The Mercy Corps Strengthening Caribbean Economic Growth

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The Mercy Corps Strengthening Caribbean Economic Growth (SCEG) Small Grants Challenge Is Now Live

The Mercy Corps Strengthening Caribbean Economic Growth (SCEG) Small Grants Challenge is now live for 2026—and it’s a golden opportunity for organisations across select Caribbean islands to grab funding that can genuinely boost jobs, businesses, and local economies.

Launched under the SCEG program (funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Mercy Corps), this small grants challenge targets registered organisations ready to deliver quick, measurable impact. If you’re part of an NGO, social enterprise, private sector group, or development-focused institution working in Barbados, The Bahamas, Grenada, Jamaica, or Saint Kitts and Nevis, this could be the boost your project needs.

What the Grants Are For

The big goal: accelerate inclusive economic growth by creating more employment opportunities, strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and improving access to market-driven inputs, services, and business support. Think practical, scalable ideas that tackle real barriers—whether that’s job creation in key sectors, helping small businesses scale, or building stronger economic systems that make communities more resilient.

Projects run for 12 months max, so proposals need to show clear, achievable results in that window. Mercy Corps seeks locally driven solutions that deliver measurable change and align with the region’s long-term economic resilience.

Funding Details

Grant size: Up to $50,000 USD per organisation
Number of awards: Up to 12 organisations will be selected
Project timeline: Implementation within 12 months
No tuition or fees—this is straight grant funding to execute your work.

Who Qualifies?

Registered organisations based in or operating within Barbados, The Bahamas, Grenada, Jamaica, or Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Types: NGOs, social enterprises, private sector actors, development institutions—basically anyone aligned with the economic growth focus
Your idea must align with the themes of expanding jobs, supporting MSMEs, and enhancing business ecosystems.

Important dates for The Mercy Corps Strengthening Caribbean Economic Growth

Applications opened: February 9, 2026
Deadline: February 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM AST (that’s super soon—only a few days left as of mid-February!)

This is a tight window, so if it fits your work, prioritise it now.

How to Apply

Head to the official Mercy Corps page for the full details and submission:

Funding Opportunity: Strengthening Economic Growth in the Caribbean (SCEG)

The process is online—expect to submit a proposal outlining your project, impact plan, budget, and how it drives economic growth. Mercy Corps often includes info sessions or guidelines on the tender page, so check there for any RFP docs, templates, or Q&A.

Why This Matters Right Now

In the Caribbean, economic challenges like limited job access, MSME constraints, and vulnerability to shocks are real. Initiatives like SCEG step in to empower local actors with flexible funding to innovate and scale solutions. Partnering with Mercy Corps also means joining a network known for impactful development work—great for credibility and future opportunities.

Conclusion on The Mercy Corps Strengthening Caribbean Economic Growth

If your organisation is already making strides in livelihoods, entrepreneurship, or business support in one of these five countries, don’t let this deadline slip by. Up to $50K could turn good ideas into game-changing results for communities. Apply today, build stronger economies tomorrow. Caribbean-led change starts here.

The Mercy Corps Strengthening Caribbean Economic Growth (SCEG) Small Grants Challenge Is Now Live