Eligibility Criterion

Eligibility for Receiving Grants

Central Government Departments, District Councils, government agencies, NGOs, CBOs, Local Communities, Research Institutions, Academic Institutions and Individuals are all eligible for submitting Project Proposals. Before formal submission, the proposal may be discussed with appropriate EAMCEF Secretariat staff. Undergraduate and Postgraduate students are encouraged to submit research proposals, but also can arrange to serve as research assistants to faculty members. In some cases EAMCEF may accept proposals to partly fund Doctoral Dissertations or Research Grants when submitted by a faculty member on behalf of the graduate student if the research is of great interest to the Fund. The Fund also provides support specifically for women and minority groups in the targeted communities in the aspects of Income Generating Activities (IGAs), Social Welfare as well as Community Development projects.

Categories of Project Applicants

EAMCEF strives to identify groups, individuals, and organizations that can make an effective contribution to the conservation of the Eastern Arc Mountains. Moreover, EAMCEF seeks innovative ideas and approaches that can ensure the long-term sustainability of its conservation efforts, including contributing to improving livelihoods of communities affecting in some way the forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains. Contingent upon submission of feasible proposals the following entities are offered project grants.

Local community groups and registered NGOs

Eligible NGOs and local community groups must be those working with local communities. A group of five or more people recognized by the village government is defined as a local community group in this context. Any applying NGO must have been registered at least 2 years before the proposing date.

Universities and Colleges

Tanzania’s universities and two to four-year programme colleges (including community colleges) acting on behalf of their faculty members. Such organizations also are referred to as academic institutions.

Non-profit, non-academic and research organizations

Independent museums, research organizations, professional societies and similar organizations in Tanzania that deal or are directly associated with conservation or research activities.

For-profit organizations

EAMCEF welcomes proposals from for-profit organizations, especially small businesses that connect conservation, communities, and tourism. Unsolicited proposals may be funded if they are nationally significant, innovative, or have special resources. Projects that partner businesses with universities, NGOs, or local communities are especially encouraged.

State and Local Governments

State offices, departments or organizations, district councils and other local institutions may submit proposals intended to broaden the impact, accelerate the pace, and increase the effectiveness of improvement in the field of biodiversity conservation and climate change management in the three thematic areas for the Fund’s project grants.

Unaffiliated Individuals

Unaffiliated Tanzanian scientists or educators may be eligible for support if their project is strong, meets proposal guidelines, and they have the capacity and facilities to implement it responsibly. They must also agree to acceptable financial arrangements. Such individuals should contact EAMCEF before submitting a proposal.

Foreign Organizations

EAMCEF rarely provide support to foreign organizations. EAMCEF considers proposals for cooperative projects involving Tanzanian and foreign organizations, provided the support is requested only for the Tanzanian portion of the collaborative effort.

Other Government Agencies

EAMCEF supports activities by government agencies with limited funding. Scientists or educators with joint appointments at universities and state agencies (e.g., TAFORI, TPRI, NEMC, TFS, etc) may apply through their university if they are bona fide faculty. Contact EAMCEF before submitting a proposal.