Free Rivers Fund

The Free Rivers Fund (FRF) provides grant support to activists and conservation groups working to preserve or restore free-flowing rivers. Founded with a mission to support direct actions that prevent or reverse river damming and development, FRF focuses on empowering grassroots efforts. Whether a group is well-established or just emerging, the fund welcomes applications from all initiatives aligned with its purpose of river conservation and restoration. Eligible projects must aim to either undam rivers—by removing existing structures that obstruct natural flow and sediment transport—or preserve rivers from new threats, such as proposed dams or hydropower developments. A key requirement is a clear plan on how funds will be used to protect the river. Past grantees have used funding for legal fees, protests, field research equipment, artistic and media projects, and travel—all centered around the overarching goal of maintaining free-flowing waterways. FRF funding is not delivered directly to grantees. Due to legal constraints, the fund does not disburse funds in cash or bank transfers. Instead, FRF covers project-related expenses by paying invoices or reimbursing pre-approved costs directly. This arrangement allows unregistered entities or grassroots initiatives to receive support without nonprofit status. Each year’s funding pool depends on donor contributions and application volume, with typical awards ranging between €1000 and €2000. Urgency and potential project impact are central criteria in award decisions. The grant cycle operates on a clear annual schedule. Applications open November 1st and close January 10th. A short online application form is required, which serves as the sole submission mechanism. Chosen initiatives are announced by the end of January. The process is intentionally streamlined to minimize the administrative burden on applicants; additional documentation is only requested if clarification is needed. FRF requires minimal reporting from its grantees—only one update is expected during the funding period. This update should include a representative photo and a concise four-sentence summary of project activities and impact, which will be shared via FRF’s communication channels. The grant is not available to applicants operating in Africa. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult the FRF info sheet for grantees, which outlines acceptable funding processes and more details on covered costs. For questions or further assistance, applicants are invited to contact FRF directly.

Apply early; ensure project aims specifically at undamming or preserving a free-flowing river; focus on urgent or high-impact potential.