The SKEPPIES Small Project Fund for conservation and development,  funds projects which focus on both conservation and development in the Succulent Karoo. SKEPPIES is a joint project of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), Conservation International: Southern Africa Hotspots Programme and the SKEP Coordination Unit of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).

SKEPPIES funds projects which jointly contribute to nature conservation and development, need start-up funding, support entrepreneurship, support business development and form part of other projects in the SKEP priority regions. Government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based organisations (CBOs), training organisations, schools, individuals, small or medium private enterprises and religious organisations can apply for funding. Applications can be submitted to SKEPPIES at any time of year.