Which Organizations Are Eligible?

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

All TerraFund for AFR100 applicants should meet the following criteria:

• The applicant is a business, enterprise, non-profit, or community-based organization that is officially registered in the countries in which it operates.

• The applicant has experience growing trees on degraded land within TerraFund's target landscapes.
• The applicant has experience mobilizing communities to understand their restoration priorities.

• The applicant is financially sound or clearly outlines how funding could enable it to become financially sound. 

• The applicant has the appropriate technical and financial capacity and expertise to manage and implement projects successfully and deliver technical and financial reporting, as requested. 

• The applicant explicitly commits and agrees to share information (other than commercial/confidential), methodologies, and lessons learned with the consortium.

Frequently Asked Questions about Organizational Eligibility:

Are government agencies eligible? 

We recognize the key role that government agencies play in restoring landscapes. Government agencies are a core part of the TerraFund review process. However, only independently registered non-profit organizations, cooperatives and/or businesses are eligible to receive funding during this call for proposals. Funding restrictions prevent us from sending payments directly to government agencies. We encourage government officials to pass this opportunity along to projects working within their jurisdictions or to partner with non-profit and for-profit organizations to submit a application in consortium.

Are intergovernmental organizations or UN agencies eligible? 

No. We recognize the importance of inter-governmental and UN agencies in the restoration movement. However, these institutions are not eligible for this specific call for proposals. We encourage these organizations and agencies to work with their community-based partners and encourage them to apply to this opportunity.

Are forestry associations eligible? 

Yes. Forestry associations are strongly encouraged to apply. The forestry association must be an officially registered entity in an AFR100 country.

Are universities allowed to apply? 

Yes. Universities with roots in local communities that are furthering the restoration of degraded landscapes are eligible to apply. We encourage university applicants to consider complementary partnerships with local organizations and/or enterprises that grow trees in landscapes.

Some projects have started planting trees but they want to replicate to a larger area. Do they qualify for funding? 

Yes, we highly encourage existing projects that are looking to expand to apply to this call.

Are consortium projects or joint projects allowed to apply for TerraFund?

Yes, consortium projects are eligible to apply for TerraFund. TerraFund defines consortium applications as a single expression of interest (EOI) that is jointly submitted by two or more partners that agree to work together and share funding for a proposed restoration project. Consortium projects must select an application leader to submit all the materials on TerraMatch on their behalf, only one application per consortium will be considered. Please read the guidance on how to best submit these types of applications.

How does the 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. Projects that specifically employ and empower women and youth are especially welcome to apply.