Which Organizations Are Eligible For Investment?

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 Harit Bharat applicants must:

• The proposed project (for which the funding is asked for) should be located/planned to be implemented in the identified three identified states: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

• The organisation should be a duly registered/incorporated entity either as a non-governmental organisation (NGOs) or as a for- profit enterprise, including start-ups and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs).

  • Start-ups are entities who have not completed ten years from the date of incorporation/registration or with turnovers not exceeding INR 100 crores for any of the financial years since incorporation/registration. 

• 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 Organizational Eligibility:

Are government agencies eligible? 

We recognize the key role that government agencies play in restoring landscapes.  However, only independently registered non-profit organizations, cooperatives and/or registered for-profit enterprises are eligible for this funding opportunity. We encourage government officials to pass this opportunity along to eligible projects working within their jurisdictions. 

Are intergovernmental organizations or UN agencies eligible? 

The partners recognize the importance of inter-governmental and UN agencies in the restoration movement. However, these institutions are not eligible for this specific funding opportunity. We encourage these organizations and agencies to work with their community-based partners and encourage them to apply to this funding opportunity. 

Are farmer producer companies eligible? 

Yes. Farmer producer companies that are officially registered are strongly encouraged to apply.

Are universities allowed to apply? 

Universities with roots in local communities that are furthering the restoration of landscapes are eligible to apply.

Some organizations 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. We also encourage organizations with limited-to-no experience in these three states to apply to this opportunity if they can clearly describe their pathway to expansion.

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.