Advancing Circular Economy (ACE) Facility's First Call for Proposals | Calls for Proposals

The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), through its Advancing Circular Economy (ACE) Facility, is seeking applications for projects that promote and apply practical circular economy principles to minimize and/or prevent waste from entering the marine environment or projects that promote and apply practical circular economy principles to remove marine litter and consider processes after waste removal for proper disposal of waste, such as recycling, reuse, refurbish, etc.

The Advancing the Circular Economy Facility is supported by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) and financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the KfW Development Bank (KfW)

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Call for Proposal Closed

Grant size:
Grant funding amounts range from USD 400,000 to USD 2,000,000 per project and need to be complemented by grantee co-financing as outlined below. The project shall consider long-term sustainability and financial feasibility beyond the grant funding period.
Eligible countries:
The ACE Facility funding is available to Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, all territories in the insular Caribbean and Official Development Assistance (ODA) qualified countries, as determined by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development – Development Assistance Committee (OECD – DAC). Learn more about which countries are eligible under this Advancing Circular Economy (ACE) Facility call for proposals.
Eligible languages:
The ACE Facility accepts concept notes in English, French and Spanish

How to Apply

A two-step application process will be followed: (i) the submission of Concept Notes, and (ii)
applicants with selected Concept Notes will be invited to submit Full Proposals.

STEP 1: The Concept Note Template

Applicant organizations must complete the Concept Note template (English, Spanish, French). The Concept Note template includes instructions on how to complete the form and it is recommended that they are followed, and the form be completed in its entirety.

It is recommended that the Concept Note template is followed and completed fully. The Concept Note template also indicates important references, such as the ACE Facility Logical Framework (English, Spanish, French) and CBF Environmental and Social Policy and Exclusion List.

Concept Note Application Guidelines

Applicant organizations should also consider the details provided in the Concept Note Application Guidelines (English, Spanish, French) which provides applicants with an outline of how to apply for the funds under the ACE Facility and a checklist of the required documentation.

Concept Notes will be accepted in English, Spanish, or French.

Concept Note Evaluations Criteria

Applicant organizations should consider the Concept Note Evaluation Criteria (English, Spanish, French) which outlines the agreed criteria for selecting Concept Notes to move forward to the full proposal stage for funding under the ACE Facility. This document serves as guidance to the potential ACE Facility grantees as it will be used during the evaluation process.

STEP 2: Applicants with selected Concept Notes will be invited to submit Full Proposals

Concept notes will be evaluated and selected according to the aspects required in the Concept Notes template and Evaluation Criteria. Applicants of selected concept notes will be invited to submit a full proposal and will also be provided with the requisite guidance documents and templates by the CBF team.

Shortlisted concept notes (based on evaluation criteria) will be eligible for a project preparation grant of not more than USD 10,000. If approved, the project grant agreement will be signed between the CBF and the successful grantee.
Additional technical support may be accessed on a structured and predetermined basis during the Proposal Development Phase.
Full project proposals, contracts, and further written documentation/communication shall be used in English only using the ACE Facility template.

Useful Links

Questions & Answers

Applicants may submit questions to the ACE Facility up to 30 August 2024 for this Call for Proposals. Questions must be submitted only through the following emails: [email protected] and [email protected]. Questions received and the answers provided will be published on the CBF website.

Deadline

Applications can be submitted until 11:59 PM (AST) 20 September, 2024. Concept Notes received after this time will be rejected. Applicants will receive an email acknowledging receipt of their Concept Note at the time of submission.

Submit Your Application!

Timeline

* Dates are approximate and subject to revision

August 12, 2024

Posting of Call for Proposals

August 30, 2024

Deadline for Questions on ACE Call for Proposals

September 20, 2024

Deadline for submission of Concept Notes

Week 4 October / Week 1 November 2024

Decision on selection of Concept Notes and invitation to selected applicants to submit Full Proposals

Week 1-2 November 2024

PPG Grant application

Q1 2025

Deadline for submission of Full Proposals

Q2 2025

Decision on selection of Full Proposals to be awarded

Q2 2025

Grant agreement signature

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

If the lead entity is based in a European country but has the necessary registration to operate in one of the 5CfP eligible countries, should it submit both the registration documents from its home country and the operating registration for the other country? Should documents only be submitted by the lead entity?

Only the lead applicant needs to submit a valid registration certificate. The Selection Committee favorably views submissions led by applicants from eligible Caribbean countries. However, if the “registration to operate” is lacking essential information, such as the year of establishment and type of organization, the certificate of registration from the HQ country should also be submitted.
Could agroforestry activities that enhance land use, reduce erosion, and benefit marine ecosystems through decreased sediment flow align with the EbA methodology? Additionally, can the ‘ridge to reef’ approach be applied within a marine-terrestrial protected area, and are there any limitations on including agroforestry within such areas?

The EbA Fund supports a ridge-to-reef approach, provided there is a clear benefit to coastal-marine ecosystems. Agroforestry can be a valid component of such projects, but it should contribute to the overall EbA goals and not be considered in isolation. Limitations may arise due to regulations governing land uses in protected areas, so these should be considered when planning the activities.
Can a Jamaican and American firm submit a joint Concept Note highlighting the combined experience? Are there any specific rules or preferences for the joint proposal model?

A single firm needs to act as lead applicant. This company would sign the Grant Agreement with the CBF if the submission is successful. The second company could contribute its expertise as a consortium partner. ALL project activities should be implemented in one or more of the nine eligible Caribbean islands
Could you advise if there is a cap or recommended number of project sites or communities that should be included in the project?

There is no specific recommendation. However it is important to select project sites that are accessible and manageable, and that all activities are achievable within the project timeline.
Please clarify the following about Environmental and Social Safeguards: Is a standalone ESMS document required for the project? If so, are there specific sections or elements you need customized or expanded? Should Waste Management Plans and Stakeholder Engagement Plans be included with the Concept Note? Could you provide access to the ES screening questionnaire mentioned on the website?
An ESMS document is not required for the Concept Note, only for the Full Proposal.

No, WMP and SEP do not need to be included in the Concept Note

Evaluation scoring sheet for Concept Note: (English, French, Spanish)

Advancing Circular Economy (ACE) Facility’s First Call for Proposals