Non-profit organizations play a vital role in restoration efforts
This report, commissioned by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in support of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, assesses funding sources for local non-profit organizations engaged in ecosystem restoration in Central America and Africa. Ecosystem restoration is crucial for addressing climate and biodiversity issues and can generate substantial economic and environmental benefits.
Local non-profit organizations play a vital role in restoration efforts, given their knowledge of local needs and solutions. However, they face challenges accessing funding due to limited options and mismatches in project sizes and funders’ expectations. Three key actors in restoration funding are public funders, private investors, and civil society organizations.
Key Recommendations for non-profits, funders, and development partners
For non-profit implementers, common funding options are grants and public sector policies like subsidies. The report outlines 14 relevant funding options, including target groups, geographic scope, thematic areas, and eligibility criteria. Intermediaries, such as national environmental funds, can help connect local implementers with funding sources:
- Familiarize with national restoration funding infrastructure.
- Understand donor language, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
- Partner with international NGOs, UN Agencies, and development partners.
- Explore results-based finance instruments for long-term funding.
- Utilize matchmaking platforms to navigate the funding landscape.
- Develop the capacity of national environmental funds in Central America and Africa.
- Foster knowledge exchange and networks among local implementers for funding accessibility.
- Build an economic case for ecosystem restoration through valuation assessments.
- Expand small-grants programs for local non-profits.
- Diversify funding streams for long-term sustainability.
