Partner with Rainforest Trust to Create Protected or Conserved Areas
Rainforest Trust is a non-profit organization that supports the protection of ecosystems in the tropics and subtropics, which are critical to endangered species and climate mitigation. Since 1988, Rainforest Trust has awarded over $250 million to approximately 300 partners for the creation and management of over 400 new and expanded areas. To date, they have protected over 45.7 million acres, with an additional 59.5 million acres in progress.
Criteria for Project Applications
For those interested in partnering with Rainforest Trust, there are several criteria that must be met:
- The primary objective must be the creation or expansion of a protected or conserved area.
- The proposed area(s) must currently be unprotected.
- The area should serve to protect globally significant populations of critically endangered and endangered species, large areas of high-integrity forests, or habitat critical for mitigating global climate change.
- The project implementer must be a legally registered non-government organization authorized to work in the country of the project.
- The project must have support from relevant governments, indigenous peoples, and/or local communities, with proper free prior and informed consent conducted.
- The protection mechanism should mitigate critical threats to biodiversity and, where applicable, carbon storage.
- A management system must be in place to ensure positive and sustained outcomes for biodiversity conservation.
- Resource extraction limits should be established to prevent unsustainable use.
Steps for Applying for Rainforest Trust Support
- Confirm eligibility to receive Rainforest Trust support.
- Submit a concept note, which will be reviewed within 1-2 months.
- If the concept note is successful, submit a detailed application via the online portal system.
There are specific application deadlines for protected or conserved area creation awards of $250,000 and above, which are March 1, June 1, and November 1. Feasibility awards and awards under $250,000 are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
For more information on how to apply for funding from Rainforest Trust, visit their website.