Which Projects Are Eligible?

In this section, you will find more information about the type of projects that are eligible for this RFP. Please read the details and application guidance carefully to make sure your organization is eligible before submitting an application.

All TerraFund for AFR100 projects should meet the following expectations:

• The project is located in one of three landscapes: Kenya’s Greater Rift Valley; the Lake Kivu & Rusizi  River Basin of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda; and the Ghana Cocoa Belt. Please visit this article to learn more about the eligible landscapes

• The project must be a locally led restoration effort that seeks to restore land in a way that benefits local communities and ecosystems. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Project Eligibility:

Will you only fund native/indigenous tree species?

Native species are strongly encouraged. Projects that grow non-native trees are eligible but will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Projects that grow invasive species will not be considered. In many landscapes, planting certain non-native trees can improve the livelihoods and sustainability of farming communities through practices like growing non-natives in mixed agroforestry and silvopasture systems. Fruit and fodder trees, many of which are not native to African landscapes, provide real benefits to local communities without harming the climate or biodiversity. In cases where non-native species are proposed, the extent of their use, the livelihood benefits, and the relationship of the project to the broader landscape will be carefully reviewed.

Are assisted natural regeneration and direct seeding projects eligible?  

Yes, projects that incorporate natural regeneration, assisted natural regeneration, and/or direct seeding in addition to tree planting are encouraged. Assisted natural regeneration projects often naturally embrace native species, which are highly desirable. If techniques like removing invasive species or building fencing to protect growing forests is a part of the restoration plan and tree planting is not, this should be highlighted in the project description. Any project that increases tree cover in an ecologically sensible way qualifies for this funding program.

Does a project need to grow trees in order to be eligible? 

The project must add to the number of trees growing in the project area. Techniques that restore land without growing trees (e.g., only employing terracing, grassland re-seeding, or half-moons) are ineligible for TerraFund. That said, assisted natural regeneration projects that result in increased tree cover are strongly encouraged.

Are tree plantations eligible?

Tree plantations that emphasize social and environmental benefits will be considered. The broader landscape considerations that surround the proposed plantation will also be taken into consideration. For example, productive plantations that use native species or a healthy mix of native and non-native or effectively engage and empower smallholders in the value chain would be considered. Another example could be adding plantations of mixed native species to a buffer zone around a native forest reserve to provide livelihood benefits for surrounding communities, thereby strengthening restoration and conservation outcomes in the local landscape.

Can projects using bamboo species be eligible?

Yes, projects that grow bamboo in ecologically appropriate places are eligible. As a rule, we encourage biodiverse approaches with high social value, but we also recognize the importance of species with high market value as part of the mix. If using bamboo, the project application should specify the species of bamboo that will be used as some species are known to be invasive. Clumping varieties are preferred.

Are ecosystem conservation and protection projects eligible?

A project or business whose model focuses exclusively on conservation is not eligible for this application. Though we recognize Africa’s natural ecosystems, like forests, must be protected, only restoration projects are eligible. Projects and businesses that restore land and also protect ecosystems will be favorably considered.

Do projects have to be seven years in length? Can organizations apply for funding for fewer years?

The project must start in the calendar year of 2023. The implementation period of the project is flexible, however, projects must span a maximum of 2 planting years and then require monitoring for an additional 5 years after the first tree is planted, for a total of 6 years. Projects must collaborate with WRI on the satellite monitoring of the project area and surrounding landscape during the 6 years.

Can one organization submit multiple expressions of interest?

Yes, each organization can submit up to 3 expressions of interest. Each application must be submitted separately on TerraMatch must be sufficiently different in scope, scale, or location. The vetting team may pass one or several expressions of interest into the full application phase.

Can I apply if my project operates in partnership with a government agency?

Yes, we highly encourage non-profit and for-profit organizations to submit projects that include government partners. While funding must flow directly to an independently registered organization, government partners can be included in a project consortium. TerraFund for AFR100 Landscapes engages government agencies within each landscape to ensure that funded projects align with local and national economic development and environmental management plans.

Can several organizations submit one proposal as a single consortium?

Yes, we encourage several organizations to submit an application together in one consortium. A signed letter of partnership should be included as a "letter of recommendation" on submission. The lead organization should submit the application on behalf of the group. That organization will receive funding and will be responsible for submitting reports. For example, a more established organization could partner with a newly founded youth-led organization, a growing for-profit tree nursery could apply with a non-profit cooperative, or a legally registered community forest association could apply with support from a government agency.

How does WRI define locally-led restoration?

Locally-led restoration engages area residents as stakeholders in the process from design to decision making and implementation. Local staff are included in the organization’s leadership. A restoration project or business would be more favorably scored if the model ensures smallholders can participate in the value chain, employs people locally, and can show concrete benefits for local communities.