Research Grants 2026 Available for Good Governance Practices of Community Forest User Groups Nepal, The Just Nepal Foundation is seeking proposals to evaluate the good governance practices of Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in Helambu Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchok. The assessment aims to enhance transparency, participation, equity, and inclusive forest governance within local communities.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.

Last Date of Submission: 2^nd March 2026

Overview for Research Grants 2026 Available for Good Governance Practices of Community Forest User Groups Nepal

Study Title

“Status of Good Governance practices of Community Forest User Groups” performing in Helambu Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchowk”

1. Background

Community forestry remains one of Nepal’s most important strategies for sustainable forest management and poverty reduction through improved community livelihoods. Within the Helambu Rural Municipality of Sindhupalchok district, 31 Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) operate under diverse governance and management systems.

A comprehensive assessment of governance conditions across these 31 CFUGs will help establish the current status of good governance practices—covering areas such as transparency and accountability; participation and inclusiveness; equity and benefit sharing; rule of law and compliance; leadership and institutional capacity; corruption and misuse; gender and social inclusion; conflict management; planning and information management; and external influences and dependencies.
The assessment will also update information on the most vulnerable households that benefit from these CFUGs.

2. Objectives

1. To evaluate the overall governance performance of all 31 CFUGs in Helambu, focusing on how user groups practice good governance in their day-to-day operations.
2. To document the current situation of the most vulnerable households that receives benefits from their respective CFUGs.

3. Scope of Work

The study must provide an updated status of each governance indicator for all 31 CFUGs, covering the following dimensions:

• Transparency & Accountability
• Participation & Inclusiveness
• Equity & Benefit-Sharing
• Rule of Law & Compliance
• Leadership & Institutional Capacity
• Corruption & Misuse
• Gender & Social Inclusion
• Conflict Management
• Planning & Information Management
• External Influence & Dependency

The assessment should consider the entire population represented by the 31 CFUGs.

4. Methodology

Researchers may apply a combination of the following methods:

• Review of relevant literature, acts, policies, and guidelines
• CFUG-level surveys
• Key informant interviews (user committee members and general users)
• Focus group discussions, particularly with vulnerable households
• Field observations
• Participatory assessment and scoring tools

The proposed methodology must be clearly justified in the submitted proposal.

5. Expected Deliverables

• Inception plan outlining methodology and timeline
• Field data collection and analysis
• Draft study report
• Final report incorporating all feedback
• Practical and actionable recommendations for strengthening CFUG governance

6. Study Duration

The assessment is expected to be completed within two months (by Baishakh 2083).

7. Budget Support

The selected researcher or research team will receive NPR 50,000, which must cover all research activities, fieldwork, and report preparation.

8. Reporting Requirements

Researchers must submit both soft and hard copies of all reports and may be asked to present findings to the organization.

Selection Criteria for Research Grants 2026 Available for Good Governance Practices of Community Forest User Groups Nepal

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s students or recent graduates in natural resource management, social sciences, environmental studies, or related disciplines.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Relevant academic qualifications (30%)
2. Quality, clarity, and feasibility of the research proposal (30%)
3. Prior research or field experience (10%)
4. Understanding of community forestry and governance themes (10%)
5. Ability to conduct fieldwork within the timeline (5%)
6. Integration of gender and social inclusion perspectives (5%)
7. Writing quality and analytical capacity (10%)

Preference Will Be Given To

• Applicants experienced in community forestry practices
• Candidates with prior field research involvement
• Research teams combining both social and technical expertise
• Individuals familiar with the local context

How to apply?

Please send your detailed proposal and updated CV in a single PDF file to ashish.justnepal@gmail.com

no later than 2nd March, 2026, 5:00 PM.

Note: Incomplete application or candidate not fulfilling eligibility criteria will automatically disqualify.

Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below

Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link

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