Quick Response Fund for Nature

1% for the Planet and RESOLVE have partnered with the Weeden Foundation to create a fund for high priority habitat acquisitions for the purpose of protecting biodiversity. The Quick Response Fund for Nature (QRFN) was launched in February 2015. Check out an article about the QRFN in Mongabay.

WHAT is the QRFN?

The QRFN is a rapid response mechanism to secure critical habitat for threatened species. Opportunities to purchase important lands often arise abruptly and require an immediate financial commitment to compete with commercial interests. Local conservation groups (often in partnership with international groups) can apply for this funding and are expected to actively manage the property after purchase. QRFN grants are primarily used for outright land purchases of critical habitat, but the Fund considers proposals that involve land leases, or other arrangements that ensure important habitat protection.

WHO makes funding decisions, and HOW?

We have assembled a group of eminent biodiversity experts for the Fund’s Advisory Panel. The panel includes experts on the following regions: North America, Central America, South America, Africa, Indo-Malaya, and Australasia. Currently, over 50 scientists participate on the panel on a voluntary basis. Subsets of relevant panel members (based on field of expertise) review and make decisions on project funding. Eric Dinerstein, Director of the Biodiversity and Wildlife Solutions Program at RESOLVE, chairs the Panel.

HOW to make a donation?

Donations to the QRFN are tax deductible. Donated funds are used for urgent, high-priority species protection projects. Checks can be made out to the Weeden Foundation, noting “Quick Response Fund for Nature” in the memo and mailed to:

Weeden Foundation
P.O. Box 606
Bedford Hills, NY 10507-0606

WHERE do the funds go?

The QRFN has awarded grants to the following nonprofit organizations to secure critical habitat for threatened species:

1. Northern Jaguar Project ($25,000) expanded the Northern Jaguar Reserve by 5,000 acres in northern Mexico, one of the last wild preserves for the northern jaguar.
2. American Bird Conservancy and ProAves ($15,000) purchased 148 acres of habitat for the rare Santa Marta parakeet and dozens of other wild species restricted to an isolated mountain in Colombia.
3. Adopt a Panama Rainforest ($25,000) added 100 acres to the Chucanti Reserve in remote eastern Panama, a cloud forest home to rare frogs and plants new to science.
4. Rainforest Trust and Fundación Jocotoco ($25,000) expanded the Buenaventura Reserve in Ecuador with a 1,616-acre tract of property that is home to the Endangered El Oro parakeet.
5. World Land Trust and ProAves ($10,000) extended the high elevation Tanagers Reserve in Colombia by 906 acres, home to threatened birds, orchids, and frogs.
6. Global Wildlife Conservation and FUNDAECO ($10,000) created the San Isidro Reserve with 2,000 acres in Guatemala, hosting a diversity of biomes and rare amphibians.
7. Saving Species ($33,000) purchased 102 hectares connecting two existing protected areas in coastal Ecuador, home to a variety of threatened species and critical forests.
8. Turtle Conservancy ($15,000) purchased 600 acres to expand Geometric Tortoise Preserve and fynbos ecosystem in a biodiversity hotspot in South Africa.
9. Global Conservation ($50,000) purchased 6,177 acres in Indonesia along the northern side of the Suaq-Belimbing River Preserve in the Leuser Ecosystem, protecting a unique ecosystem with endangered mega fauna, reptiles and birds.
10. American Bird Conservancy ($20,000) purchased land in northern Brazil to expand the Oasis Araripe Reserve, protecting the critically endangered Araripe Manakin.

HOW to apply for funding?

Nonprofit conservation organizations that require immediate funding for critical habitat acquisition projects are welcome to apply. Please email info@weedenfoundation.org to learn more about the application process.

WHO are some of the donors?

1% for the Planet member companies, as well as other companies, foundations, and individuals can contribute to the Fund. 1% for the Planet member companies, The Wall Group and Caudalie Foundation provided start-up contributions to the Fund.

Weeden Foundation

The Weeden Foundation has three decades of experience in determining promising land acquisition opportunities for habitat/species protection. They have funded over 40 habitat preservation projects in the U.S., Latin America, and Africa, contributing to the protection of over 6 million acres of biologically important land.

1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet is a global organization, leading a network of businesses, nonprofits, and individuals working together for a healthy planet. Launched in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, former owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, our network consists of more than 1,100 member companies and thousands of approved nonprofit partners in more than 40 countries. To date, our members have given more than $145 million back to the planet. Look for our logo and visit www.onepercentfortheplanet.org to learn more.

RESOLVE

RESOLVE builds strong, enduring solutions to environmental, social, and health challenges. They help community, business, government, and NGO leaders get results and create lasting relationships through collaboration. Their Biodiversity and Wildlife Solutions program promotes innovation to protect wildlife, wilderness, and communities by integrating technology, market and policy solutions.