Call for Project Concepts: Enhancing Climate-Smart, Gender-Responsive Public Governance in the Caribbean

1. Technical Assistance: Selected project concepts will receive support from a professional consultant/firm to refine and develop the Project Concept into a comprehensive Project Proposal, as needed. This process will ensure that project activities are validated with project partners and that the proposal is elaborated in sufficient detail to meet the requirements of the CC+/IDB project approval process.
2. Grant awards: Non-reimbursable technical assistance of up to US$200,000 (up to 80% of the total proposed project budget) will be provided subject to the below Award Conditions.

* Counterpart Contributions: The lead agency/project partners are expected to contribute at least 20% of the total proposed project budget (in cash and/or in-kind). Examples include staff time, equipment, facilities, or other operational costs directly tied to the implementation of the project.

** Award Conditions: CC+, in collaboration with Country focal points, IDB Specialists and/or Regional Development Partners, will shortlist up to three (3) projects per country, from which one (1) will be selected for funding, Funds will be awarded to selected projects, subject to the following conditions:

a) The project is submitted and led by a Public Sector Entity/ Quasi Government Agency and recommended for funding by the respective Government via a Letter of Request. Regional projects should be recommended for funding by two or more Caribbean Countries that are included as direct beneficiaries. A Letter of Request should be received from each Country (i.e. the relevant Government/ Quasi-Government) entity respectively.

b) The project has a clear focus on strengthening governance, is aligned with promoting climate adaptation, mitigation, and/or resilience building actions in the private sector, and integrates an element of fostering gender equity, diversity and social inclusion.

c) In the case of beneficiary executed projects, a legal agreement to use CC+/IDB funding and counterpart resources towards the implementation of the selected project must be signed by all relevant parties. Note that the IDB/CC+ may stipulate additional requirements, prior to disbursement of funds.

SELECTION PROCESS

Phase I – Project Concept Submission
After submitting your application online, an IDB team of project specialists will review, analyse, and shortlist up to three (3) project concepts per country against the evaluation criteria, one of which will receive financing after discussion with government authorities. Regional projects including two or more eligible countries will be considered in a separate category.

Phase II – Project Proposal Development
CC+, in collaboration with Country focal points, IDB Specialists and/or Regional Development Partners, will select one (1) project for funding. Following the selection, and if required, a consultant or consulting firm will be engaged to assist in developing a comprehensive project proposal for submission to the IDB’s project approval process. This process is expected to take approximately three (3) months, though the timeline may vary depending on the maturity of the project concept and other factors. The lead entity and project partners are expected to actively participate and collaborate closely with the selected consultant or firm throughout the proposal development phase.

Phase III – Project Implementation
Final approval is subject to CC+ and IDB’s internal procedures. Implementation of approved projects is expected to begin in Q4 2025. Project execution will be planned for a period of up to 36 months.

1. What is the purpose of this Call for Projects?
   The purpose of the call is to identify and support initiatives that enhance government and regulatory capabilities to foster climate-smart and gender-responsive business practices in the Caribbean. Through this call, CC+ will provide Technical Assistance to address regulatory and institutional capacity bottlenecks that affect private sector competitiveness, strengthen public governance, and foster climate resilience and inclusive growth in Caribbean businesses.

At the minimum, 13 projects will be selected for financing (one per eligible country), plus an indeterminate amount of regional proposals. has context menu.

1. Who is eligible to apply?
   Eligible applicants include public sector entities such as government ministries, agencies, statutory bodies and regional organizations within participating Caribbean countries. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with the call’s objectives and the capacity to manage and execute the proposed initiatives.
2. What is the maximum grant amount available per project?
   The maximum grant amount for national projects is US$200,000 per project. Regional projects may propose a larger budget proportional to the activities proposed, which will be verified during project design. However, CC+ reserves the right to adjust the amount approved based on resource availability and the scope of the proposed activities.
3. What types of projects are eligible?
   Projects must align with the Call objectives, which include inter-alia:

• Developing or enhancing climate-related policies, standards, and action plans.
• Supporting the adoption of green standards in Caribbean businesses
• Promoting the blue, green or circular economies
• Supporting Caribbean businesses or economic sectors in mitigation, adaptation or resilience to climate change
• Promoting climate-smart innovations and solutions.
• Developing/strengthening public-private partnerships for climate-smart innovations.
• Regulatory frameworks for green procurement.
• Building capacity for gender-inclusive climate governance.
• Promoting resource efficiency and circular economy practices in Caribbean firms.
• Empowering policymakers to implement socially inclusive climate governance mechanisms that have an impact on the competitiveness of Caribbean firms.

5. Can multiple entities collaborate on a single project?
   Yes, partnerships are encouraged among public sector entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, or civil society groups. The lead applicant must be a public sector entity. Projects should clearly define the roles and contributions of each partner to achieve project goals.
6. Can projects target specific sectors or industries?
   Yes, projects can focus on specific sectors including agriculture, energy, tourism, fisheries, manufacturing, and finance, among others, as long as they align with the Call objectives.
7. Can projects address regional or multi-country challenges?
   Yes, projects that address regional challenges or involve collaboration between multiple countries are encouraged, provided they align with the objectives of the Call for Projects and demonstrate measurable benefits across participating nations. For projects in multiple countries, a letter of request must be received from the government of each participating country.
8. Is co-financing mandatory for all projects?
   While cash co-financing is not mandatory, proposals that leverage additional resources or partnerships are strongly encouraged. This can include financial contributions, in-kind support, or partnerships that amplify the project’s impact.
9. What types of expenses are eligible for funding?
   Eligible expenses include technical consultancy fees for policy development and regulatory reform, capacity-building activities, technology procurement, research such as baseline studies and market assessments to identify opportunities for climate action etc. Projects may include feasibility studies, action plan development, stakeholder engagement, and the creation of monitoring, reporting, and verification systems. Technical Assistance also encompasses digital and technological solutions like climate data systems and innovative tools, fostering public-private partnerships and regional/inter-governmental collaboration. Expenditures must comply with IDB guidelines and reflect cost-effectiveness. Operating/management costs and capital goods costs are typically not eligible for financing.
10. Can previous or existing projects apply for additional funding?
    Past and current projects funded by Compete Caribbean may apply for funding to expand/enhance activities, provided they align with the Call’s objectives and demonstrate incremental benefits.
11. Will CC+ provide guidance during the application process?
    Yes, CC+ will host online information sessions and provide downloadable guidelines. Applicants can also contact the program team for additional support at [Insert Contact Information].
12. How will projects be evaluated?
    Projects will be assessed against the Evaluation Criteria specified in the Guidelines Document. This includes relevance and alignment, innovation and impact, feasibility and sustainability, capacity and collaboration, and gender and social inclusion. Only projects scoring 75 points or higher will be considered for funding. The evaluation panel will consist of IDB specialists and a representative from the IDB country office, as applicable. The evaluation panel may also reach out to national government representatives to verify the priority of the area of interest captured in the project concept.

13. What are the expectations for counterpart contributions?
    Applicants are expected to demonstrate counterpart commitments of 20% of the project cost, which may include financial contributions, in-kind resources, staff allocation, or leveraging new or existing partnerships to support project implementation.
14. What is the application process?
    Applicants must complete the Online Application Form, download and submit the required Appendices, as well as a Letter of Request from the Government and Letter of Commitment from the lead agency detailing counterpart resources and partnerships.
15. When is the submission deadline and what happens after submission?
    The submission deadline is February 28, 2025. After submission, applications will undergo:

• An initial eligibility screening.
• A detailed evaluation based on selection criteria.
  Shortlisted applicants will be notified and may be required to provide additional information or participate in an interview.

16. Can we submit more than one proposal?
    Yes, entities can submit multiple proposals, but each proposal will be evaluated independently. Ensure that each project aligns with the eligibility and selection criteria. An entity can submit a national level project and participate in a regional project as well.

17. What is the timeline for project implementation?
    Projects are expected to be implemented within 36 months with progress reports submitted at regular intervals.
18. Where can I find additional guidance on preparing my application?
    Applicants can refer to the downloadable Guidelines Document, which provides detailed information on project eligibility, evaluation criteria, and submission requirements. Information sessions will also be hosted online.
19. Who can I contact for further information?
    For questions or clarifications, please contact Competecaribbean@iadb.org or attend one of our scheduled information sessions.
20. What happens if my proposal is not shortlisted?
    Applicants whose proposals are not shortlisted will receive notification.

1. Complete the Online Form:
   • Apply Here.

Download, complete, and upload these required documents via the application form:

• Appendix I (A & B): Proposed Activities/Implementation Plan & Budget
• Appendix II: Signed Letter of Government Request*
• Appendix III: Signed Letter of Commitment by Public Sector Lead Entity (providing written commitment of counterpart resources, staff allocation, and detailing any partnerships)

*Regional projects should be recommended for funding by two or more Caribbean Countries that are included as direct beneficiaries. A Letter of Request should be received from each Country (i.e. the relevant Government/ Quasi-Government) entity respectively. For regional projects, the lead entity may be Regional Agencies acting in collaboration with and on behalf of project beneficiary countries.

Optional attachments to upload include any supporting documents, such as:

• Organizational profiles
• Letters of commitment from partners
• Technical studies, Reports, Publications etc.

Deadline for Submission: February 28^th, 2025

DOWNLOAD SUMMARY DOCUMENT – PRESENTATION PDF

Key Definitions & Terms

 Gain clarity and consistency in understanding key terms with the Common Definitions and Terminology Handout. This document includes common definitions and terms from the climate change field and lexicon. It also provides clear definitions of concepts, terms, and phrases used throughout the Call for Projects. It is designed as a guide to ensure Applicants have a shared understanding of the language and requirements of the program, supporting accurate and comprehensive submissions.

DOWNLOAD COMMON DEFINITIONS HANDOUT

 Examples of Potential Projects 

 Explore practical inspiration for your proposal with the Project Ideas and Examples Handout. This guide lists project ideas and provides illustrative examples of initiatives that align with the objectives of this Call for Projects, offering insights into potential project concepts across various sectors and themes. Use this resource to spark ideas and ensure your project aligns with programme goals.

DOWNLOAD PROJECT IDEAS HANDOUT

Do you need to work on the Application Offline?

Download the Application Form in Word Format Here – This form is to be used as a guide ONLY and will not be accepted as a completed Application Form submission.