The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with financial support from the Government of Germany, has launched applications for the Supporting AFR100 Programme Direct Beneficiary Grants (DBG) 2026. This funding opportunity is designed to empower local organizations working to restore degraded landscapes, strengthen climate resilience, improve biodiversity, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities across selected African countries.
Through this grant scheme, eligible organizations can access funding ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 50,000 to implement practical restoration initiatives that directly benefit communities and ecosystems.
The initiative forms part of the broader AFR100 (African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative), which seeks to restore millions of hectares of degraded land across Africa while supporting economic development and environmental sustainability.
About the Supporting AFR100 Programme
The Supporting AFR100 Programme is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and funded by the Government of Germany.
The programme aims to strengthen locally led forest and landscape restoration efforts in selected African landscapes by supporting community-based organizations and local actors that are actively involved in restoring degraded lands and promoting sustainable natural resource management.
The programme is currently being implemented in:
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Togo
- United Republic of Tanzania
By supporting grassroots restoration efforts, the programme seeks to build stronger ecosystems, increase climate resilience, improve food security, and generate economic opportunities for local communities.
Funding Available
Under the Direct Beneficiary Grants mechanism, eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from:
- Minimum Grant: USD 5,000
- Maximum Grant: USD 50,000
Funding will be provided in local currency equivalent amounts.
The grants are intended to support practical and measurable restoration interventions that generate positive environmental and socioeconomic outcomes.
Objectives of the Direct Beneficiary Grants
The Direct Beneficiary Grants scheme aims to support organizations that are:
- Restoring degraded lands
- Enhancing community resilience
- Improving livelihoods
- Promoting sustainable land management
- Strengthening restoration-based value chains
- Supporting biodiversity conservation
- Increasing ecosystem productivity
- Encouraging climate adaptation and mitigation efforts
The programme recognizes that local communities play a central role in restoring landscapes and protecting natural resources. As such, the funding is designed to strengthen local ownership and leadership in restoration initiatives.
Eligible Activities
Organizations may seek funding for a broad range of restoration-related interventions, including but not limited to:
1. Tree Planting Initiatives
Projects that promote afforestation and reforestation activities to restore degraded lands and improve ecosystem health.
2. Agroforestry Projects
Activities integrating trees into agricultural systems to improve productivity, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
3. Soil and Water Conservation
Initiatives focused on:
- Erosion control
- Watershed management
- Water harvesting
- Sustainable soil management practices
4. Community Nurseries
Establishment and strengthening of nurseries for producing quality seedlings and supporting restoration efforts.
5. Biodiversity Conservation
Projects aimed at:
- Protecting native species
- Restoring habitats
- Conserving ecosystems
- Enhancing ecological connectivity
6. Restoration-Based Livelihood Activities
Income-generating activities linked to restoration efforts that support local economic development while protecting natural resources.
7. Sustainable Value Chain Development
Projects that strengthen restoration-related value chains and create economic opportunities for local communities.
Why This Grant Matters
Across Africa, millions of hectares of land have been degraded due to unsustainable land use, deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Restoration efforts are increasingly recognized as a critical strategy for addressing these challenges.
The AFR100 Programme supports locally driven solutions that can:
- Improve food security
- Increase climate resilience
- Restore ecosystem services
- Create green jobs
- Support sustainable agriculture
- Strengthen rural livelihoods
- Protect biodiversity
- Enhance water resources
- Reduce land degradation
By investing directly in local organizations, the programme ensures that restoration solutions are community-led and adapted to local realities.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This opportunity is particularly suitable for:
- Community-based organizations
- Environmental NGOs
- Conservation organizations
- Agroforestry groups
- Farmer associations
- Rural development organizations
- Natural resource management groups
- Restoration-focused cooperatives
- Biodiversity conservation organizations
Organizations with proven experience implementing restoration activities within the designated programme landscapes are especially encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Before beginning the application process, applicants should carefully review the official Applicant Guidelines to ensure compliance with all eligibility requirements.
Organizations should ensure they:
- Confirm eligibility.
- Review the Applicant Guidelines thoroughly.
- Prepare all required documentation.
- Develop a clear and realistic project proposal.
- Demonstrate how proposed activities contribute to restoration and community resilience.
- Submit their application before the deadline.
Key Benefits of the Programme
Successful applicants will receive:
- Grant funding between USD 5,000 and USD 50,000
- Support for locally led restoration initiatives
- Opportunity to strengthen community resilience
- Capacity to improve restoration-based livelihoods
- Contribution to national and continental restoration goals
- Increased environmental and social impact
- Enhanced ecosystem restoration outcomes
- Support from a globally recognized United Nations agency
Important Dates
Application Opening Date
22 May 2026
Application Deadline
19 June 2026 at 11:59 PM (GMT)
Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Need More Information?
Organizations seeking clarification regarding the grant opportunity can contact the programme team during the application period through:
Email: afr-100-programme@fao.org
Prospective applicants should consult the official Applicant Guidelines and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before submitting their proposals.
The Supporting AFR100 Programme represents an important opportunity for local organizations across Africa to access funding that can help restore degraded landscapes, strengthen livelihoods, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.
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