitoring-only projects

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Conservation impact and biodiversity protection
• Strength of local leadership and governance
• Demonstrated conservation track record
• Clear measurable outcomes and metrics
• Budget transparency and feasibility
• Scalability and sustainability potential

Required Project Metrics

Applicants are encouraged to include measurable indicators such as:

• Number of ranger patrols conducted
• Percentage reduction in deforestation
• Number of healthcare services delivered
• Number of contraceptives distributed
• Protected area outcomes using Global Forest Watch data

Budget Requirements

Applicants must:

• Present realistic and transparent budgets
• Ensure administrative costs do not exceed 10% of the total grant budget

Why This Opportunity Matters

Many locally led conservation organisations across Africa face significant barriers accessing international funding despite operating on the frontlines of biodiversity protection.

The CAFA initiative aims to:

• Strengthen local conservation leadership
• Reduce deforestation in critical protected areas
• Support sustainable livelihoods and community wellbeing
• Improve biodiversity protection outcomes
• Build long-term conservation partnerships across Africa

The programme also recognises the important relationship between conservation, community health, and sustainable environmental stewardship.

Application Process

Applicants must:

1. Complete the official application form
2. Prepare all supporting documentation
3. Submit applications via email before the deadline

📧 Submission Email:
grants@conservationallies.org

Selected organisations may be requested to provide:

• Additional documentation
• References
• Financial records
• Organisational verification information

Click HERE to visit the official website.