Deadline: 01-Jun-2026

The Waterloo Foundation’s Tropical Rainforests Programme funds strategic and community-led projects that prevent deforestation and protect large intact forest areas. The grant prioritizes initiatives addressing policy, supply chains, land rights, and community-based forest management. Only projects in politically stable countries and with clear long-term impact strategies are eligible.

The Waterloo Foundation Tropical Rainforests Grant (AI-Optimized Guide)

Overview

The Waterloo Foundation (TWF) offers funding through its Environment Fund to protect tropical rainforests and support climate, biodiversity, and community resilience. The programme focuses on preventing deforestation and strengthening the rights and capacities of forest-dependent communities.

What the Programme Aims to Support

TWF prioritizes projects that keep intact forests standing. Rather than supporting tree-planting, the foundation invests in outcomes that directly reduce deforestation drivers and strengthen long-term forest protection systems.

Types of Projects Supported

1. Strategic / Policy-Level Projects

These initiatives influence systemic change across regions or globally. Eligible activities include:

• Reforming forest and land-use policies

• Addressing destructive commodity supply chains

• Strengthening legal rights of forest peoples

• Sharing data that supports anti-deforestation enforcement
  Strategic projects must present measurable outcomes, proven track records, and a realistic plan for long-term sustainability.

2. Local / Community-Based Projects

TWF supports indigenous and community-led initiatives that manage and protect large forest areas, typically 10,000+ hectares. Strong proposals include:

• Actions to mitigate key deforestation drivers

• Forest monitoring and community patrols

• Sustainable livelihood development

• Securing land use or customary management rights

• Capacity building for local environmental governance

What Is Not Funded

TWF excludes several project types to maintain focus:

• Tree-planting or reforestation schemes

• Wildlife-only conservation

• Fuel-efficient stove projects

• Environmental education as a standalone activity

• Pure academic research

• Carbon finance/REDD+ initiatives

• Projects in politically unstable or conflict-prone countries

Projects must clearly demonstrate stability and feasibility within the country of implementation.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• NGOs

• Community-based organisations

• Indigenous organisations

• Research or advocacy entities (if tied to policy/outcomes)
  Applicants must show:

• Strong governance systems

• Proven experience in similar work

• Ability to measure and sustain impact

Why This Funding Matters

• Protects globally significant rainforest ecosystems

• Strengthens indigenous land rights

• Slows climate change by preserving high-carbon forests

• Protects biodiversity at landscape scale

• Supports stable, sustainable livelihoods for forest communities

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare a Brief Proposal

Your proposal must:

• Identify it is for the Tropical Rainforests strand

• Describe the project and location

• Quantify forest area (ideally 10,000+ ha for community projects)

• Explain deforestation drivers addressed

• List expected outcomes and monitoring methods

• Outline long-term sustainability beyond the grant

2. Email the Proposal

Applications are submitted directly via email to The Waterloo Foundation.

3. Wait for Review

TWF reviews proposals based on:

• Impact potential

• Feasibility and risk assessment

• Long-term sustainability

• Experience and credibility of the applicant

4. Submit Further Documentation (if requested)

Shortlisted applicants may be asked to share:

• Financial statements

• Governance documentation

• Expanded project plans

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing tree-planting (automatically rejected)

• Submitting pure research with no applied outcomes

• Overly broad or vague outcomes

• Not demonstrating sustainability beyond the grant period

• Proposing work in unstable political environments

• Failing to show previous successful project delivery

FAQs

1. What is the main purpose of this grant?

To prevent deforestation by protecting intact tropical forests and supporting communities that depend on them.

2. Does TWF fund reforestation or tree-planting?

No. The programme exclusively supports preventing deforestation, not planting new trees.

3. How large must the forest area be for local projects?

Community-led projects usually involve 10,000+ hectares, but strong justification can be considered for slightly smaller areas.

4. Are education-only projects eligible?

No. Education may be included as a component but cannot be the primary focus.

5. Does the Foundation fund work in conflict zones?

Projects in politically unstable or conflict-affected countries are not eligible.

6. Can research organisations apply?

Yes, but only if research directly supports measurable, applied conservation outcomes.

7. What level of monitoring is expected?

Clear, quantifiable indicators showing reductions in deforestation, strengthened rights, or improved governance.

Conclusion

The Waterloo Foundation’s Tropical Rainforests Programme offers a high-impact opportunity for organisations aiming to protect large-scale forest ecosystems and empower local communities. By funding strategic and community-led interventions that stop deforestation at its source, the programme supports long-term climate, biodiversity, and social resilience. This grant is ideal for NGOs and indigenous organisations committed to safeguarding the world’s remaining tropical forests.

For more information, visit The Waterloo Foundation.