GLOBAL FOREST WATCH./Photo courtesy
Civil society organizations working to protect forests and curb illegal or unplanned deforestation can now apply for the Global Forest Watch (GFW) Small Grants Fund 2026.
The grant cycle aims to strengthen the ability of local and community-led organizations to turn forest monitoring data into action using GFW tools.
The Small Grants Fund supports projects that use satellite data, alerts, and mapping tools to monitor forests, respond to threats, and influence policy or enforcement.
Selected projects will receive between US$10,000 and US$40,000 over a 12-month implementation period, running from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027.
Applications close on February 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, and submissions must be made through the official application platform. Applications sent by email will not be accepted.
Turning Data Into Action
At the core of the Small Grants Fund is a focus on practical impact.
The program prioritizes initiatives that move beyond data collection to actively address forest loss.
Successful proposals clearly demonstrate how GFW tools will be used as a central part of strategies to reduce deforestation, strengthen land management, or improve accountability.
Projects may focus on one or more approaches, including advocacy, forest monitoring and enforcement, journalism and storytelling, stakeholder engagement and capacity building, or informing land use management and policy decisions.
Examples of supported work include community groups using real-time alerts to detect illegal logging, journalists publishing data-driven investigations on deforestation, and Indigenous communities documenting forest crimes and submitting evidence to authorities.
Testing New Monitoring Technology
In the 2026 cycle, grantees will also take part in testing Global Nature Watch, a new experimental, AI-powered land monitoring platform.
Participants will be asked to use the platform during project implementation and provide feedback on its effectiveness and relevance.
Insights from grantees will help shape the future of ecosystem monitoring tools and inform decisions on whether and how Global Forest Watch integrates with Global Nature Watch to better support frontline monitoring needs.
Funding and Support Beyond the Grant
Between 8 and 15 projects are expected to be funded in this cycle, with an average of 12 grantees selected.
In addition to financial support, each grantee will be paired with a World Resources Institute (WRI) staff advisor, who will provide virtual technical guidance throughout the project.
Grant recipients also become part of the Global Forest Watch network, gaining access to peer learning opportunities, invitations to events, chances to test new platform features, and potential visibility through WRI communication channels.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, organizations must be legally registered as non-profit, non-governmental entities and have an annual budget exceeding US$50,000.
Applicants must also have a computerized financial system and be able to provide recent financial documentation, including audits or financial statements.
Applications are accepted in English, French, and Spanish, but at least one project point person must have professional working proficiency in English to support financial reporting and organizational assessment processes.
Previous Small Grants Fund recipients are eligible to reapply, though repeat applicants are expected to demonstrate scaled or significantly improved impact compared to earlier grants.
For more information on the criteria, CLICK HERE
Information Session for Applicants
An informational webinar for prospective applicants will be held on January 27, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM ET.
The session will be conducted in English with live interpretation in Spanish and French and will cover the application process, GFW tools, and the Global Nature Watch platform.
The webinar will be recorded and shared with all registrants.
Interested organizations are encouraged to review the Guidelines for Applicants, Frequently Asked Questions, and examples of past projects before submitting their applications.
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