Distribution of Grants
We encourage visitors to explore examples of projects we have supported, showcasing diverse approaches to conservation, community engagement, education, and sustainability. These real-world cases illustrate how donations are turned into tangible impact on the ground - from ecosystem monitoring and environmental education, to capacity building and community-led innovation.
Our grants
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Bird routes of the Aeolian Islands
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DNA river: protecting freshwater biodiversity and ecosystems
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Wildfire Citizen Observatory
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Save the Aeolian lizard
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Agroecology for ecosystem restoration of the Plain of Gela
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City Nature Challenge Milazzo
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Common ground: territorial planning with and for the community to prevent wildfires
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Rewilding guide training
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Aeolian Islands Preservation Foundation initiatives
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Grant Making Strategy
At SEF, fundraising and grantmaking are part of a single, unified vision: turning financial resources into meaningful, measurable, and lasting impact for the environment and communities of Sicily.
We act as a bridge between donors who want their contributions to make a real difference and grassroots organisations working on the frontlines of environmental and social change.
FOR DONORS: HOW WE TURN CONTRIBUTIONS INTO LASTING IMPACT
SEF’s fundraising approach is rooted in responsibility, transparency, and effectiveness. Every donation entrusted to us is carefully allocated to initiatives that align with our mission and meet high standards of quality and impact.
We prioritise projects that:
-Deliver measurable results, grounded in clear outcomes.
-Have potential to scale or be replicated, multiplying benefits beyond a single context.
-Promote long-term sustainability, generating environmental and social value beyond the funding period.
-Are visible and engaging locally, helping to attract additional support and build community momentum.
By combining rigorous project selection with ongoing technical and strategic support, SEF ensures that funds are used thoughtfully and efficiently. Our role does not end with awarding a grant: we accompany projects throughout their development, helping strengthen impact, accountability, learning, and visibility.
To learn more about how you can support our work and get in touch with us, visit our dedicated page. There, you can find all the practical information about making a donation and connect directly with our team to explore how you can make a real impact.
FOR ORGANISATIONS: OUR MODEL TO CATALYSE IMPACT
SEF supports initiatives led by local and grassroots organisations working within its areas of interest, while remaining open to strategic collaborations that strengthen local capacity and impact.
Grant criteria Overview
WHO CAN APPLY
Eligible applicants include:
-Local non-profit organisations, associations, clubs or unions.
-Social cooperative enterprises; other local bodies, including research centres.
-Non-local organisations or experts already active in the territory may also be eligible, provided they demonstrate a capacity to build local skills and deliver tangible results on the ground.
SEF aims to foster capacity development through training, equipment, facilitation, and connecting organisations with networks and partnerships, strengthening not only individual projects but also the broader ecosystem of conservation and sustainable development.
WHAT WE FUND
Applications for SEF funding must align with one of our areas of interest and meet our core quality principles. Proposals should be clear, compelling, and well-structured (clarity and effectiveness), designed to generate measurable and sustainable long-term results (impact), focused on capacity building and community engagement (local involvement), and visible to communities and stakeholders to help leverage additional support and awareness (visibility and reach).
Examples of activities we fund include community engagement, education and training, monitoring and fieldwork, technical support, and networking that strengthens cooperation among local actors.
WHERE AND HOW
SEF supports projects across Sicily and the smaller surrounding islands. We encourage initiatives that benefit multiple communities (plurality), are potentially replicable elsewhere (replicability), include a clear plan for monitoring progress and outcomes (measurability), and contribute to long-term environmental and social transformation (sustainability).
TYPES OF FUNDING WE PROVIDE
To respond to different organisational needs and project scales, SEF offers multiple funding options:
–Full project grants: Designed to support the complete implementation of well-defined projects.
Funding range (but not necessarily limited to): About €5,000 – €25,000For full projects, while applicants are required to submit a detailed project proposal through the online application form, they are strongly encouraged to reach out to SEF team beforehand by email at gaia@sicilyenvironment.org, in order to introduce their idea and explore together its relevance, feasibility, and potential impact.
– Small project grants: Aimed at supporting small-scale initiatives that focus on specific objectives and deliver tangible results, or specific activities within larger initiatives. Funding range: up to €5,000
We strongly recommend you to download the tailored application form with guidance and the impact measurement framework to help you prepare your proposal.
Please bear in mind that we are always available to provide any clarification, guidance, recommendations, or technical support you may need throughout the proposal development and submission process. Should you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at gaia@sicilyenvironment.org and manfredi@sicilyenvironment.org.
How to apply
We strongly recommend you to download the guidance document and application form template to help you prepare your proposal.
Bear in mind that we are always at your disposal for any clarification, assistance, recommendations and anything you might need to design a strong proposal and any technical support submitting it, please contact gaia@sicilyenvironment.org and manfredi@sicilyenvironment.org.