Introduction to Rainforest Trust Funding Support Grants
Rainforest Trust Funding offers two primary types of funding support grants to aid in conservation efforts: Feasibility Awards and Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards. Both types of awards aim to protect and expand areas critical for biodiversity and climate change mitigation. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the specifics of each grant type.
Feasibility Awards
Feasibility Awards are designed to assess the potential for creating or expanding protected or conserved areas. These awards help to address specific information gaps in conservation projects, making them a precursor to applying for a Protected or Conserved Area Creation Award. For instance, these awards can support efforts such as developing a legal pathway to protect a proposed site or conducting field surveys to determine the presence and abundance of critically endangered species. The average size of a Feasibility Award is $10,000, though in exceptional cases, amounts greater than $20,000 may be considered.
Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards
The primary focus of Rainforest Trust’s funding is on Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards. These awards support the creation and expansion of protected areas on land or sea through various methods such as designation, land titling, and purchase. The goal is to create new, lasting, and sustainable protected areas that align with community and government needs. There is no set maximum grant amount for these awards, with applications assessed on an individual basis. Detailed application deadlines for awards of $250,000 and above are March 1, June 1, and November 1.
Project Selection Criteria
Projects seeking funding must meet several criteria. The primary objective must be the creation or expansion of a protected area, which should be currently unprotected. The proposed area must protect globally significant populations of critically endangered species, large areas of tropical and subtropical forests, or habitats critical for mitigating climate change. The project implementer must be a legally registered non-government organization authorized to work in the project country. Additionally, the project must demonstrate support from relevant governments and local communities, ensuring that Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) has been or will be properly conducted. A management system must be in place to ensure positive and sustained conservation outcomes.
Conclusion
Rainforest Trust’s funding support grants are pivotal in advancing conservation efforts worldwide. By understanding the specifics of Feasibility Awards and Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards, project implementers can better prepare their applications and contribute to the preservation of critical habitats.
for more details visit official website https://www.rainforesttrust.org/get-involved/apply-for-funding/#criteria