About

Rainforest Trust invites applications from non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and community groups to support the creation or expansion of protected or conserved areas in tropical and subtropical regions. The program provides two types of awards: Feasibility Awards, which help assess the potential for establishing or expanding conservation areas by addressing key information gaps such as legal pathways or field surveys; and Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards, which fund the actual establishment or expansion of such areas through designation, land titling, purchase, or other recognized conservation methodologies.

Projects must focus on safeguarding currently unprotected areas with globally significant populations of Critically Endangered or Endangered species, large intact tropical or subtropical forests, or habitats essential for climate change mitigation. Funding supports initiatives that demonstrate government, Indigenous, and community backing, including proper Free, Prior and Informed Consent where applicable.

Feasibility Awards average USD 10,000 (exceptional cases may exceed USD 20,000), while Creation Awards have no fixed maximum and may surpass USD 250,000, with larger requests assessed individually. Applications under USD 250,000 are accepted on a rolling basis, while those above USD 250,000 are due by March 1, July 1, or October 1 annually. Concept notes are required as the first step, reviewed within 1–2 months, with successful applicants invited to submit full proposals. Funding does not cover fixed-rate overheads, long-term ecological monitoring, or large-scale habitat restoration.

Eligibility

Applicants must be legally registered non-governmental organizations authorized to operate in the project country. Eligible entities include NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, and community-based organizations with demonstrated capacity to implement conservation projects. Proposals must show clear support from relevant governments, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities, ensuring compliance with Free, Prior and Informed Consent processes. Projects should align with recognized conservation methodologies and demonstrate readiness through feasibility assessments, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability planning.

Post Date: August 24, 2026