Community-Led Climate Action Supported by C-CAF Grant Funding

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is taking a proactive stance in empowering local communities to combat the escalating challenges of climate change. The Ministry of Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment, in collaboration with the Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM), has launched the Communities Climate Adaptation Facility (C-CAF). This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering community-led resilience by providing financial resources and support for locally driven projects aimed at mitigating climate impacts and safeguarding vulnerable ecosystems. C-CAF’s introduction marks a critical juncture in the nation’s climate action strategy, shifting the focus to grassroots adaptation efforts and recognizing the vital role of communities in building a sustainable future.

C-CAF offers a crucial funding lifeline to community-based organizations, providing grants of up to USD 100,000 for projects specifically designed to enhance climate resilience, improve livelihoods, and protect vital ecosystems. This funding opportunity signifies a departure from traditional top-down approaches to climate action by placing resources directly in the hands of those most impacted by climate change. The facility prioritizes accessibility and responsiveness, streamlining the application process to ensure that vulnerable communities can swiftly implement effective solutions to the pressing climate challenges they face. This decentralized approach recognizes the unique knowledge and adaptability of local communities, empowering them to take ownership of their climate adaptation strategies.

Eligibility for C-CAF funding extends to a broad spectrum of community-based entities, fostering inclusivity and participatory engagement in climate action. Registered and unregistered community groups, informal networks, cooperatives, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) directly involved in community work are all encouraged to apply. While private sector and public institutions are not directly eligible, they are invited to collaborate as partners with community groups on project implementation, fostering synergistic relationships and leveraging diverse expertise to maximize the impact of adaptation initiatives. This collaborative approach emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility and cross-sectoral partnerships in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change.

The scope of projects eligible for C-CAF funding encompasses a range of critical areas that are essential for building climate resilience within communities. These include ecosystem restoration, which focuses on revitalizing and protecting natural habitats to enhance their capacity to absorb climate impacts; climate-smart agriculture, which promotes sustainable farming practices that are both environmentally friendly and resilient to climate change; water conservation, which aims to improve water management and reduce vulnerability to droughts and floods; sustainable livelihoods, which focuses on creating economic opportunities that are both climate-resilient and contribute to community well-being; and educational research, which supports community-based research initiatives that contribute to a deeper understanding of local climate impacts and adaptation strategies. This comprehensive approach ensures that funding can be directed towards projects that address the specific needs and priorities of each community.

The application process for C-CAF funding has been designed to be accessible and user-friendly, ensuring wider participation from community groups. Application forms and detailed guidelines can be obtained from the Department of Constituency Empowerment’s Office, located at Unit A2, Sands Complex, Bay Road, Basseterre. Alternatively, these materials can be requested electronically by emailing [email protected]. The deadline for submitting completed applications is Friday, August 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM. This extended deadline allows ample time for community groups to develop robust proposals and gather the necessary supporting documentation.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment is dedicated to providing ongoing support and guidance to community groups throughout the application and project implementation phases. For further information or clarification regarding the C-CAF, interested parties are encouraged to contact the Ministry directly at (869) 467-1579/1545. This dedicated support underscores the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with communities in driving meaningful climate action across the Federation. Through C-CAF, Saint Kitts and Nevis is taking a decisive step towards building a climate-resilient future, empowering communities to become agents of change and safeguarding the nation’s natural and human capital against the growing threats of a changing climate.