Sustainable Development Program
* Must either be a tax-exempt organization or an organization seeking support for a project that woudl qualify as educational or charitable. (Master's projects could qualify)
* Work must fit generally within the Fund's guidelines
Human activity is causing global warming, rapid loss of biodiversity, and accelerating degradation of Earth's life support systems. These developments threaten the livelihoods, health, and security of people in all nations and cultures as well as the well-being of the greater community of life. The RBF's sustainable development grantmaking endeavors to address these challenges by supporting environmental stewardship that is ecologically based, economically sound, socially just, culturally appropriate, and consistent with intergenerational equity. The Fund encourages government, business, and civil society to work collaboratively on environmental conservation and to make it an integral part of all development planning and activity. Recognizing the global nature of many environmental problems, the Fund also promotes international cooperation in addressing these challenges.
A letter of inquiry (LOI) is the recommended starting point for requesting a grant from the RBF. The review process takes, on average, 30 - 60 days from the time the inquiry is received. Details on what to include in the LOI can be found on the RBF website.
If there is interest in considering a grant, staff will contact the applicant for additional information, including a detailed proposal. Applicants should not a send a full proposal unless requested to do so by Fund staff. Details on what to include in the proposal can be found on the RBF website.
If a proposal is being considered for a grant, the approval process is generally completed within three months; however, the exact timeline may vary. Most grants are approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees which meets three times a year (March, June, and November). A limited number of grants may be approved by the Fund's president between meetings. RBF staff will advise an applicant as to how and when a proposal is being reviewed for funding.
The RBF rarely funds unsolicited applications.