GCBR | Flexible Micro Fund | Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve

GCBR Flexible Micro Fund

Does your community have a small initiative to improve the environment?

Maybe the GCBR Flexible Micro Fund can help.

THE FUND
By providing small grants, the Flexible Micro Fund enables the GCBR Board of Directors to support voluntary initiatives in the Biosphere Reserve which advance GCBR’s vision of People and Nature Living in Harmony. It is a responsive funding mechanism that stimulates citizens working together for ecological sustainability. The Fund currently has a total value of R100 000 per annum.

WHO AND WHAT IS ELIGIBLE?
Any GCBR member (except for current Board members or their organisations) can apply for this type of support. Proposed initiatives should address a specific need, be meaningful for the community or group involved, and be relevant to at least two of GCBR’s six priority themes.

DECISION-MAKING
Applications can be made throughout the year and directed to the Board Secretary (admin@gouritz.com). Applications which meet selection criteria and are within the available Fund balance, will be referred to the Board for a decision. The GCBR aims to reply to applications within 14 days.

Applications

A proposal should be a maximum of two pages. It should

indicate who is responsible;
provide a short motivation, description of the action, and budget;
specify expected achievements; how they will be demonstrated and reported; and
explain any risks.

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

The recipient must be a GCBR member.
The proposed initiative takes place in the GCBR domain.
The proposed initiative is relevant to at least two of the GCBR’s priority themes and goals.
The proposed initiative supports voluntary action and citizens working together.
The recipient is willing to provide feedback and photographic evidence of the action for GCBR use in marketing and communications.

GCBR – Priority Themes and Goals
Theme	Goal
i. Land and Landscapes	Sustainable use and landscape management which promotes maintenance of ecosystems
ii. Water Resources	Significant improvement in water resource management
iii. Biodiversity	The loss of indigenous biodiversity is arrested
iv. Economic Diversity and Livelihoods	A more diverse economy within the Biosphere Reserve, adding value to the natural assets on farms and stimulates the green economy
v. Education, Knowledge and Learning	More people in the GCBR domain embrace sustainable living practices in their daily lives
vi. Institutions and their Relations	Enhanced engagement of institutions with biodiversity in the Reserve

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