BACKGROUND

The primary objective of this round of the Caribbean Collective project is to provide organisations the opportunity to learn and use Chatmap to enhance climate resilience and disaster preparedness, while fostering local leadership and ownership of open data initiatives across Caribbean countries. This Call invites organisations to submit applications for proposing projects that use ChatMap to support solutions in the priority areas around Climate and Marine resilience. Selected participating organisations are empowered to undertake open-mapping activities through ChatMap training, technical support and a microgrant.

The microgrant offers the opportunity for Caribbean-based organisations seeking the following grant type.

1. Caribbean Collective ChatMap for Resilience MicroGrant (USD $1,200)

These microgrants are support projects by Caribbean organisations utilising ChatMap to build resilience in their communities. Microgrant applicants will be selected based on the Criteria outlined in this document. All proposals must be submitted through the Application form provided.

These awards are implemented by the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team LAC Hub (Caribbean Programme) through the support of the Rauch Family Foundation.

Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT)

Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) is a US-based NGO and global community of thousands of volunteers working together to use maps and open data for humanitarian response and the Sustainable Development Goals. As the world’s preeminent participatory mapping NGO, HOT has fostered a global mapping community composed of more than 300,000 people with ground operations in several countries. HOT supports the growth of open mapping communities worldwide. When a major disaster strikes anywhere in the world, HOT rallies this global network to create the maps and data that enable responders to reach those in need. HOT works closely with humanitarian and development partners, including the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, World Bank, and UN OCHA, among others.

What is ChatMap?

ChatMap is a free and OpenSource software developed by Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team which, put simply, converts Chats to maps. Users can collect geolocated data using existing instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal. Chatmap requires no complex integrations or training, making it accessible and effective for those in need, immediately. Relying on the GPS signal, it also works offline. One could learn to use ChatMap through HOT’s Learning Center courses which provides a general course on the Use of Chatmap For Fieldmapping as well as the use of Chatmap for Mapping Litter.

Links for ChatMap further reading and training:

• About ChatMap: https://www.hotosm.org/en/tools-resources/tech-product-suite/chat-map/
• ChatMap Website: https://chatmap.hotosm.org/
• HOT Learning Center Free ChatMap Course: https://learn.hotosm.org/course/learn-chatmap

MICROGRANT SCOPE, CRITERIA AND EXPECTATIONS

What Can Selected Grantees Under this Program Expect?

HOT will provide:

• Technical training on fieldmapping and the use of Chatmap
• Templates for the required reports
• Microgrant:

Caribbean Collective ChatMap Resilience MicroGrant (USD $1,200)

The program will then proceed with the following features for selected participants:

1. Invitation to Submit Proposals with Guidelines (See Registration Form Below)
2. Clear Proposal Submission Deadline: Thursday, October 22, 2026
3. Mentorship and Chatmap Technical Support in Project Execution and Reporting

HOT Expectations

Grant recipient is required to submit:

• Reports on the implementation of the project (including mapping metrics, attendance and financial)
• Media captured during activities
• Posts of Publications related to the projects activities

Target Countries: Montserrat, Dominican Republic, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti

Microgrant-Specific Priority Areas

Applicants must propose project that utilise Chatmap to create solutions and build resilience in the following areas:

• Disaster Risk Resilience
• Disaster Preparedness and Response
• Climate Resilience
• Marine/Ocean Resilience
• Blue Economy

Criteria

The following criteria must be met for the application to be assessed for the Caribbean Collective Chatmap Microgrant Program. Please ensure that you meet the criteria listed below before completing the application for to be considered:

Who is eligible:

• Organizations, groups, communities (and individuals) that are based and operate in the target countries of the Caribbean region.
• Organisations focused on community-building, humanitarian efforts and social good which are open to incorporating the use of ChatMap and other open source tools in their work.
• Organizations, groups, communities do not need to be legally registered; however, they will either need a legally registered organization to receive funds on their behalf, or nominate an individual to receive funds on behalf of their organization or group.
• Applicants do not necessarily need to be currently affiliated with HOT, but projects must contribute to HOT’s commitment of humanitarian action and community development through mapping and must align with priority areas for this specific round of grants.

Who is not eligible:

• HOT staff members, voting members and board members are not eligible.
• Multiple applications by the same individual.

Preference is given to applicants who apply associated to an organisation, rather than applying as an individual.

What costs are eligible in proposal submission?

Eligible costs are largely determined on a case-by-case basis, and could include, but are not limited to, equipment such as GPS devices, phones, laptops and other technical resources such as transportation and internet connectivity as well as meeting/working space rental, and other costs associated with hosting events.

What costs are not eligible?

Equipment that does not align directly to mapping project needs, or may not contribute to the long-term sustainability of the community.

Selection Criteria

• Projects that promote positive change and solutions to challenges in the areas of climate resilience and disaster risk reduction through the use of open mapping tools, particularly ChatMap.
• Projects that support solutions to coastal and marine challenges.
• Achievability which considers commitment of applicants; and their experience with leading such projects.
• Demonstrated ability to complete the project within a six-month timeframe of receipt of funds.
• Alignment with the resilience and climate change adaptation theme.
• Implemented in a target country.
• Clearly demonstrated potential for impact in local community.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must complete this Application form. The information requested in the application form is detailed as follows:

1. Background: Background and organization of your firm/organization and any sub consultants that your organization proposes to engage for this assignment.
2. Project Description: Describe the proposed project and include a description of the project components including target audience and expected number of participants/stakeholders.
3. Summary of Organisation’s Experience: The applicant should provide a brief summary of any previous projects that are either within scope or implemented in a similar context; and detail any current resources or conditions that point to their capacity to successfully complete the proposed project.
4. Approach: the applicant should be able to clearly articulate their approach to executing the proposed activities to achieve the desired results - detailing any potential partnerships and stakeholder engagement. This section should also indicate how the applicant will achieve the objectives and deliverables.
5. Budget: detail how the microgrant funds will be utilised. Provide document/spreadsheet link to proposed allocation/budget.

Important Things to Note

• Applicants must prepare and upload a proposed budget attached to the application.
• Each individual/organisation is only permitted to make one submission; however an organisation can have multiple project proposal submissions; once able to demonstrate the internal capacity to execute them with the organisation. If you experience any technical difficulties in submitting your applications, please contact us before the submission deadline.

Contact Us

For more information, questions, or concerns regarding the submission process you can contact us at caribbean@hotosm.org