Applications Open for Rainforest Trust Program

Deadline: 01-Oct-26

Rainforest Trust Conservation Grants: Funding for Protected and Conserved Areas

Rainforest Trust provides conservation grants to non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities working to create or expand protected or conserved areas in tropical and subtropical regions. Funding is available through Feasibility Awards, averaging $10,000, and Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards, which have no fixed maximum and can exceed $250,000 for large conservation projects. What Are Rainforest Trust Conservation Grants? The Rainforest Trust Conservation Grants support projects that establish or expand protected and conserved areas in tropical and subtropical regions. The programme focuses on protecting areas that are currently unprotected but have exceptional conservation importance. Priority is given to projects that can protect: - Globally significant populations of Critically Endangered species. - Globally significant populations of Endangered species. - Large areas of high-integrity tropical or subtropical forests. - Habitats that are particularly important for climate change mitigation. The programme supports both the research required to determine whether an area can be protected and the subsequent process of formally creating or expanding the protected or conserved area. What Types of Grants Are Available? Rainforest Trust offers two main grant categories: Feasibility Awards Feasibility Awards help applicants determine whether a protected or conserved area can realistically be created or expanded. The funding can address important information gaps, including: - Legal pathways for conservation. - Field surveys. - Biodiversity assessments. - Land tenure information. - Community consultations. - Other research required to establish feasibility. The average Feasibility Award is approximately $10,000. Exceptional applications may receive more than $20,000, depending on project requirements. Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards Creation Awards support the actual establishment or expansion of protected or conserved areas. Supported conservation approaches may include: - Formal designation. - Land titling. - Land purchase. - Expansion of existing protected areas. - Other recognized conservation methodologies. There is no fixed maximum for Creation Awards. Awards can exceed $250,000, with larger requests assessed individually. What Conservation Projects Are Prioritized? Rainforest Trust focuses on projects with significant biodiversity and climate conservation value. A strong project should seek to protect areas containing one or more of the following: - Critically Endangered species. - Endangered species. - Globally significant wildlife populations. - High-integrity tropical forests. - High-integrity subtropical forests. - Ecosystems important for climate change mitigation. The area should currently be unprotected and require a new conservation designation or expansion. Who Is Eligible? The programme is intended for organizations and communities capable of establishing and managing conservation initiatives.

Eligible applicants include:

- Legally registered non-government organizations. - Indigenous Peoples. - Local communities. For NGO applicants, the organization must be legally registered and authorized to operate in the country where the proposed conservation project will take place. Government and Community Support Successful conservation projects require more than technical planning. Applicants must demonstrate support from relevant stakeholders, including: - Government authorities. - Indigenous Peoples. - Local communities. Where applicable, projects must also demonstrate Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). FPIC is particularly important where conservation activities may affect the rights, lands, resources, livelihoods, or traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples. What Is a Protected or Conserved Area? A protected area is a geographically defined area that is formally recognized and managed to achieve long-term conservation objectives. A conserved area can include other effective conservation approaches that maintain biodiversity and ecological values even when the area is not managed under a conventional protected-area designation. Rainforest Trust funding therefore supports multiple recognized approaches to achieving long-term conservation. How Much Funding Is Available? Funding depends on the grant category and project requirements. Feasibility Awards

- Average award: approximately $10,000

- Exceptional awards: more than $20,000 may be considered

Creation Awards - No fixed maximum. - Awards may exceed $250,000. - Large applications are assessed individually. The requested amount should be justified by the project’s conservation objectives, implementation requirements, and realistic costs. When Can Applications Be Submitted? The application schedule depends on the requested grant amount and type. Rolling Applications

Applications for:

- Feasibility Awards. - Creation Awards below $250,000. are accepted on a rolling basis. Large Creation Awards Applications requesting $250,000 or more must be submitted by one of the annual deadlines: - March 1 - July 1 - October 1 Applicants should confirm the applicable deadline before preparing a large funding request. What Is the Application Process? Rainforest Trust uses a staged application process.

Step 1: Prepare a Concept Note

The concept note is the first stage of the application.

It should clearly explain:

- The conservation area. - The conservation threat. - The species or ecosystems involved. - The proposed protected or conserved area. - The conservation approach. - The applicant organization. - Key stakeholders. - The requested funding. - Expected conservation outcomes.

Step 2: Submit the Concept Note

Rainforest Trust reviews the concept note before requesting a full proposal. Concept notes are generally reviewed within approximately 1–2 months.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply

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