Call for proposals: Grants for CMAs in the Gambia

Background and main objectives

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) is a UK-based international non-profit organisation working to protect the natural world and defend the human rights of people who depend on it. We believe that environmental destruction and human injustice are deeply interconnected — and that lasting solutions must address both together.

EJF is inviting co-management associations or other local community-based, non-profit organisations in the Gambia to apply for a grant under the project, ‘A Global Toolkit for Participatory Fisheries Governance. This project, focusing on 15 countries in the Global South, seeks to strengthen the participation of small-scale fishing communities in the management of the fisheries resources upon which their livelihoods and food security rely.

Grants are intended to enable co-management associations (CMAs) representing the interests of small-scale fishers in the Gambia to adopt the VGGT principles into their approaches to managing their local fisheries.

Scope of grants

Grants issued by EJF under this call for proposals are flexible and can be used to strengthen any aspect of a CMA’s internal governance, member representation, institutional capacity and operational effectiveness in the Gambia. Grants may be used to cover employment costs, travel, event organisation, communications, IT and office space.

Examples of the activities which EJF might support include:

• Reviewing and updating CMA constitutions, by-laws and internal procedures, including through meetings and consultations with members of the CMA and wider fishing community, to strengthen transparency, accountability and meaningful representation;

• Establishing or strengthening election processes, including setting up an election committee, registering eligible voters, and facilitating transparent CMA leadership elections;

• Organising capacity-building sessions for CMA leadership and other members on topics such as good governance, financial management, conflict resolution, transparency, stakeholder participation etc.

• Developing CMA workplans or institutional improvement plans that set out priorities, responsibilities, and timelines;

• Holding general assemblies or other community meetings to discuss and validate proposed changes to the CMA, facilitate dialogue between the CMA and government, or improve the CMA’s ability to represent its members.

• Documenting existing governance challenges and barriers to the participation of women, youth and other underrepresented groups, to strengthen their participation in CMA decision-making.

This is not an exhaustive list and other activities that contribute to fulfilling the overarching objectives specified above will be considered.

Grant eligibility

To be eligible for grant support from EJF, applicants must:

• Be a Gambia-based CMA or civil society organisation (i.e. not-for-profit and non-governmental);

• Be legally constituted and functioning (i.e. possess legal documents, an office and staff available to carry out activities under the grant);

• Represent the interests and rights of small-scale fishers (commercial or non-commercial) in the Gambia;

• Have some previous experience in the implementation of projects and/or local initiatives.

Having a national presence would be an asset though is not obligatory for grant eligibility (i.e. work across more than one region or with multiple fishing communities).

Grant amount

The average grant per organisation will be EUR 7,000, with a maximum grant of EUR 15,000. Grants will be awarded based on the strength of the proposal, the organisation’s capacity to achieve the project’s objectives, and value for money.

How to apply

Applications must include the following documents:

• Organisation profile: A detailed description of the organisation, including its mission, experience, and role in Gambia’s national fisheries sector;

• Project proposal: A summary of how the organisation intends to use the grant, outlining key objectives, a workplan, timeline, and expected outcomes;

• Budget: A detailed budget specifying proposed expenditures (in both local currency and euros).

Please email the above documents to will.may@ejfoundation.org. The deadline for applications is 30 September 2026. Please note that no late applications will be considered.

All applications will be assessed based on:

• Alignment with objectives: How well the proposed project contributes to building the capacity of the CMA(s) to adopt VGGT principles into their approaches to managing their local fisheries.

• Value for money: Proposals must demonstrate cost-effectiveness.

• Organisational capacity: The ability of the organisation to successfully implement the project, including the necessary financial controls and reporting mechanisms.

Please note that expenditure may be made by EJF on behalf of the organisation should they not have sufficient fiduciary controls in place to receive grants. Applicants may be asked to revise budgets if project staff identify ineligible or unjustified expenditures, to ensure value for money.

Successful applicants will be required to sign a contract outlining the grant's terms and conditions. This agreement will cover:

• Approved expenditure (based on the submitted and, if needed, modified budget).

• Financial controls and reporting requirements.

• Payment terms and performance monitoring.

Grant payments will be made in stages. Where EJF is managing payments on behalf of the organisation, costs will be covered as they are incurred.

Contact information

For any further information or questions regarding your application, please contact will.may@ejfoundation.org

We look forward to receiving your proposals and partnering with you to strengthen artisanal fisheries co-management in the Gambia.