Rationale

Since not all project partners have personnel that can, or would wish to, participate in the more academic aspects of the research project we have funds to assist in financing high quality and complementary applied research. Applied research with partners will be an integral part of the project, focusing on adaptive learning; communication research; development of indicators; building capacity; scaling up; sharing and getting feedback on research outputs (especially lessons learned); and implementation or testing of recommendations in order to change attitudes, behaviour and policy under various systems of governance. Provision is made for 2-3 small grants per year, each up to BBD$17,500, during the project.

Granting process

Eligibility requirements

• Restricted to partners in research project implementation or utilisation of outputs
• Can be a new or existing partner to the research, but not an ad hoc applicant
• Although organisations are preferred, grants can also be to responsible individuals
• Applicants should be from the study area and have ties to marine resource governance
• Applications can be from alliances among partners to increase effective capacity
• Proposed activity should take place in the study area (OECS members and Barbados)
• Applications from government units may require NGO partners for effective financing
• Activities must be cost-effective and must be completed within the research period
• Activities will be guided by applicable research ethics and other MarGov standards
• Some expenditure (e.g. capital purchases, salary support, travel) may be excluded
• Preference may be given to building capacity as an added value of the small grant
• Other requirements may apply and are subject to change as the project progresses

Application procedures

• Applicants should first ensure that they are familiar with the project before applying
• Applicants will be guided by research plan, objectives and questions of the study
• Applications may be submitted at any time, but may be considered only in batches
• The standard application form must be used, submitted with supporting documents
• Electronic applications and documents are preferred; send paper as a last resort
• The application process is not competitive, and CERMES may invite applicants
• Applications will be evaluated by selected persons before being approved
• CERMES will assist applicants to verify that interests align with the research
• The application process is a negotiation and must be seen as such by applicants

Disbursement and conditions

• A letter of agreement between the project and grantee will be required upon approval
• Procedures may be determined by UWI and IDRC policies for financial accountability
• CERMES may set conditions specific to the approved activity including periodic reporting

Monitoring and evaluation

• A multi-stakeholder review panel has been set up to monitor and evaluate small grants
• The small grant research forms an integral part of the MarGov project for evaluation

For more information, contact the MarGov website at: http://www.cavehill.uwi.edu/cermes/margov_small_grants.html