The purpose of the SIRF Fund is to provide financing to implement the Environmental Protection and Management Act (2019) in a coordinated, systematic and cost-effective manner. It serves as the main funding for environmental, climate mitigation and adaptation projects.
Antigua and Barbuda is a highly indebted small island state, and it has recently been ranked as high income, since it has exceeded per capita income. This will make the island ineligible for development assistance. As a tourism-based economy, protecting the island’s natural resources is a top priority.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has developed a national fund, the Sustainable Island Resource Framework Fund (SIRF Fund), to serve as the primary channel for environmental, climate mitigation and adaptation funding from international and domestic sources.
The SIRF Fund is established as a Special Fund under the Finance Administration Act (2006). This status as a special fund enables Antigua and Barbuda to earmark income from a range of sources to achieve its environmental and climate change goals.
Income to the SIRF Fund is provided through domestic and international sources. Domestic sources include Green Card park visitation fees, pollution charges, carbon credits, taxes, levies, and other fees as may be prescribed by regulation.
For international funding, the SIRF Fund acts as an implementing entity and sustainable financing mechanism for bilateral and multilateral funding sources that are designated for the purposes laid out in the Environmental Protection and Management Act (2019).
The purpose of the SIRF Fund is to provide financing to implement the Environmental Protection and Management Act (2019) in a coordinated, systematic and cost-effective manner.
The SIRF Fund is mandated to provide access to funding to the public sector, the private sector, and to non-governmental and community organizations in Antigua and Barbuda, and it can support environmental management in other islands in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). See Access Funding for more information.
SIRF Fund decision-making is managed by a General Board. Representatives from the private sector and non-governmental organizations are appointed to the SIRF Fund General Board as observers, to provide transparency and accountability in the management of the SIRF Fund.
The role of the Department of Environment (DoE) in the Fund is to support the ‘start-up’ phase of the SIRF Fund; however, the SIRF Fund is structured to eventually become a self-sustaining entity.
The relationship between the SIRF Fund and the Department of Environment, other government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the private sector is to support the implementation of the Environmental Protection and Management Act, 2019 across sectors.
The Sustainable Island Resource Framework Fund is a ‘Special Fund’ that provides financing to implement the Environmental Protection and Management Act of 2015, climate change measures and promote a sustainable environment in Antigua and Barbuda.
The SIRF Fund is an independent legal entity separate from any governmental agency or institution under the Environmental Protection and Management Act.
The SIRF Fund will provide financing to programs and projects of government agencies, non-governmental organizations and community based organizations that are in line with the Fund’s objectives.
Each member of the group, known as a "Box," contributes a fixed amount of money—otherwise called "throwing their hand"—into a central pool at regular intervals (weekly or monthly).
A designated organizer, the "Box holder," manages the funds. Each time the money is collected, one member receives the entire lump sum, known as the "draw or collecting their box hand" This continues until every member has had their turn, providing an interest-free way to save for big goals or emergencies.
The Sustainable Island Resource Framework Fund is a ‘Special Fund’ that provides financing to implement the Environmental Protection and Management Act of 2015, climate change measures and promote a sustainable environment in Antigua and Barbuda.
The SIRF Fund is an independent legal entity separate from any governmental agency or institution under the Environmental Protection and Management Act.
Please bring a completed application with your personal and contact details, a valid government ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.), and proof of income such as recent pay stubs. If you have questions or need more information about required documents, please call our office and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
No — loans are not guaranteed. Approval depends on factors like your, income and employment, debt-to-income ratio, collateral (if applicable), and specific lending criteria. To get an idea of your chances, you can request a pre-qualification or speak with our loan officer for a review of your situation and next steps.
If you have questions or need more information about loan amounts, please call our office and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
A funding mechanism that provides modest financial awards to community groups or NGOs for localized, high-impact projects. These programs typically feature streamlined application processes to make resources accessible to grassroots organizations.
This Programme provides low-cost, non-collateral financing to help Antigua and Barbuda build resilience against climate change. It prioritizes vulnerable groups by making adaptation projects and disaster preparedness more accessible and affordable.
Please see the Capitalization Rationale for the SIRF Fund
The Sustainable Island Resource Framework Fund is a ‘Special Fund’ that provides financing to implement the Environmental Protection and Management Act of 2015, climate change measures and promote a sustainable environment in Antigua and Barbuda.
The SIRF Fund is an independent legal entity separate from any governmental agency or institution under the Environmental Protection and Management Act.
The SIRF Fund will provide financing to programs and projects of government agencies, non-governmental organizations and community based organizations that are in line with the Fund’s objectives.
It is a concessional low interest rate loan available to vulnerable groups, essential services, and First Responders* to implement climate adaptation and mitigation measures to their home.
*First Responders and essential services include: fire, police, APUA, teachers, medical care personnel (EMT, doctors, nurses, nurse aids), NODS and DOE
Loans will be granted to high risk groups that satisfy the eligibility criteria, especially those living within flood prone areas, closest to the waterway and in the wider watershed areas.
The SIRF Fund is an independent legal entity separate from any governmental agency or institution under the Environmental Protection and Management Act.
No, all applicants must meet the eligibility criteria to be granted a loan.
The minimum loan amount is EC$2,600.
The maximum loan amount is EC$200,000*
*Loan amounts exceeding EC$200,000 will require Board of Directors approval.
A funding mechanism that provides modest financial awards to community groups or NGOs for localized, high-impact projects. These programs typically feature streamlined application processes to make resources accessible to grassroots organizations.
This Programme provides low-cost, non-collateral financing to help Antigua and Barbuda build resilience against climate change. It prioritizes vulnerable groups by making adaptation projects and disaster preparedness more accessible and affordable.
Please see the Capitalization Rationale for the SIRF Fund
A funding mechanism that provides modest financial awards to community groups or NGOs for localized, high-impact projects. These programs typically feature streamlined application processes to make resources accessible to grassroots organizations.
This Programme provides low-cost, non-collateral financing to help Antigua and Barbuda build resilience against climate change. It prioritizes vulnerable groups by making adaptation projects and disaster preparedness more accessible and affordable.
Please see the Capitalization Rationale for the SIRF Fund
A funding mechanism that provides modest financial awards to community groups or NGOs for localized, high-impact projects. These programs typically feature streamlined application processes to make resources accessible to grassroots organizations.
This Programme provides low-cost, non-collateral financing to help Antigua and Barbuda build resilience against climate change. It prioritizes vulnerable groups by making adaptation projects and disaster preparedness more accessible and affordable.
#1 Victoria Park Botanical Gardens Factory Road St. John’s, Antigua, W.I.
Telephone: 268 462 4625
Our Accountability
and Impact
Statutory Report
