What We Fund

The Quick Response Fund for Nature focuses on securing globally important sites that will help conserve populations of rare and endangered species. We provide grants to non-profit organizations that demonstrate a capacity to protect and manage these sites to improve populations of target species. We specifically fund land protection projects including land purchase, long-term conservation lease, conservation easement, land designation, and establishment of community conservation areas.

Proposals are evaluated based on:

1. Significance of the site: how might the acquisition help protect species that are globally Endangered or Critically Endangered?
2. Urgency of the acquisition: how important is a rapid response? 
3. Capacity of the implementing organization: is there a high likelihood the applicant can successfully transfer the land, address any social implications, and successfully manage the site for the targeted conservation outcomes? 

Priority parcels for investment often include:

• Populations of rare or endangered species, particularly IUCN Endangered and Critically Endangered Species; or
• Unprotected sites within the Species Rarity Sites layer of the Global Safety Net. Priority is given to Rare Species Sites (magenta), but High Biodiversity Areas (dark green), Large Mammal Landscapes (light green), Intact Wilderness Areas (dark blue), and Climate Stabilization Areas (light blue) are also considered.

Importantly, 100% of project funds must go towards the cost of acquisition, easement/lease, or designation. We do not fund overhead, long-term management, or restoration needs for the site. When these funds are needed, the applying organization must demonstrate an ability to provide the necessary funding.