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Fondo Raíces Comunitarias

US$125,000 · Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Panama
At the forefront of the fight against climate change, this fund drives transformation by equipping communities with the resources to implement proven solutions,, creating pathways for resilience and sustainability. The fund is open to all eligible applicants. We are strongly committed to equity and inclusivity and actively encourage and support the leadership of women and Indigenous communities to shape the future of their territories.

Register here for the launch webinar
Bring proven ideas to your community

Proven ideas and funding for your community

Join our global community of changemakers by starting a project. You’ll get everything you need to make an impact in your community.

  • £ ¥ $
    Up to US$5,000 in funding per project
  • Expert guides, step by step plans and other resources
  • Advice and support from our team

Eligibility criteria

  • Projects must take place in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, or Panama.
  • Projects should be fully implemented within 6 months of receiving funds.
  • Applicants must be representing an organisation or community group and be at least 18 years old.
  • Informal community organisations/groups must be active for at least one (1) year in the country of operation.
  • Non-profit organisations must be registered in the country of operation. If your application is successful, we will ask for your legal registration documentation before unlocking your seed funding.
  • Applicants must have access to a bank account in the name of the applicant, the name of their organisation, or a fiscal sponsor account to receive the payment.
  • Applicants from indigenous communities/groups must obtain any necessary approvals from their authorities/governance bodies. ChangeX might require proof of consent from these authorities to ensure community participation and legitimacy.

Please note that part of the application process includes a call with a member of the ChangeX team. You will be asked to schedule this call once you have completed your application.

See full terms & conditions.

How it works

  1. Apply below by 20 Mar, 2025 (CST).
  2. Wait for your application to be reviewed. We'll let you know if it was successful by 25 Apr, 2025 (CST).

  3. If successful, complete some simple steps within 30 days before starting your project.
  4. Receive the first portion of funding and use it to make your project happen!
  5. Share your project's impact to unlock the final portion of funding.

Funding is allocated after the closing date, when we review all of the project applications. We'll let you know if your project was successful by 25 Apr, 2025 (CST).

Explore proven ideas

Choose an idea to start in your community. See terms & conditions.
  • Butterflies of Hope

    Sustainable butterfly breeding for export, generating income and conserving biodiversity in vulnerable communities.

  • Water sowing

    Stop wasting your soapy water and plant the water!

  • Ecological Restoration Initiatives

    Spread the word or Start the work and help restore Central America

  • Sustainable Greenhouse Systems

    IWA connects you with the power of education, sustainable greenhouses and bioenergy through plant photosynthesis, so that you can learn, create and lead change in your community, building the future of your dreams where education and innovation meet, transforming territories and giving light to your ideas.

Frequently asked questions

  • How does the application process work?

    We aim to make the application process as quick and easy as possible.

    The application form can be seen here. Once submitted, we will review it in the context of the fund criteria and other applications. If it is allocated funding, you will then have to post your project plan and team photo on your project page.

  • What are the reporting requirements and funding process?

    You are required to share the progress and outcomes of your project with us, the impact data will be shared with our partners.

    The funding allocated to your project is divided into two payments. The first (usually 70% of the total funding amount) is unlocked once your application has been reviewed and allocated funding by the ChangeX Team and you have completed some simple steps within 30 Days.

    The second payment (usually 30% of the total funding amount) can be accessed after you have demonstrated the outcomes of your project by completing a brief impact survey and sharing a summary and photos on the ChangeX website. This is usually 2 to 6 months after the first payment, although the timeline may vary and will be communicated during the process.

  • What can and can’t funding be used for?

    Funds can be used to cover:

    • Direct costs for the set-up or maintenance of the project. For example, funds can be used for space rental, insurance fees, seeds and planting materials, tools, training fees; pretty much any materials you might need for a project that benefits your community.

    Funds cannot be used to cover:

    • Cost of work that has already been carried out or anything that is not related to the setup and maintenance of the community project.
    • If applying to start a proven idea, funds may not be used to pay those working on the project.
    • Promotion of religious causes, non-charitable activities, sponsorship or fundraising events.
    • Promotion of or engagement in criminal acts of violence, terrorism, hate crimes, discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, religion, military.
  • How will I receive the funding?

    You must have a bank account to receive funding. Once you’ve successfully completed the required steps within 30 days, you can enter your bank details on the ChangeX website to facilitate the bank transfer through a secure payment provider. ChangeX will then review your application to make sure all elements have been completed successfully before making the transfer to your account.

  • How much funding will I get?

    The amount of funding available for your project depends on the idea you choose. Proven idea funding amounts align with the cost of starting each project in your region. The maximum amount of funding available per project is stated in the green box above.

  • How many projects can I apply for?

    Informal community groups and legally registered organisations can apply for and receive funding for one project at a time. You must report back on the impact of any previously funded projects to be able to apply to start a new project.

  • How can I ask for accessibility support?

    If you require any additional support to complete the application process or access resources please contact [email protected] and we will help.

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