A fund to strengthen the well-being of coastal marine ecosystems and their inhabitants.

The Coastal Fund (Fondo Costero), an initiative driven by Costa Humboldt, is dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of coastal communities. Supported by a network of philanthropic organizations, we provide resources to indigenous peoples' organizations, local communities, and artisanal fisheries. Our mission is to bolster their vital work in safeguarding coastal marine ecosystems and preserving the unique cultural heritage and livelihoods intrinsically linked to these territories. We focus on fostering sustainable practices and ensuring the wellbeing of both the environment and the people who depend on it.

Inspired by

The challenge of achieving the wellbeing of coastal marine ecosystems is complex because of their critical importance to the health of the planet. On the one hand, they provide essential habitats for a diversity of species and play a fundamental role in climate regulation. On the other, they are home, cultural and spiritual heritage, as well as an important source of food and employment, for millions of people around the world, which further underscores their value and the urgent need to protect and manage them with consideration for the lifestyles of those who inhabit them.

Despite their relevance, these ecosystems today face a number of threats, ranging from pollution and overfishing to climate change and habitat degradation. Global pressure on coastal and marine areas has increased significantly in recent decades, further exacerbating these challenges and endangering the health of these environments and their inhabitants. Their inhabitants also face great challenges, as they are the ones who are most affected by the pressures of different actors on the natural resources of the territories and by the lack of participation in decisions that affect their environment and their rights.

Therefore, making efforts to achieve the wellbeing of coastal marine ecosystems with and for local communities today implies a comprehensive approach that seeks, in addition to protecting ecosystems, to strengthen the capacity of local communities to participate in decisions that affect their environment and their rights.

Therefore, making efforts to achieve the well-being of coastal marine ecosystems with and for local communities today implies a comprehensive approach that seeks, in addition to protecting ecosystems, to strengthen the capacity of local communities for more effective management of the territories, providing them with the necessary tools to be able to concentrate on their administration, thus ensuring equity in the distribution of the costs and benefits of their conservation.

Through an open call proposal submission, we provide Indigenous peoples, local communities, and fisherpeople with financial resources and technical assistance for the development of their initiatives.

¿How we support them?

  • Maximum contribution of $ 10 million pesos.

  • During the implementation of the project, each organization that receives funding will be accompanied and provided with technical support if required.

Financing Areas

  • EDUCATIONAL

    ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

    Educational activities that foster understanding of ecosystems, promote sustainable practices, and empower communities to make informed decisions that protect and enhance their natural environment.

  • CULTURAL

    CULTURAL PATRIMONY

    Traditions, knowledge, and spiritual and cultural practices developed by the communities. This heritage includes architecture, arts, gastronomy and ways of life linked to the sea that are essential for the identity of the communities and for the conservation of their traditions and ways of life.

  • SOCIAL

    ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTHENING

    Activities that enhance the ability of organizations to achieve their objectives and mission. This may include the development of leadership skills, resource management, planning and network building, so that they can operate more effectively and sustainably.

  • ENVIRONMENTAL

    CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION

    Actions that focus on protecting natural ecosystems and reversing the damage caused by human activity. Conservation seeks to preserve biodiversity and natural resources, while restoration seeks to recover degraded areas, restoring their ecological functionality and improving resilience to climate change.

  • ECONOMIC

    ECONOMIC ALTERNATIVES TO DEVELOPMENT

    Activities that seek to diversify the sources of income of a community or region, promoting sustainable activities that do not compromise the environment or people's quality of life.

Stages of the process

Requirements to apply

  • Be a local grassroots and/or indigenous organization with legal status in Chile or have the support of an organization that has legal status and is available to receive and administer the awarded funds.

  • To have 2 years of seniority as an organization.

  • That they have an institutional bank account or have an organization that supports them to receive the resources in their institutional account.

  • The project must benefit a coastal marine area in Chile and/or sustain the lifestyles present in these territories.

  • If you have been a beneficiary of the fund in a previous version, the project must be closed as agreed in order to be able to apply again.

  • The project presented must be framed within the objective of the program and its thematic lines.

  • If the project to be implemented has an impact on the community, it must be supported by letters of support. If this impact is evaluated as negative by the program organization, the project will be rejected.

¿How can I apply?

  1. Check the application requirements.

  2. If you meet these criteria, sign up by clicking on the “I want to apply” button below.

  3. We will review your background and if you meet the requirements, we will send to your email a username and password to be able to apply.