Apply for funding

The site must be located in an eligible country. RRF grants are restricted to countries that are eligible for ‘official development assistance’ according to the OECD. A list of eligible countries

RRF grants are available for UNESCO natural World Heritage sites.

• Please note UNESCO cultural World Heritage sites are not eligible for RRF funding.
• In rare cases, we may also consider other high-priority protected areas if they clearly demonstrate the global significance of the site’s biodiversity to qualify for funding including;
• sites on the tentative World Heritage List
• a site that directly impacts the ‘outstanding universal value’ (OUV) of a natural World Heritage site. This includes sites that are in close proximity to a natural World Heritage site, where the threat would impact the biodiversity within the World Heritage site;
• sites with other international designations, such as UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserves or Ramsar sites.
• Please contact the RRF for guidance if you are unsure

The RRF can only make grants to organisations that have permission to work at the proposed site. We do not provide funding to individuals.

Other key organisations/individuals

Describe the roles of those who will be directly involved in the implementation of the proposed project and other organisations/individuals critical to the success of the proposed RRF intervention, including other donors.

The RRF only funds actions at a site facing an ‘emergency’ threat to its biodiversity. We do not fund on-going issues even if they require urgent action.

Suddenness: How recently has the threat emerged or worsened? RRF only consider a situation an emergency if it has arisen in the last few weeks or months, or if the intensity of an existing threat has suddenly got dramatically worse. RRF advise applicants to provide evidence of any recent increases in the threat profile where possible.

Predictability: Based on past experience, how predictable was the situation? The RRF prioritises funding for situations where the threat was unpredictable and thus difficult to prepare for in advance.

Time sensitivity: Will there be a measurable conservation benefit if work starts immediately (within days / 1-2 weeks), rather than in months or years? The RRF prioritises projects that require immediate assistance.

Duration and reversibility of impact: Does the threat have the potential to cause long-lasting negative impact to the biodiversity value of the site? The RRF prioritises actions that avert irreversible damage or reduce long-term negative impacts.

All organisations supported by RRF must be able to demonstrate how they ensure respect for human rights and safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. Ideally, organisations should have a safeguarding policy in place with which all staff are familiar, and which is being actively implemented.

RRF grantees will be expected to inform the RRF Secretariat at the earliest possible instance of any safeguarding issues or human rights concerns or conflicts arising in the course of their activities.

RRF projects must respect human rights, and up-hold the principles of the Conservation Initiative on Human Rights (the “CIHR”) whose website is at www.thecihr.org. The four guiding principles of the CIHR are:

• Respect Human Rights: Respect internationally proclaimed human rights and make sure that we do not contribute to infringements of human rights while pursuing our mission.
• Promote Human Rights within Conservation Programs: Support and promote the protection and realization of human rights within the scope of our conservation programs.
• Protect the Vulnerable: Make special efforts to avoid harm to those who are vulnerable to infringements of their rights and to support the protection and fulfilment of their rights within the scope of our conservation programs.
• Encourage Good Governance: Support the improvement of governance systems that can secure the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities in the context of our work on conservation and sustainable natural resource use, including elements such as legal, policy and institutional frameworks, and procedures for equitable participation and accountability.

RRF-funded projects must comply with all applicable law regarding the human rights of the community and other local stakeholders and will aspire to abide by the guiding principles of the CIHR set out above.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of organisations to make sure their staff, operations, and programmes do no harm to children and vulnerable adults nor expose them to abuse or exploitation, bullying or harassment including sexual harassment.

RRF believes that everyone regardless of age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or ethnic origin, has the right to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment and exploitation.

Provide a detailed breakdown of all costs below, providing details of the budget requested from the RRF and any match funding available in the separate columns provided. The total request from the RRF (maximum US$ 40,000).

Please note that match-funding is not a requirement of RRF support, but the ability of RRF funds to leverage greater conservation impact by combining with other funds is viewed favourably

If you wish and they are available, pictures and/or maps to support your application (e.g. evidence of the current emergency threat) can be up-loaded here. Note that these are not a requirement for an application but may be helpful for the decision-making process.