Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards

Rainforest Trust’s Protected or Conserved Area Creation Awards support the establishment and expansion of protected or conserved areas across tropical and subtropical ecosystems. These awards focus on securing legal protection for critical habitats that contribute to biodiversity preservation, climate change mitigation, and community engagement. Since its inception in 1988, Rainforest Trust has worked with more than 323 partners across 400 projects to protect nearly 59 million acres globally. For awards under $250,000, applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, allowing flexibility for smaller-scale or urgent conservation projects. These awards may support legal designation, land titling, or the application of other conservation measures such as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs). Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed project will establish new protection for an unprotected area and directly mitigate key threats to biodiversity or carbon storage. Eligible applicants include legally registered nonprofit organizations authorized to operate in the host country. Proposals must include evidence of community and governmental support, and commit to conducting Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes where applicable. Rainforest Trust places emphasis on long-term sustainability and requires a governance model, protection mechanism, and, where appropriate, sustainable financing strategies. Applicants must first submit a concept note through Rainforest Trust’s online form, which is reviewed within 1–2 months. If the proposal aligns with the Trust’s mission and selection criteria, the organization will be invited to submit a full application. The Trust collaborates with applicants to strengthen proposals and ensure that the project design supports long-term conservation outcomes. Although awards under $250,000 are accepted at any time, Rainforest Trust also offers a separate track for larger requests of $250,000 or more, which follow fixed deadlines (March 1, July 1, and October 1 annually). Applicants planning to pursue larger-scale efforts may use the rolling application track as a preliminary phase to establish project readiness for future competitive cycles. This funding cannot be used for fixed-rate overhead, long-term research, or large-scale habitat restoration. However, itemized administrative costs and direct conservation activities are eligible. Questions about eligibility or project alignment can be directed to projects@rainforesttrust.org.

Proposals should demonstrate support from governments and communities, align with biodiversity priorities, and show long-term protection mechanisms.