Rapid Response Facility Grants

Rapid Response Facility Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Rapid Response Facility
Amount: Up to US $40,000
Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Summary

The Rapid Response Facility Grants mobilize funds for urgent conservation needs within UNESCO natural World Heritage sites, addressing environmental emergencies caused by natural or human-made disasters. Established in 2006, the facility enables quick decision-making and disbursement of resources, making it a vital tool for protecting biodiversity in critically impacted areas. By focusing on immediate response, the RRF ensures that conservation efforts can mitigate irreversible damage and preserve unique global heritage sites.

Overview

The Rapid Response Facility provides funding for conservation emergencies in UNESCO natural World Heritage sites. The RRF is a partnership between the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Fauna & Flora International (FFI). These global organisations, with their vast ‘on the ground’ experience and in-depth political knowledge, give the RRF compelling credibility and rigour. Founded in 2006, the RRF Secretariat is hosted by Fauna & Flora International, based in Cambridge, UK. Valued donor support is provided by Fondation Franz Weber and Arcadia. Our Focus RRF focuses its support on UNESCO natural World Heritage sites. Natural World Heritage sites are the most important sites in the world for the conservation of nature. Designated according to strict criteria, they represent a global heritage recognised as being of outstanding universal value, unique and irreplaceable. The plains of the Serengeti National Park, the spectacular Amazon rainforest, the gorillas of Virunga and the unique creatures of the Galapagos islands are all part of this unmatched heritage. Like anywhere else, these irreplaceable sites can be hit by unpredictable natural or man-made disasters such as earthquakes, oil spills or civil unrest. Responding rapidly to such disasters can make the difference between irreparable destruction and lesser, reversible damage. A Critical Need Few mechanisms exist that can rapidly get funds to the ground to address sudden conservation disasters, especially in lower income countries. A fast response is fundamental to what we do. Application to the RRF doesn’t involve the lengthy processes required in traditional funding streams and our quick decision making process allow resources to be mobilised rapidly on the ground. We make informed decisions within eight working days of receiving an application. This makes us the world’s fastest conservation fund.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The site must be located in an eligible country: RRF grants are restricted to countries that are eligible for ‘official development assistance’ according to the OECD. Overseas territories of developed countries may occasionally be considered, please contact the Secretariat for advice.The site must be a listed UNESCO natural World Heritage site (or an internationally recognised site of high biodiversity value):RRF grants are available for UNESCO natural World Heritage sites. In rare cases, we may also consider other high-priority protected areas including;Sites on the tentative World Heritage listWe occasionally accept applications from sites on ‘tentative’ lists. We only consider sites included under natural or mixed categories.Other eligible sitesIn exceptional circumstances the Rapid Response Facility may provide grants for places other than World Heritage sites. These would need to be one of the following:a site that directly impacts the ‘outstanding universal values’ (OUV) of a natural World Heritage site. This includes sites that are in close proximity to a natural World Heritage site, where the threat would impact the biodiversity within the World Heritage site. sites with other international designations. These sites include (but are not limited to) the following;UNESCO Man & Biosphere ReservesRamsar sitesApplications for actions outside the World Heritage site network must clearly demonstrate the global significance of the site’s biodiversity in order to qualify for funding.Applications must address a sudden emergency situation:The RRF only funds actions at a site facing an ‘emergency’ threat to its biodiversity. The RRF’s definition of emergency is based on the following criteria, all of which will be considered during the decision process:Suddenness: How recently has the threat emerged or worsened? RRF only consider a situation an emergency if it has arisen in the last few months or weeks, or if the intensity of an existing threat has got suddenly worse. RRF advise applicants to provide evidence of any recent increases in the threat profile where possible.Predictability: Based on past experience, how predictable was the situation?The RRF prioritises funding for situations where the threat was unpredictable and thus difficult to prepare for in advance.Time sensitivity: Will there be a measurable conservation benefit if work starts immediately (within days / 1-2 weeks), rather than in months or years?The RRF prioritises projects that require immediate assistance.Duration and reversibility of impact: Does the threat have the potential to cause long-lasting negative impact to the biodiversity value of the site? The RRF prioritises actions that avert irreversible damage or reduce long-term negative impacts.Applications must meet most or all of these criteria in order to qualify for funding.Applications must be from an eligible organisation:The RRF can make grants to any organisation that has permission to work at the proposed site.Government bodies responsible for site management (for example national wildlife agencies, park managers, government ministries etc.)Registered local, national or international non-governmental organisations (NGOs)Private sector organisations (including local and multinational corporations)Applicant organisations must be able to accept funds into an organisational bank account, directly from the UK in US Dollars (USD).

Ineligibility

The RRF does not make grants to individuals. We do not fund on-going issues even if they require urgent action.Please note UNESCO cultural World Heritage sites are not eligible for RRF funding.