Rainforest Trust provides funding for non-profits, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities to create or expand protected areas in tropical and subtropical regions. Grants support feasibility studies and full protected-area establishment, with rolling deadlines for smaller awards and a fixed deadline for large grants. The programme prioritizes biodiversity protection, climate mitigation, and long-term community-led conservation.

Rainforest Trust Conservation Grants

Funding to Create and Expand Protected Areas in Tropical and Subtropical Regions

Overview

Rainforest Trust offers major grant opportunities to organisations working to protect high-value ecosystems across the tropics. The programme supports the creation and expansion of protected or conserved areas that safeguard critically endangered species, preserve high-integrity forests, and strengthen climate resilience. Funding is available to non-profits, Indigenous Peoples, community organisations, and conservation partners committed to long-term, community-driven protection.

Types of Grants

1. Feasibility Awards

Feasibility Awards fund early-stage assessments of potential protected areas. These grants help organisations confirm whether a site is suitable for long-term conservation.
Typical Funding: ~US $10,000
Maximum (exceptional cases): Up to ~US $20,000
Eligible Activities:

• Legal and land-tenure research

• Community consultations

• Biodiversity and habitat surveys

• Baseline studies to guide full proposals
  Feasibility Awards are accepted on a rolling basis.

2. Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards

These grants support the actual establishment or expansion of new protected areas.
Funding Range: No upper limit; reviewed case-by-case
Examples of Supported Actions:

• Land designation or titling

• Land acquisition or purchase

• Community-based conservation agreements

• Government-recognized conservation measures
  Awards under $250,000 are accepted year-round. Awards $250,000 or more have a fixed deadline: 1 March 2025.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a registered non-governmental organisation

• Work in tropical or subtropical ecosystems

• Demonstrate strong local community support

• Show clear government alignment or approval where required

• Present a plan for long-term management of the protected area

• Focus on areas that are:

  • Currently unprotected

  • Critical for endangered or critically endangered species

  • High-integrity forests or high-value climate-regulating habitats

Eligible entities include:

• Local and national NGOs

• Indigenous Peoples’ organisations

• Community-based conservation groups

• Conservation-focused non-profit entities

Why This Grant Matters

• Protects globally significant biodiversity hotspots

• Safeguards high-integrity forests essential for climate regulation

• Supports Indigenous and community-led stewardship

• Strengthens sustainable conservation governance

• Ensures long-term ecological and social benefits

• Offers flexible funding, including rolling submissions for smaller awards

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit a Concept Note

All applicants begin with a concise concept note detailing:

• Site location and conservation value

• Threats and urgency

• Proposed intervention

• Alignment with Rainforest Trust priorities
  Rainforest Trust reviews the concept note and provides feedback.

Step 2: Invitation to Submit Full Proposal

If the concept is approved, applicants may be invited to prepare a full proposal covering:

• Scientific justification

• Legal and governance frameworks

• Community support and stakeholder engagement

• Long-term management plan

• Technical and financial sustainability

• Detailed budget and timeline

Step 3: Grant Review and Award

• Smaller awards and feasibility grants can be approved at any time.

• Larger awards (≥ US $250,000) are reviewed after the 1 March 2025 deadline.

• Successful applicants enter into a partnership agreement with Rainforest Trust.

Step 4: Project Implementation

Organisations must carry out the approved activities, maintain transparent documentation, and ensure continuous community engagement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing work in areas that are already protected

• Lacking government or community endorsement

• Insufficient evidence of ecological importance

• Vague or incomplete long-term management plans

• Submitting large grant proposals after the 1 March deadline

• Weak justification for land tenure or legal pathways

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the funding limit for Creation Awards?

There is no fixed upper limit. Funding depends on project complexity and conservation value.

2. Can unregistered or informal community groups apply?

Not directly. Applicants must be formally registered NGOs or work with a registered partner.

3. Are Indigenous Peoples’ organisations eligible?

Yes, Indigenous and community-led organisations are strongly encouraged to apply.

4. Can projects be submitted at any time?

Yes—except Creation Awards of $250,000+, which have a fixed deadline of 1 March 2025.

5. Can funding be used for land purchase?

Yes. Land acquisition is an eligible activity under Creation Awards.

6. What ecosystems qualify?

Tropical and subtropical ecosystems with high biodiversity value or climate-critical forest cover.

7. What happens after a feasibility study is completed?

Successful feasibility assessments may lead to a full Creation Award proposal, depending on site suitability.

Conclusion

Rainforest Trust’s grants provide essential financial support for organisations working to secure threatened tropical ecosystems. Through feasibility studies and protected-area creation funding, the programme empowers local communities, NGOs, and Indigenous Peoples to protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and build sustainable conservation systems. With flexible rolling deadlines for smaller awards and a major funding window for large grants, this is a key opportunity for long-term impact in global rainforest protection.