Apply for funding from Rainforest Trust Grant Program 2026, Rainforest Trust works with non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities to safeguard vital ecosystems across the tropics and subtropics that are essential for endangered species conservation and climate mitigation. The organization provides financial and technical support to help establish or expand protected and conserved areas that deliver lasting benefits for Nature, Climate, and People.

Since its founding in 1988, Rainforest Trust has awarded more than $382 million to around 323 partners, contributing to the creation and effective management of over 400 new and expanded protected areas. To date, over 58.9 million acres have been secured for conservation, and partner organizations are currently working to protect an additional 80 million acres worldwide.

Rainforest Trust continually invites new proposals for the creation or expansion of protected and conserved areas. Clear eligibility criteria and guidance are provided to help applicants navigate and streamline the application process effectively.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.

Last Date of Submission: 1^st March 2026

Types of Awards      

(Apply for funding from Rainforest Trust Grant Program 2026)

Broadly speaking, Rainforest Trust offers two types of funding support grants: Feasibility Awards and Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards.

— Feasibility Awards

Rainforest Trust provides Feasibility Awards to assess the potential for creating or expanding protected or conserved areas. These awards are intended to address specific information gaps in conservation projects, as precursors to applying for a Protected or Conserved Area Creation Award. For instance, Feasibility Awards can support developing a legal pathway to protect a proposed site, or field surveys to determine the presence and abundance of Critically Endangered or Endangered species. The average size of Feasibility Awards is $10,000; in exceptional situations, amounts of greater than $20,000 may be considered.

— Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards

Rainforest Trust’s primary awards support the creation and expansion of protected or conserved areas, on land or sea, be it through designation, land titling, purchase or any other recognized methodology (e.g. Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs)). The goal is to empower Project Implementers to facilitate new, lasting and sustainable protected or conserved areas that are in line with community and government needs and desires. There is no set maximum grant amount for these Awards, with applications assessed and awarded on an individual basis.

Selection Criteria    

(Apply for funding from Rainforest Trust Grant Program 2026)

REQUIRED CRITERIA FOR ALL PROJECTS:

1. The primary objective must be the creation/expansion of a protected or conserved areai.

1.1 The proposed area(s) must be currently unprotected. Please use the World Database of Protected Areas to help determine if formal protection is already afforded (IUCN category 1-6)ii.

2. The proposed protected or conserved area serves to:

2.1 Protect globally significant populations of Critically Endangered and Endangered species (e.g. Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) and Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) sites); AND/ORiii, iv

2.2 Protect large areas of Tropical and Sub-tropical High Integrity Forests; AND/OR

2.3 Protect Tropical and Sub-tropical habitat critical for mitigating global climate change (e.g. peat swamps, mangroves, páramo).

3. The Project Implementer must be a legally registered non-government organization and authorized to conduct work in the country of the project.
4. The project demonstrates support from relevant governments (including Indigenous governments) and Indigenous Peoples and/or Local Communities, and that relevant Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) has been or will be properly conducted.
5. The protection mechanism, resulting in a change in legal status of the area during the course of the project, will mitigate critical threats to biodiversity and, where applicable, to carbon storage.
6. A management system (management plan and committee) is, or will be, in place that ensures positive and sustained outcomes for the in situ conservation of biodiversity.
7. Resource extraction limits are, or will be, established to prevent unsustainable use.a

How to apply?

(Apply for funding from Rainforest Trust Grant Program 2026)

Our application process is collaborative, and we work with applicants to ensure the necessary stages of successful protected or conserved area establishment are covered, e.g. subsequent area management, community engagement and long-term funding mechanisms. Our aim is to support the creation and expansion of areas that function for Species, Climate, and People, to be managed sustainably in perpetuity, with applications expected to demonstrate how this will be achieved.

1. Confirm eligibility to receive Rainforest Trust support.

1.1 All applicants must be legally registered, non-government organizations that are authorized to conduct work in the country of the proposed project.

1.2 Your project must be in line with our Project Criteria.

2. Submit a Concept Note. You never need to pay a consultant or intermediary to apply for Rainforest Trust funding. We only review applications submitted directly by eligible organizations, and we will work with you to refine your proposal if it aligns with our mission and priorities. Submit a Concept Note through our online form.

2.1 Concept notes are accepted anytime, and reviewed within 1-2 months.

2.2 If you are submitting a Concept Note for a Protected or Conserved Area Creation or Expansion Award of over $250,000, we recommend submitting your Concept Note for review four months in advance of our application deadlines of March 1 • July 1 • October 1.

3. Submit an Application. If your concept note is successful, you will be contacted by a Rainforest Trust staff member and invited to submit a detailed application via our online portal system. The application stage can involve our providing simple guidance through to helping craft the project structure and language in the application, as needed.

1.1 Protected or Conserved Area Creation Feasibility Awards; Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards of less than $250,000:

These are accepted on a rolling basis and may be funded anytime throughout the year.

1.2 Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards of $250,000 and above:

March 1 • July 1 • October 1 of each calendar year; approved projects are typically funded about 6 months after each application deadline.

Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below

Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link

No more Google search, join our Whats App Channel and get alerts as soon as we publish a post.

Hey, STEAL our Best Premium Content For Absolutely Free, Check Out the Links below

HOPE these will add value to your existing skills and knowledge

Our information bears no cost (it’s absolutely FREE), don’t let valuable information slip away.

Join our community of avid readers who are always in the know. Subscribe to our website; stay connected and engaged with the latest news, trends, and developments by subscribing today.

(PUSH the bell ICON)

Leverage the power of knowledge to propel your organization to new heights. Don’t miss out to explore our content

1. Latest Funds for NGOs,
2. NGO Jobs
3. Resources (Helpful Guides and Courses)
4. Premium Resources
5. NGO related articles

Grants for NGOs, NGO Jobs, Resources, Nonprofit Fellowships Programs and Funds for NGOs – Empowering Your Mission

Sharing is Appreciated