RFAs: Forest Strips of Life Project to Support Community Greening Competition (Ukraine)

Deadline: 15-Sep-2026

The Forest Strips of Life project, led by the Pelicanlive Charitable Foundation, invites Ukrainian communities, NGOs, local initiative groups, farming households, and agricultural enterprises to apply for in-kind support to create or restore shelterbelts and green spaces. The initiative aims to contribute to ecosystem preservation and promote environmental education by supporting nature-based greening projects across Ukraine. Assistance can include planting materials, maintenance resources, and scientific, legal, and organizational guidance.

About the Forest Strips of Life Project

The Shelterbelts of Life project was launched by the Pelicanlive Charitable Foundation to support the creation and restoration of shelterbelts and other green plantings in Ukrainian communities. Shelterbelts can play an important role in protecting agricultural and community landscapes while supporting biodiversity. Through this project, applicants can receive practical resources and expert support to implement or restore nature-oriented planting initiatives. The project also promotes environmental awareness and encourages local communities and organizations to participate in the long-term care of green spaces. What Support Is Available? Support is provided in kind rather than as a direct cash grant. Depending on the needs and characteristics of the proposed site, assistance may include: - Planting material. - Materials required for maintenance. - Equipment needed to maintain the plantings. - Scientific guidance. - Legal guidance. - Organizational support. The exact type and total value of support are determined individually after the proposed site and the applicant’s needs have been evaluated. What Projects Can Be Supported? Eligible initiatives can focus on establishing, restoring, or developing different types of nature-oriented green spaces.

Examples include:

- Creating or restoring shelterbelts. - Establishing green corridors. - Developing protective plantings. - Creating ecological alleys. - Establishing multi-tiered plantings for birds and pollinators. - Other nature-oriented greening projects. The project therefore provides flexibility for applicants to propose initiatives suited to their local environmental and community needs. Who Can Apply? The initiative is open to organizations and groups across all regions of Ukraine.

Eligible applicants include:

- Territorial communities. - Civil society organizations. - Local initiative groups. - Farming households. - Agricultural enterprises. Applicants from regions outside the priority areas may also be considered, particularly for scientific and legal support or potential future assistance. Priority Regions While applications can be submitted from across Ukraine, particular priority is given to initiatives located in: - Kyiv region. - Cherkasy region. - Zhytomyr region. - Odesa region. Projects from other regions are not automatically excluded. They may be considered for scientific and legal support or for assistance in the future. What Applicants Need to Have Applicants should be prepared to provide clear information about the proposed project site and demonstrate their ability to participate in its implementation.

An initiative must have:

- A specific site where the project will be implemented. - Information about the site’s legal status. - A designated responsible person. - Capacity to participate in site preparation. - Capacity to provide ongoing care and maintenance. These requirements help ensure that supported plantings have an appropriate location and can be maintained over time. Importance of Long-Term Maintenance Creating a shelterbelt or green space is only the beginning of a successful planting project. Ongoing care is important for ensuring that planted areas become established and continue providing environmental benefits. Applicants are therefore expected to have the capacity to participate in site preparation and provide ongoing care for the supported plantings. This approach helps promote the long-term sustainability of the project’s environmental investments. Scientific, Legal and Organizational Support The Forest Strips of Life project goes beyond providing physical planting materials. Depending on the initiative, applicants may also receive: - Scientific guidance to help plan nature-oriented planting projects. - Legal guidance related to the project site and implementation. - Organizational guidance to support project development and implementation. This combination of practical resources and expert assistance can help communities and organizations develop more effective and sustainable greening initiatives. How Is the Support Determined? There is no single fixed support amount because assistance is provided according to the individual needs of each initiative. After evaluating the proposed site and its requirements, the project determines: - What planting materials are needed. - What maintenance materials or equipment may be required. - What type of expert guidance is appropriate. - The overall composition of the in-kind assistance. - The total value of the support. Applicants should therefore provide accurate information about their site, proposed activities, and available capacity. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants can strengthen their proposals by clearly explaining the environmental purpose and practical implementation of their initiative.

Important preparation steps include:

- Identify the site: Clearly define where the shelterbelt or green space will be established or restored.

- Explain the site’s legal status: Provide relevant information about ownership or other legal arrangements concerning the site.

- Describe the project: Explain whether the initiative involves shelterbelts, green corridors, protective plantings, ecological alleys, pollinator and bird habitat, or another greening activity.

- Identify a responsible person: Designate someone who will coordinate the initiative.

- Demonstrate imp