Call for Proposals: Direct Support to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP&LC) for Area-Based Conservation

Organization: Legacy Landscapes Fund (LLF)
Application Deadline: 1 September, 2025
Funding Available: Up to two USD 1 million per year for 15 years
Eligible Applicants: Indigenous Peoples and Local Community (IP&LC) organizations
Geographical Focus: ODA-eligible countries

About this opportunity

The Legacy Landscapes Fund (LLF) invites expressions of interest from Indigenous Peoples and Local Community (IP&LC) organizations to receive long-term financial support for area-based conservation. This initiative aims to empower IP&LC organizations by providing direct-access funding to manage and protect biodiversity-rich landscapes in the Global South.

Objectives:

• Strengthen the capacity of IP&LC organizations in conservation efforts.
• Ensure the long-term protection of biodiversity through sustainable area-based conservation.
• Promote equitable partnerships and direct funding access for IP&LC organizations.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an Indigenous Peoples or Local Community (IP&LC) organization with legal recognition and governance by IP&LC members.
• Intermediary or advocacy organizations are not eligible; local networks and consortia of up to 3 IP&LC organizations are allowed with a clear value-add and a designated lead partner.
• Must demonstrate genuine community representation through leadership, legal documents, endorsements, or participation records.
• Must be based in an Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible country.
• The represented IP&LC must hold long-term management, land, use, or customary rights over the proposed conservation area.
• Must submit a support letter from a credible local stakeholder (e.g., government, donor, or peer organization).
• Must show experience managing grants of at least USD 300,000 directly or USD 500,000 through a fiscal sponsor.