The second call for proposals from the Galápagos Life Fund begins on December 1, 2025, and closes on February 2, 2025.
The GLF invites the community, as well as interested entities such as associations, private universities, and private companies, to apply for funding for their projects through the submission of a Concept Note. If your Concept Note is accepted, you will be invited to develop and submit a full proposal.
Concept Notes must focus on marine and coastal conservation in Galápagos and be aligned with the Fund’s priorities, which for this call include: sustainable fisheries initiatives, marine research, sustainable tourism, education and community outreach.
Opening date: 2025-12-01
Closin date: 2026-02-02
Projects may be submitted by individuals or legal entities. In the case of legal entities, they must have operated legally in Galápagos for at least the past two years and have maintained an established office in the islands during that period. Individuals may apply only if they are permanent residents of Galápagos; in their case, participation is limited exclusively to Small Grants.
Permanent resident individuals of Galápagos
Local associations and community institutions
Academia or Educational Institutions
Private companies
NGOs
Other institutions working towards marine conservation
Applicants may apply for funding under any of the three (3) grant categories:
Small Grant:: Up to $100,000. The maximum grant duration is 12 months. Co-financing is not mandatory, but in-kind co-financing is recommended.
Medium Grant:: Up to $250,000. The maximum grant duration is 24 months. A co-financing equivalent to 10%, either in-kind or in cash, is required.
Large Grant:: Starting from $250,000. The maximum grant duration is 36 months. A co-financing equivalent to 25% of the amount requested from the Fund must be provided.
The Galápagos Life Fund aims to promote greater inclusivity and ensure that all users and stakeholders have access to resources. Remember: if you are an individual with permanent residency of Galápagos, you may apply for Small Grants.
Applicants must review the Grant Procedures Manual and complete the Concept Note Template. It is recommended to fully follow and complete the Concept Note Template.
Applicants must ensure that the Concept Note does not exceed six (6) pages. There is no specified word limit, but the document must use Times New Roman, size 11, single spacing, and the margins provided in the template. Do NOT modify the provided format.
Applications may be submitted until February 2, 2026, at 23:59 UTC-6. Concept Notes received after this date and time will be rejected. Applicants will receive an email confirming the receipt of their Concept Note.
The application process consists of two stages:
Step 1:Verify your eligibility and the required documents to apply: Concept Note Template, Initial Environmental and Social Risk Screening - Annex 2, Project Selection Criteria.
Step 2: Prepare a Concept Note.
Step 3: Gather the required documentation.
Step 4: Submit your complete application using the following form
Preselected concept notes will prepare a full proposal using the GLF format.
The dates are approximate and subject to review.
2025-12-01
Start of the call for proposals.
2025-12-08
Informative workshop in Santa Cruz.
2025-12-09
Informative workshop in San Cristóbal.
2025-12-12
Informative workshop in Isabela
2025-12-18
Informative webinar about the Call for Proposals.
2026-01-07
Webinar on the Concept Note and A&S Review.
2026-02-02
Closing of the Call for Proposals.
Local associations and community institutions, individuals with a tax identification number (RUC) registered in Galápagos and who have been living in Galápagos for at least two years, Academia or Educational Institutions, private companies, NGOs, other institutions working towards marine conservation.
The priorities for this first call are sustainable fishing projects and educational projects focused on marine and coastal areas.
Yes, virtual and in-person sessions will be organized to address questions about the process. The dates will be available on our social media and website.
Yes, as long as the proposals are different and meet the requirements of the call.
Yes, inter-institutional proposals can be submitted.
There is a total amount of $2.5 million available for sustainable fishing projects and $1 million for education projects during this call.
Yes, universities can participate if they meet the application requirements.
Only one person should be named as the project representative. The representative's
responsibilities include, among others: signing the Grant Agreement, maintaining a bank
account to manage the funds, submitting progress and final project reports. It is
recommended to mention the other team members in the proposal summary.
In the budget format of the concept note, there is a "Fees" category, which includes
salaries. Salaries can be considered as fees, provided they are directly associated with the
project's implementation. Remember to include all related costs, such as taxes and
contributions to IESS.
Yes, VAT must be included in the project costs.
As part of the application process, applicants must conduct an Environmental and Social
Risk Screening. This screening helps identify potential risks and impacts and determines the
risk category of the proposed project.
Projects must begin their activities during 2025. Approved projects from this call are
expected to start in the first half of 2025.
The six pages of the concept note do not include annexes. Annexes are additional.
The total project budget is the sum of the amount requested from the GLF and the value
of the co-financing.
Join our newsletter!
Become part of a community committed to marine sustainability in the Galápagos Islands.
