Ecological & Socially Just Tourism can not come about only by words; grassroots action is also needed. Since 2004 we have been providing microgrants to eco-projects initiated & implemented by our Members, according to the ECOCLUB.com philosophy and aims . You may find information on projects funded so far at https://ecoclub.com/grants.
The theme of our 7th Annual Awards is "Direct Democracy & Community Ownership". We invite tourism-related project proposals which have been developed and agreed by the community in a direct democratic way and which involve community ownership.
Who can apply: The Awards are open to all.
Grant Size: The grant amounts to Euros 3,000 and will be used to fund one project proposal. The grant is conditional on, and paid after the successful and timely completion of the project.
Submission Deadline: The submission deadline is June 10, 2011. However applicants are advised to submit project proposals as soon as possible.
Project Eligibility: Projects must be prepared, submitted and undertaken by an organisation that is able to issue an official invoice to ECOCLUB S.A.. We seek new, independent, realistic, implementable projects which provide tangible, non-abstract, results, compatible with the ECOCLUB.com philosophy and this year's theme "Direct Democracy & Community Ownership". We invite tourism-related project proposals which have been developed and agreed by the community in a direct democratic way and which involve community ownership. Projects should have a strong social element, meet real needs and have a lasting impact. We particularly encourage projects in 'developing' countries. The project should involve the production of infrastructure and/or tangible products which will be owned and managed by the community. Before submitting project proposals applicants should have duly researched all legal, technical & practical aspects. Projects should not depend on the performance of 3rd parties, or on factors outside the applicants' control. The applicant should be directly involved with the implementation of the project, on location. Project Proposals can cost up to a maximum of Euros 3,000 to fully implement including all costs such as wages, fees, materials, training, transport, documentation, filming, postage. Projects should not already be under way, should not also be funded or part-funded by other sources, or submitted for funding to any other organisations and should not in any way depend on the performance of other projects or of other organisations. The Award organisers, ECOCLUB S.A. will be the sole & final judge upon applicant and project eligibility matters.
Project Implementation: Project proposals should clearly indicate that the project will be initiated by August 1, 2011 at the latest, and completed by 30 November 2011 at the latest.
Realistic Proposals only please: Please only submit realistic projects that you are able to implement, and only if you are certain that you can allocate the time & resources required. We reserve the right not to accept a project as eligible for any reason and in particular if we feel it is unrealistic, overambitious or abstract but also if we are not certain that it enjoys the support of the local community. In this case it will not be entered as a candidate.
Winner Selection: The Winner will be determined in a democratic fashion by ECOCLUB.com Member vote in June 2011, and announced on 1st July 2011. In the event that there is just one eligible project proposal received by 10 June 2011, no vote will take place. In the event that the winner fails to initiate the project on time and fails to submit a Project Initiation Report, as stated in section 5c below, the runner-up will be declared winners.
Application Procedure & Key Dates:
To apply you need to download and complete the Application Form and return it to us by email by 10 June 2011 at the latest.