Mata Atlântica Viva – Conservation and Regeneration Grants 2026 (Brazil)

The Mata Atlântica Viva 2026 initiative is a funding opportunity designed to empower community-led projects focused on conserving and restoring Brazil’s Atlantic Forest while enhancing local responses to climate change. This initiative seeks to strengthen the role of communities in socio-environmental actions, particularly in the restoration of the Atlantic Forest and the development of climate change adaptation protocols.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include legally constituted non-profit organizations in Brazil that represent local or traditional communities, both rural and urban, with activities that have low environmental impact. This includes communities such as:

• Indigenous peoples

• Quilombola communities

• Riverside communities

• Artisanal fishers and shellfish gatherers

• Coconut breakers

• Gypsy communities

• Caiçara communities

• Extractivists

• Fundo and fecho de pasto communities

• Urban peripheral communities

• Local activist collectives

Organizations must have up-to-date institutional documentation. Those without a CNPJ (legal registration number) may apply by submitting projects through a partner organization, following the guidelines provided in the call.

Why It Matters

The Atlantic Forest is a critical ecosystem for climate regulation, water supply, and air quality in Brazil. Despite its importance, it has suffered extensive deforestation, with only 31% of its original natural cover remaining. This initiative aims to restore and protect the forest while improving socio-economic resilience for local communities that are heavily impacted by environmental degradation and climate change. By supporting community-based solutions, the Mata Atlântica Viva 2026 program fosters both environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

Focus Areas

Applicants may select up to two thematic areas for their projects:

1. Support for Community-Based and Income-Generating Actions: Projects that build local capacity and promote sustainable livelihoods.

2. Recovery and Restoration of the Atlantic Forest: Initiatives focused on restoring deforested areas and conserving critical ecosystems.

3. Impact on Public Policy: Projects that influence policies related to environmental conservation, community rights, or climate adaptation.

4. Disaster Prevention: Actions aimed at reducing environmental risks and vulnerabilities related to natural disasters.

Funding Details

• Total Call Value: R$ 2,546,000

• Number of Projects Supported: Up to 42 projects

• Maximum Grant per Project: R$ 60,000

• The funding aims to empower local communities to implement practical, locally driven solutions that combine environmental restoration with socio-economic resilience.

Application Process

1. Eligibility Check: Ensure your organization is a non-profit representing a local or traditional community with low environmental impact activities.

2. Project Proposal: Define the scope of your project, selecting up to two thematic areas. The proposal should focus on conservation, restoration, or climate change adaptation.

3. Submit Application: Follow the guidelines in the call and ensure you have up-to-date institutional documentation. For organizations without a CNPJ, partner organizations can submit the application on your behalf.

4. Evaluation: Projects will be evaluated based on their alignment with the program’s objectives, feasibility, and potential impact on both the environment and the community.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Incomplete Documentation: Make sure your institutional documentation is up-to-date, especially if you are submitting through a partner organization.

• Lack of Clear Impact: Clearly explain how your project will contribute to the restoration of the Atlantic Forest and address climate change.

• Ineligible Applicants: Ensure that your organization fits the eligibility criteria, particularly in terms of being a non-profit representing a local or traditional community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Mata Atlântica Viva 2026 funding?

   • Non-profit organizations in Brazil that represent local or traditional communities, such as Indigenous, quilombola, and riverside communities.

2. What is the maximum grant amount for each project?

   • Each project can receive up to R$ 60,000 in funding.

3. What thematic areas can projects focus on?

   • Projects can focus on community-based actions, forest restoration, public policy impact, or disaster prevention.

4. Can organizations without a CNPJ apply?

   • Yes, organizations without a CNPJ can submit projects through a partner organization that complies with the guidelines.

5. What is the total value of the funding call?

   • The total funding available is R$ 2,546,000, with up to 42 projects to be funded.

6. How will projects be evaluated?

   • Projects will be evaluated based on their alignment with the call’s objectives, the feasibility of their activities, and the potential impact on both the environment and local communities.

Conclusion

The Mata Atlântica Viva 2026 initiative offers a valuable opportunity for community organizations in Brazil to receive funding for projects focused on restoring the Atlantic Forest and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. By supporting grassroots initiatives, the program aims to foster environmental sustainability while enhancing the resilience of communities affected by environmental degradation. If your organization represents a local or traditional community and works toward environmental conservation, this is an excellent opportunity to secure funding and contribute to Brazil’s ecological future.