Call for Proposals – Partner with Rainforest Trust

Rain forest Trust Grants | NGO Funding for Conservation

About Rain forest Trust

Rain forest Trust partners with NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities to protect ecosystems in the tropics and subtropics that are critical for endangered species, climate mitigation, and community resilience. Since 1988, RainforestTrust has awarded over $382M to 323 partners, creating and managing more than 400 protected areas covering 62M acres, with an additional 80M acres in progress.

Funding Opportunities

1. Feasibility Awards

About the Trust

Rainforest Trust partners with NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities to protect ecosystems in the tropics and subtropics that are critical for endangered species, climate mitigation, and community resilience. Since 1988, Rainforest Trust has awarded over $382M to 323 partners, creating and managing more than 400 protected areas covering 62M acres, with an additional 80M acres in progress.

Funding Opportunities

1. Feasibility Awards

  • Average size: $10,000 (up to $20,000 in exceptional cases).
  • Purpose: Address information gaps, e.g., legal pathways, field surveys for endangered species.
  • Rolling applications accepted year‑round.
  • Rolling applications accepted year‑round.
  • 2. Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards
  • Supports creation/expansion of protected areas (land or sea).
  • No set maximum grant amount; assessed individually.
  • Deadlines for awards ≥ $250,000: March 1, July 1, October 1.
  • Recommended: Submit concept notes 4 months in advance.
  • Project Selection Criteria
  • Projects must:
  • Create/expand currently unprotected areas.
  • Protect Critically Endangered/Endangered species, high‑integrity tropical forests, or climate‑critical habitats (peat swamps, mangroves, páramo).
  • Be led by a legally registered NGO authorized to work in the project country.
  • Demonstrate government and community support, including Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
  • Establish a management plan ensuring long‑term sustainability.
  • Limit unsustainable resource extraction.
  • Additional criteria apply for:
  • Indigenous land tenure projects.
  • Land purchase strategies.
  • Marine protected area creation.
  • 📝 Application Process
  • Confirm eligibility (registered NGO, aligned with criteria).
  • Submit a Concept Note (accepted anytime, reviewed within 1–2 months).
    • For awards ≥ $250,000, submit 4 months before deadlines.
  • Submit a Full Application (if invited). Rainforest Trust staff provide guidance and support.
  • Funding Timeline:
    • Feasibility Awards & < $250,000 awards: rolling basis.
    • ≥ $250,000 awards: funded ~6 months after deadlines.
  • 📧 Contact: pr******@*************st.org
  • Apply for Rainforest Trust Funding
  • NGO conservation funding opportunities
  • Rainforest Trust grants for biodiversity
  • Climate change mitigation NGO funding
  • Indigenous community conservation support
  • Protected area creation grants
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  • Grants Management Resources