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J-USE CALL FOR PROPOSALS — REOI APPLICATION 2026

Jamaica Urban Solutions for the Environment (J-USE)

Nature-based Climate Solutions for Urban Jamaica

Deadline: May 8, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST)
1. Organization
2. Climate Risk
3. NbCS Response
4. Beneficiaries
5. Value Proposition
6. Enablers
7. Budget
8. TNA
9. Documents
10. Declaration
Step 1 of 10
Estimated time remaining: 45-55 minutes

1 Organization Information

Why we need this: Basic information helps us verify your organization's eligibility and contact you about your application. All information will be verified during due diligence if shortlisted.
Your registration type determines your legal structure under Jamaican law, which affects which documents you'll need to provide in Step 8 (Supporting Documents).

Not required for Community-Based Organizations or Government Entities

SOE Requirement: As a State-Owned Enterprise, please provide the contact details of your CEO or Managing Director who is authorising this application.
Government Requirement: As a Government entity, please provide the contact details of the Ministry/Department/Agency (MDA) Head who is authorising this application.

2 Climate Risk & Context

Where is this project happening?

3. GEOGRAPHIC ELIGIBILITY: URBAN AREAS ONLY
Projects must be implemented in URBAN areas within the following parishes. Rural projects are NOT eligible.

What challenges do you observe affecting your community?

Select up to 2 challenges and we'll highlight the most relevant NbCS categories for your project. You can still select from any category — this just helps you find the right ones faster.

Select your 1 or 2 main challenges. Secondary connections are captured later.
Which climate hazards does your project address? * ▾
↳ Based on the challenges you selected, we've pre-selected matching climate hazards below. Add or remove as needed.
Which climate hazards does your project address? Select all that apply. Think about what problems your community faces now and will face more in the future due to climate change.
How is the community currently coping? * ▾
Before your project, what does the community already do when these hazards strike? This helps identify the gaps your project will fill.

Before your project, what does the community already do when these hazards strike? This helps identify the gaps your project will fill.

0/1000 characters (~150 words)
Which systems in your community need fixing? * ▾
Think of "systems" as the things that keep your community running — how water moves, how food gets to your table, how people earn a living, how decisions get made. When climate events disrupt these systems, problems multiply. Your project should help correct or strengthen at least one of these flows.
Example: A community garden corrects multiple flows at once — Food Supply (growing food locally instead of importing it), Waste Management (composting organic waste into fertilizer), and Social Equity (making fresh food accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it).

How will your project change things? (max 300 words) *

Think about what's broken right now and what it looks like after your project. What system bottlenecks, blockages, or interruptions will your project fix? What will work better, for whom, and how?
Example: "Right now, stormwater runs off paved surfaces into drains that overflow during heavy rain, flooding homes and polluting the harbour. After installing bioswales along the roadside, water will soak into the ground naturally instead of pooling. This means less flooding for 500 residents, cleaner water reaching the harbour, and the community gains green spaces where there was once concrete. The bioswales also create a maintenance routine that employs 5 community members."
0/2000 characters (~300 words)

3 NbCS Response

You've defined your climate risk. Now select the Nature-based Climate Solutions (NbCS) interventions that will respond to it, then define your expected outcomes and describe your project.

A. Select Your Nature-based Climate Solutions (NbCS) Interventions

Primary NbCS Interventions (What you will build) *

What are NbCS Interventions?

Nature-based Climate Solutions (NbCS) are multidimensional — they work across physical, sectoral, and systemic levels at the same time. To capture this, we ask you to select interventions in two layers:

  • Primary Interventions — The on-the-ground, physical things you will build or install (e.g., mangrove restoration, bioswales, community gardens). Select all that apply to your project.
  • Secondary Interventions — The sectors, systems, and communities your project connects to (e.g., disaster risk reduction, food security, livelihoods). Select all that apply.

⚠ Requirement: You must select at least 1 Primary intervention AND at least 1 Secondary intervention.

📋 Focus Area Lenses
The J-USE priority focus areas are multidimensional — each requires a combination of NbCS interventions from multiple categories working together. Select the lens that best matches your project's primary focus to discover the most relevant interventions. You can select interventions from multiple lenses.
💧 Water & Flood Management ▾
🌳 Urban Greening & Heat Reduction ▾
🌽 Food Systems & Urban Agriculture ▾
🌊 Coastal & Blue Economy ▾
🏢 Building-Integrated NbCS ▾
♻️ Nutrient & Waste Systems ▾
⛰️ Slope & Landslide Management ▾
Your Primary selections: Click a category below to start selecting

🏘️ Does Your Project Address Housing Vulnerability or Informal Settlement Conditions?

Housing vulnerability is a cross-cutting issue that amplifies climate risk across all NbCS focus areas. Many Jamaican communities face overlapping challenges — informal settlements on steep slopes, flood-prone zones with inadequate drainage, or coastal areas experiencing erosion and storm surge.

Why this matters: NbCS interventions in housing-vulnerable communities can deliver compounded benefits. For example:

  • Urban Greening: A community garden in an informal hillside settlement not only improves food security but also stabilises slopes and reduces landslide risk for nearby homes.
  • Water & Flood Management: Bioswales and rain gardens in flood-prone informal settlements can protect households while recharging groundwater.
  • Building-Integrated NbCS: Green roofs on informal housing can reduce indoor heat, lower energy costs, and manage stormwater — all at once.

Open the card below and classify your project's relationship to housing vulnerability. This helps J-USE understand the broader context of your intervention.

🏘️ Housing & Informal Settlement Vulnerability ▾

Does your project address housing vulnerability or informal settlement conditions?

Examples of housing vulnerability:
  • Informal settlements on steep slopes prone to landslides
  • Communities in flood-prone zones with inadequate drainage
  • Coastal settlements experiencing erosion and storm surge
  • Densely built areas with no green space or stormwater management
  • Settlements near gullies or waterways at risk during heavy rain
🔷 3-TIER CLASSIFICATION

Secondary NbCS Interventions (Sectoral & System Connections) *

Secondary NbCS Interventions give you the cross-cutting context — the sectoral & system connections. What sectors and systems does your project connect to? And who benefits? Select ALL that apply to demonstrate how your physical interventions create broader impact.
Example: A mangrove restoration project (Primary) also connects to Tourism (eco-tourism opportunities), Livelihoods (fishing community benefits), and Disaster Risk Reduction (coastal protection for nearby settlements).
Your Secondary selections: Click a category below to start selecting
🛡️ Disaster Risk Reduction & Resilience? ▾

For projects reducing vulnerability to floods, storms, heat, landslides, and disasters

🍽️ Food Security & Agriculture? ▾

For projects improving food production, nutrition, and supply chain resilience

❤️ Health & Wellbeing? ▾

For projects improving mental health, air quality, water safety, and disease prevention

💼 Livelihoods & Economic Development? ▾

For projects creating green jobs, eco-tourism, skills training, and economic opportunities

📚 Education, Culture & Governance? ▾

For projects focused on environmental education, cultural heritage, youth engagement, and community governance

♻️ Circular Economy & Waste Systems? ▾

For projects closing waste loops, recycling water, and using sustainable bio-based materials

🚦 Transportation & Infrastructure? ▾

For projects linking NbCS to transport corridors, urban infrastructure, and supply chains

📡 Digital & Nature Hybrid NbCS ▾

For projects using sensors, AI, GIS, citizen science, MRV, or data tools for monitoring and adaptive management

✏️ Other (Not Listed Above) ▾

For sectoral or system connections not captured by the categories above

B. Define Your Outcomes *

What will change because of your project? For each outcome, describe: (1) What you're measuring (e.g., people protected from flooding), (2) Where it stands now (baseline), (3) What you expect after 12 months, and (4) How you'll measure it (e.g., water level sensors, community surveys, GIS mapping). Fill in at least 3 rows — you can add more with the + button below.
Outcome Baseline (Current) Expected After 12 Months How Measured

Adaptation Logic Statement *

Complete the causal chain: Explain how your NbCS interventions reduce climate risk. This is the single most important justification for your project.
Example: "Our constructed wetlands and bioswales (interventions) will slow stormwater flow velocity by 40% and filter runoff before it reaches the harbour (biophysical change), which reduces flash flooding and water contamination for 500 residents in Rae Town (climate outcome for beneficiaries)."
Our intervention: — select your Primary NbCS interventions above —
↓
Will produce: ➜
↓
Which reduces: — climate hazards identified in Step 2 —
↓
For: ➜

C. Project Narrative

0/2000 characters (~300 words)

Project Description (max 500 words) *

What to include:
  • Climate Challenge: What problem are you solving? (e.g., flooding, heat, food insecurity)
  • NbCS Solution: What nature-based approach will you use?
  • Expected Outcomes: What will change after 12 months?
  • System Transformation: How does this change how things work in your community?
0/3500 characters (~500 words)

4 Beneficiaries & Social Co-Benefits

Why this matters: J-USE prioritizes projects that intentionally benefit vulnerable groups. Be specific about WHO will benefit and HOW they will be engaged in your project.

Exposure & Vulnerability

Who is exposed to the climate hazard and why are they vulnerable? This helps justify why your project is needed and who it prioritizes.
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Target Groups (select at least 2) *

Who will your project benefit most? J-USE prioritizes projects that intentionally reach at least 2 vulnerable groups. The groups you select here should be reflected in your Gender & Social Inclusion approach below.

Demographics Breakdown (% of total beneficiaries)

ℹ️ Percentages may overlap (e.g., youth may also be women). Each field must be 0–100.

Beneficiary Numbers

People directly engaged in project activities

People who benefit from outcomes (e.g., flood protection, improved water, cleaner air)

Vulnerability-to-Benefits Link *

How does your project reduce vulnerability? Explicitly connect how your NbCS interventions will reduce the exposure or vulnerability you described above.
0/800 characters

Gender & Social Inclusion Approach (max 400 words) *

What to explain: How will you ensure your target groups can participate and benefit? Consider:
  • How will you recruit/reach these groups?
  • What barriers might they face (time, transport, safety)?
  • How will your project design address these barriers?
  • How will you track that benefits reach them?
0/2800 characters (~400 words)

Gender Considerations (select all that apply) *

0/1000 characters

Social Co-Benefits (select up to 5 most significant) *

What else will your project achieve? Beyond climate benefits, what positive social outcomes will result? Select the up to 5 most significant co-benefits for your project to ensure credible, prioritised impact reporting.

Benefit Traceability * (Which groups benefit from which outcomes?)

Connect your outcomes to your target groups. This table pre-populates from the outcomes you defined in Step 3. For EVERY outcome listed, you must complete all fields: Sector, Target Groups, and How They Benefit. Every row is mandatory — incomplete rows will block submission. This strengthens your project's credibility and helps reviewers understand impact distribution.
Outcome (from Step 3)? Sector / System? Target Groups Benefiting? How They Benefit?
Complete Step 3 (Outcomes) first — this table will auto-populate with your outcomes.

Employment & Training Metrics

Include all employment types

Disaggregated Employment Data

ℹ️ Disaggregated numbers should not exceed total jobs created.

5 Value Proposition & Sustainability

What is a Value Proposition?

Your Value Proposition describes how your NbCS will be sustained financially after the J-USE grant ends. This helps J-USE understand what follow-on financing might be needed.

J-USE provides Impact & Catalytic Capital as GRANT (max JMD $15M per initiative). Your sustainability model helps identify what type of follow-on support your project may need — whether that's commercial loans, concessional finance, government budgets, or philanthropic capital.

Compare the Three Value Proposition Models

Revenue-Generating

Your NbCS generates some revenue + community benefit

  • Produce/market garden sales
  • Eco-tourism fees
  • Carbon credit sales
  • Service contracts

Next: Commercial loans, equity investors, philanthropic capital

Blended Model

Some revenue + community benefit

  • Municipal stormwater credits
  • Partially market-based
  • Mix of private/public value
  • Needs patient capital
  • Philanthropic capital

Next: Concessional loans, impact investors, philanthropic capital

Community Benefit

Your NbCS generates Community benefits ONLY, no revenue

  • Flood protection for all
  • City-wide heat reduction
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Public health benefits

Next: Grants, government funding, philanthropic capital

Select Your Primary Value Proposition *

💡 Note: Your responses are preserved when you switch between models — feel free to explore each option. However, only the model you have selected at the time of submission will be submitted. The other model responses will not be submitted.

Revenue-Generating Qualifying Questions

These questions help us understand your revenue model and readiness for market financing.

Example: A hydroponics farm might sell directly to hotels and restaurants who need fresh produce year-round.

Blended Finance Qualifying Questions

Blended finance projects combine revenue generation with public goods. These questions help us understand both aspects of your sustainability model.

Select all that apply:

Community Benefit Qualifying Questions

Public good projects provide benefits to everyone and don't generate revenue. These questions help us understand impact and sustainability.

Describe how your project creates value (max 550 words) *

Why did you choose this pathway? Explain why it fits your project and what type of follow-on financing you might need.
Example: "We selected the Revenue-Generating pathway because our urban farm will sell produce to 3 hotels who have signed letters of intent. We expect to cover 70% of operating costs from sales within 3 years. After the J-USE grant, we'll need a small loan to expand irrigation infrastructure."
0/3850 characters (~550 words)

Post-Project Sustainability Plan (max 450 words) ? *

How will your NbCS continue after the grant? Address:
  • Who will maintain the physical infrastructure?
  • Who will govern/oversee the project?
  • How will ongoing costs be covered?
  • What partnerships will ensure longevity?
0/3000 characters (~450 words)

6 Enablers & Scaling Mechanisms

What are "Enablers"?

Enablers are support mechanisms that help NbCS projects succeed and grow beyond the pilot phase. They remove barriers and create conditions for long-term success.

Example: A community garden might need: Policy Support (land use permission), Technical Capacity Building (training in organic farming), and Market Platform (place to sell excess produce).

Implementation Structure *

Who does what? Identify who leads, who executes, and who provides oversight. At minimum, identify the lead applicant and one technical partner.
Role Organization / Person Responsibility
Lead / Applicant
Technical Partner
Community Partner
Government Partner
M&E / Data Partner
Financial Partner

Enablers Required/Utilized * (select at least 2)

What support does your project need or already have? Select at least 2 enablers relevant to your project's success. For each one you select, set the Status (Already Have / Still Need) and add a brief Note.

Scaling Potential Beyond Pilot *

Could this project be replicated elsewhere? ?
What does this mean? "Scaling" means taking what works in your community and making it available in other places. High = ready to replicate now. Medium = would work with minor changes. Moderate = needs significant resources to adapt. Limited = still in pilot stage, needs more development.

Describe your Scaling Approach or Strategy * (max 300 words)

What to explain: How could this project grow? What would be needed?
Example: "After proving the model in Harbour View, this mangrove restoration approach could be replicated in 5 other coastal communities in Kingston Harbour. We would need: additional funding for seedling nurseries, partnerships with other community groups, and MOUs with NEPA for site permissions. Within 3 years, we could protect 10km of coastline."
0/2100 characters (~300 words)

7 Budget & Timeline

J-USE Funding: Impact & Catalytic Capital as GRANT (max JMD $15M per initiative). Total project cost typically ranges from JMD $8M - $15M.

Project Timeline

Keep in mind: Administration costs (management, office, reporting) should not exceed 10% of your total project cost. At least 70% should go directly to project activities.
Budget Template: You will need to upload a detailed budget using the template provided. Download the template from the J-USE portal before completing this section.
Important: Projects must be implemented within 12 months. A detailed line-item budget will be required in the full proposal stage if shortlisted.

Sustainability & Maintenance Plan *

What happens after the project ends? Climate finance requires evidence that project benefits will persist beyond the funding period. Click below to complete your sustainability plan.
📝 Complete Your Post-Project Sustainability Plan ▾
0/1750 characters (~250 words)
0/1750 characters (~250 words)

Enabling Conditions Reflection

What are enabling conditions? These are the things your project needs to succeed that you might not have yet — like a technical partner, land access permission, or long-term maintenance funding. Think about what you already have (from Step 5) and what gaps remain.
0/1500 characters (~200 words)

8 Training Needs Assessment

Purpose: This helps J-USE design capacity building that meets your needs. Your responses will NOT affect EOI screening but WILL help us support your success.

IUCN NbCS Criteria Self-Assessment *

Cross-reference check: The following questions ensure your project aligns with IUCN's Nature-based Solutions framework. Your responses help J-USE assess NbCS compliance. Provide a brief response (1–2 sentences) for each criterion.

Grant Compliance & Reporting

Grant Administration & Compliance. Confirm your project's alignment with the standards required by the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) and the Government of Jamaica (GoJ) grant administration processes.

9.1 NbCS Technical Knowledge

Select your experience level for each competency area:

Competency Area Beginner
(Need training)		 Intermediate
(Some experience)		 Advanced
(Can train others)		 N/A
NbCS design principles & IUCN criteria
Climate dimension integration
System flow analysis (water, heat, biodiversity)
Native species selection & ecological restoration
Digital/AI tools for NbCS monitoring

9.2 Project Management Skills

Competency Area Beginner Intermediate Advanced N/A
Results-based project planning
Budget development & financial management
M&E framework design
Stakeholder engagement & participatory design

9.3 Climate Finance & Sustainability

Competency Area Beginner Intermediate Advanced N/A
Understanding Value Propositions & financing options
Co-financing strategy (cash & in-kind)
Business model development for sustainability
Grant reporting & compliance

9.4 Gender & Social Inclusion

Competency Area Beginner Intermediate Advanced N/A
Gender-responsive project design
Beneficiary disaggregation & inclusive targeting
Community-led governance & participation

9.5 Priority Capacity Building Needs

Select your TOP 3 priorities for capacity building:

9.6 Preferred Learning Formats

Select ALL formats that work for your team:

9.7 Accessibility & Support Needs for Persons with Disabilities (PWD)

J-USE is committed to inclusive capacity building. Please let us know if any of your team members require accommodations to fully participate in training activities, whether online or in-person.

Examples: sign language interpretation, screen reader compatible materials, wheelchair accessible venue, large print materials, extended time for exercises, etc.

9 Supporting Documents

Required Documents: Please upload all mandatory documents. Requirements differ by organization type.

Required for All Applicants

Upload your signed Letter of Intent and Authorisation

Note: Your Letter of Intent must be recent within the current call period and signed by an authorized representative.

Line-item budget with justification for each category

Valid registration or incorporation document

Annual reports, previous project summaries, or organizational profile and work experience (max 3 pages)

📎 All documents marked with * are mandatory and must be uploaded before you can submit your application.

PRIVATE SECTOR / NGOs / CIVIL SOCIETY / ACADEMIA

  • Certificate of Incorporation/ Registration*
  • Organizational Profile and Work Experience (max 3 pages)
  • Full Name, Title, Phone, Email, Address of the Authorised Representative
  • A formal Letter of Intent and Authorisation for the Intervention

*Valid registration under the relevant legislation (Companies Act, Charities Act, Cooperative Societies Act, Friendly Societies Act)

PUBLIC SECTOR / GOVERNMENT ENTITIES

  • Organizational Profile and Work Experience (max 3 pages)
  • Contact Details of the MDA Head: Full Name, Title, Phone, Email, Address
  • A formal Letter of Intent and Authorisation for the Intervention

ℹ️ NOTE: All documents must be recent within the current call period and submitted in the specified format (PDF and/or Excel where indicated) via the online portal.

Important: Documents must be submitted via the online portal in the specified format (PDF and/or Excel where indicated). The Letter of Intent and Authorisation should be recent within the current call period.

10 Declaration & Submission

Important: Please read each declaration carefully. All checkboxes must be checked to submit.

Authorized Representative

Additional Comments or Questions

J-USE REOI 2026 — Environmental Foundation of Jamaica
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Application Submitted Successfully!

Thank you for submitting your Expression of Interest to the J-USE Nature-based Climate Solutions Programme 2026. We've received your application and will begin reviewing it shortly.

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Application Summary

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What Happens Next?

1

Acknowledgement

A confirmation email with your reference number has been sent to your registered email. Save this for all future correspondence about your application.

2

Screening & Review (within 10 business days)

The EFJ team will review your EOI for eligibility, alignment with J-USE priorities, and NbCS compliance. You may be contacted for clarification.

3

Shortlisting & Capacity Building

If shortlisted, you'll be invited to participate in J-USE capacity building workshops tailored to your Training Needs Assessment (Step 8).

4

Full Proposal Development

Shortlisted applicants will develop a detailed full proposal with support from J-USE's technical assistance partners. Additional documents will be required.

✉️ Contact J-USE Team

Edge Catalyst Finance | Sustainable Financing Mechanism Specialist & Team

Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) | J-USE Programme 2026

Questions? Contact: grants@efj.org.jm

© 2026 Environmental Foundation of Jamaica. All rights reserved.