Conservation, Food & Health Foundation Grants 2027: US$25,000–50,000 for NGOs in Africa, Asia and Latin America

The Conservation, Food & Health Foundation is accepting concept applications for grants that support conservation, sustainable agriculture and public health projects in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Middle East. Most grants are US$25,000–50,000 a year for one or two years. The current concept window closes on 22 December 2026.

The Foundation prefers new pilot projects, applied research, training and technical assistance led by local organisations — seed funding to help promising ideas build a track record.

Key Details

• Funder: Conservation, Food & Health Foundation (administered by GMA Foundations, Boston)
• Grant size: usually US$25,000–50,000 per year (no fixed minimum or maximum)
• Duration: 1 or 2 years
• Regions: Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East
• Current concept window: 15 October – 22 December 2026
• Next window: 1 May – 15 June 2027

What the Foundation Funds

Conservation: biodiversity protection, natural resource management, climate change mitigation, strengthening local conservation organisations, and partnerships between scientists, communities, indigenous peoples and policymakers.

Food and agriculture: sustainable farming, smallholder capacity, farmer-led research, affordable and eco-friendly pest and disease control, indigenous food systems, food security and agricultural extension.

Health: reproductive health and family planning, mental health, environmental health and pollution, zoonotic and neglected tropical diseases, nutrition and community disease prevention — prevention and public health systems rather than clinical care.

Benefits

• grants usually of US$25,000–50,000 a year
• possible second-year funding with a satisfactory progress report
• light reporting requirements designed not to burden grantees
• seed funding that helps you attract larger donors later

Eligibility

• NGOs, non-profits, civil society and community-based organisations, colleges, universities and research institutions
• able to show non-governmental status or charitable purpose
• projects based in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America or the Middle East (organisations in richer countries can apply with local partners)
• only one proposal per organisation per calendar year

Not eligible for direct funding: government agencies and religious organisations (they can be partners). Projects in post-Soviet or Balkan states are excluded. The Foundation does not fund general operating costs or overheads, humanitarian aid, eco-tourism, construction, profit-making projects, or costs incurred before the award.

Key Dates (Cycle 1)

• 15 October 2026: concept application opens
• 22 December 2026: concept application deadline
• 15 January 2027: invitations to submit full proposals
• 15 February 2027: full proposal deadline
• 1 July 2027: grant awards

How to Apply

1. Read the Foundation guidelines and the How to Apply page.
2. Create an account on the GMA grant portal. Non-US organisations should enter 12-1234567 as the Tax ID.
3. On your dashboard click APPLY, type the access code CFHgrants and press Enter.
4. Complete the short concept application before 22 December 2026.
5. If invited (by 15 January), submit your full proposal by 15 February 2027.

Tips

• Pitch a pilot or new initiative, not an ongoing programme.
• Show how the idea could be replicated or influence policy.
• Keep the budget on project activities — no overheads or general running costs.
• Highlight neglected issues or areas that rarely get funding.

Related Opportunities

• Oilwatch Africa Small Grants Programme 2026
• IKI Small Grants 2027 (€60,000–200,000)
• FBIS Africa Small Grants 2026

Concept deadline: 22 December 2026.