Purpose of the Session

This workshop will guide participants through a structured process to developing clear, well-organized, and competitive grant proposals for conservation and research projects.

Background and Rationale

As competition for conservation funding increases, it is essential to develop proposals that are strategic, realistic, and focused on measurable impact. However, access to formal training in proposal development is limited across the Caribbean. This workshop introduces the Conservation Standards adaptive management framework, a widely used approach that helps practitioners design stronger, results-oriented projects. By emphasizing clear objectives, logical planning, and measurable outcomes, this framework supports more effective proposals and more impactful conservation action.

Session Objectives

• Introduce the Conservation Standards adaptive management framework 
• Build skills in developing clear, logical, and competitive proposals 
• Strengthen participants’ ability to define objectives, strategies, and measurable outcomes 
• Encourage collaboration and peer learning in proposal development

Session Structure and Format

This interactive workshop will combine short presentations with hands-on group exercises. Participants will work through key steps in proposal development, including defining project scope and goals, identifying conservation targets and threats, analyzing root causes, developing strategies, and selecting indicators to measure success. Participants are encouraged to bring their own project ideas to refine during the session. The approach is applicable to both conservation and research proposals.

Target Audience

Researchers, conservation practitioners, NGOs, government agencies, educators, students, and early-career professionals.

Expected Outcomes

• Improved skills in writing clear, competitive grant and research proposals 
• Increased understanding of results-based project design and evaluation 
• Practical tools and frameworks for proposal development 
• Strengthened collaboration and peer support among participants