FAQ

What is the Quick Response Fund for Nature? 

The Quick Response Fund for Nature (QRFN), formerly the Quick Response Biodiversity Fund, is a philanthropic collaboration focused on protecting some of the world’s most critical sites for endangered species.  

Who manages the QRFN? 

Management and fiscal responsibility for QRFN are overseen by RESOLVE, a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Washington DC with a mission to forge sustainable solutions to critical social, health, and environmental challenges. The QRFN receives input and guidance from an Expert Advisory Panel consisting of leading biodiversity experts from around the world.

What is the goal of the QRFN? 

Our goal is to ensure that any globally significant land deal - one that protects one of the last homes for rare and endangered species - has access to the necessary funds.

How does the QRFN prioritize investments? 

We accept applications on a rolling basis and, funds allowing, provide funding to projects demonstrating they will protect globally significant sites in urgent need of access to funding. We also consider the capacity of the implementing organization to conduct the land transfer and manage the site over the long-term.

Who funds the QRFN? 

Management support for the QRFN has been provided by the Weeden Foundation. We seek to build a coalition of donors and conservationists who will increase our ability to make an impact across the globe.

What proportion of QRFN funding is used for overhead and admin? 

Less than 10% of its annual budget is are used for overhead and administrative costs.

What kinds of projects are eligible for QRFN funding? 

We fund land acquisition or easement costs associated with putting privately owned lands into conservation ownership or management.

What kind of projects are not eligible for QRFN funding? 

Support will not be provided for: 

• Salary, overhead, or administration; 
• Management, restoration, or monitoring of the site;
• Research.

What kind of partners and organizations are typically funded?

Prospective grantees must have a legal presence and have permissions in the country where work is proposed. In general, we prefer to give grants to NGOs working within an established framework such as 501(c)3 or equivalent status. 

What size of grants does the QRFN issue? 

Typical grants range from $10,000 to $50,000; we do not have a minimum grant size and we rarely consider a grant larger than $50,000.

Does QRFN issue repeat funding? 

The QRFN will consider repeat requests from the same organization for a new project. 

What is the process for applying for funding from the QRFN? 

Visit the Apply page to learn the difference between Preventing Extinction Fund awards and QRFN awards. If you meet the criteria for a Preventing Extinction Fund grant, follow these directions on How to Apply. If you feel you have a project that may be a good match for QRFN awards, fill in this pre-application form with a short description of the proposed project, its global significance, and anticipated timeline for the acquisition or easement. Invited applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal via e-mail. Full proposals are reviewed by QRFN’s Expert Advisory Panel.

Who makes decisions about which projects are supported? 

The QRFN Advisory Board makes decisions on whether proposals will be funded, usually by consensus. The QRFN manager and its Expert Advisory Panel make recommendations on which projects to fund. 

What are the deadlines for applications? 

There is no deadline for applications; they are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The QRFN team strives to make a decision within a timeline commensurate with the needs of the applicant.

Does the QRFN seek financial support from governments or from foundations? 

The QRFN focuses on private sector support from foundations, individuals, and corporations.  

What is the Fundraising Goal of the Quick Response Fund for Nature? 

Our goal is to raise $1.5M/year in order to fund approximately 50 land conservation projects per year.

What is the difference between QRFN and the Preventing Extinction Fund? 

The Preventing Extinction Fund awards are for land protection projects located within the tropics and subtropics. Meanwhile, the QRFN awards are for proposed land protection projects outside of the tropics and subtropics. Learn more at the Apply page.