TiME Land Purchase Grant Program
Are you a conservation NGO looking to protect biodiversity in your area? This is My Earth (TiME) is excited to offer grants to help local organizations purchase and protect land for the benefit of all species, now and in the future.
How does it work?
This is My Earth (TiME) is a non-profit organization that works to conserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems around the world through its Land Purchase Grant Program and Educational Program, with the support of its global network of supporters. As part of this mission, we offer a Land Purchase Grant that provides funding for local partner organizations to purchase land to protect biodiversity.
TiME’s Grant Program offers funding for the purchase of land that will be permanently protected, owned, and managed by local partner organizations. To be eligible for the program, the land should be of significant importance for biodiversity conservation and under the threat of destruction or degradation. This unique opportunity is open to conservation organizations worldwide that wish to purchase biodiverse lands for their long-term protection.
By partnering with TiME, your organization can benefit from:
- Funding for the purchase of private lands in threatened biodiverse habitats in order to ensure their conservation.
- Local ownership of the land for the long-term protection and management of its biodiversity.
- Global exposure through TiME’s network of supporters, and help to promote your organization’s mission and work.
- Global exposure through TiME’s educational program, which engages children around the world to learn about and help solve conservation challenges, inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.
Interested local partner organizations should submit an online application to TiME. Our Scientific Advisory Committee will review each application to determine if it meets our criteria. If your application is approved, TiME will launch a democratic crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the land purchase, with each donor voting among several conservation proposals for their preferred project.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for TiME’s Land Purchase Grant Program, partner organizations must meet the following criteria:
- The proposed land to be purchased must be located in a biodiversity hotspot, or an area with high conservation value, and be under threat of destruction or degradation.
- The land must be available for purchase. TiME strongly favors partner organizations that can provide a formal title deed for the land.
- The partner organization must have a clear conservation objective and a plan for the long-term management and protection of the land.
- The partner organization must be locally based or demonstrate its capacity to work locally.
- The partner organization must have the legal and institutional capacity to purchase, manage and protect the land.
- The partner organization must demonstrate its status as a non-profit or non-governmental organization (NGO), by providing legal documentation.
Application Process
To apply for TiME’s Land Purchase Grant Program, partner organizations should submit an online application form that includes the following information:
- A description of the partner organization and its conservation objectives
- Information about the conservation value, general protection strategies, and management goals for the land proposed for purchase
- A detailed budget for the land purchase, including the amount of funding requested from TiME
- Any additional information or supporting documents that may be relevant to the project
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and the TiME Scientific Advisory Committee will review each application as it is received. Successful applications will be promoted in TiME’s annual crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for land purchase.
Grant Process Overview
TiME’s Land Purchase Grant Program has a thorough review process to ensure that partner organizations are selected based on their potential to make a significant impact on biodiversity conservation. Here are the different stages in the process:
- Initial Review: Local partner organizations must submit an online application. The application will be reviewed by our Land Conservation Manager to ensure that it meets the eligibility criteria.
- Scientific Advisory Committee Review: Once the application has been determined to meet the eligibility criteria, it will be sent to our Scientific Advisory Committee. The Scientific Advisory Committee is composed of an international team of experts in conservation biology, ecology, and biodiversity conservation. They will assess the application based on its scientific merit and conservation impact according to the following selection criteria:
- The conservation value and potential impact of the proposed project
- The feasibility and sustainability of the local partner organization’s general protection strategies, and management goals for the land proposed for purchase
- The legal and institutional capacity of the local partner organization to manage and protect the land
Successful partner organizations will be notified by email and provided with further instructions on how they can help TiME with the crowdfunding campaign.
- Crowdfunding Campaign Launch: Successful applications will be promoted as part of TiME’s annual crowdfunding campaign, starting on January 1st of every year. During this period, TiME and the partner organization will work together to promote the campaign and gather donations and votes from supporters around the world. Supporters will have the opportunity to donate to the campaign and, with a minimum donation of $1, will be granted the right to vote on how the total campaign funds should be allocated among the different conservation projects participating in the campaign.
- Management Plan Submission: After a campaign is successfully completed and sufficient funding is raised to purchase the land, the partner organization needs to submit an online management plan. The management plan should show the partner organization’s detailed plan for the management and protection of the land for the next 10 years.
- Management Plan Review: The management plan will be reviewed by our Management Committee, which is composed of experts in conservation management and governance.
- Contract Signing: Once the management plan has been approved, a contract will be signed between TiME and the partner organization.
- Funds Transfer: Once the contract is signed, the funds will be transferred to the partner organization for the purchase of the land.
Reporting Requirements: The partner organization will be required to provide regular updates to TiME on the land-purchase process. Once a year, the partner organization will be required to submit an end-of-year report to TiME on the progress of protecting the biodiverse land and achieving the specific conservation goals specified in the management plan.
Successful Conservation Projects
TiME has supported numerous conservation projects globally through Land Purchase grants. To explore successful past initiatives, we invite you to visit our Success Stories page at this-is-my-earth.org/success-stories/.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding can I apply for?
TiME does not have a maximum amount of funding that can be requested. However, the average land application is between US$20,000 and US$60,000, and the upper limit is typically around US$100,000, depending on the budget and needs of the partner organization.
Can I apply for a grant for a land purchase that has already been completed?
No, TiME only provides funding for future land purchases.
Can I apply for a grant for a land purchase outside of a biodiversity hotspot?
TiME prioritizes applications for land purchases within biodiversity hotspots, but may consider applications from other areas if they meet the other eligibility criteria.
What information or documents should I provide in the process of applying for a land grant?
We require specific information about:
- The plot of land and its acquisition, including its location, size, proposed price, and a list of itemized costs.
- Biodiversity and conservation aspects, such as the current conservation status of the land and its biodiversity, threats to both the natural habitat and its biodiversity, as well as a long-term conservation plan for the purchased land.
- Legal considerations, including the current ownership of the land, its legal status (title details), timeline for purchase, and potential legal issues in obtaining the title and closing the purchase.
- Your organizational governance, including the governance and management structure of your organization, proof of good governance, and references from independent scientists who know your organization well.
What legal documentation do I need to provide for my land-purchase application?
Partner organizations must provide legal documentation demonstrating the legitimacy of the land purchase. TiME strongly favors partner organizations that can provide a formal title deed for the land.
How long does the initial review process take?
TiME aims to provide a response to applicants within 1–3 months of receiving the application. The timeline for the review process depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the application and the availability of our Scientific Advisory Committee. We strive to provide a timely and thorough review of all applications to ensure a fair and transparent process.
If my application is successful, what is required of my organization during the crowdfunding campaign?
Once your application is approved, your project will be part of TiME’s next annual crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for land purchase in biodiversity hotspots. During this period, your organization will be required to actively promote the campaign and engage with your network to encourage donations. TiME will work closely with you to provide guidance and support, including social media content and other promotional materials. Additionally, TiME will provide regular updates to donors and supporters on the progress of the campaign and the potential impact of the land purchase. Your active participation and engagement during the campaign period will be crucial to achieve a successful outcome.
Is there a limit to how many Land Purchase grants I can apply for simultaneously?
No, there is no specific limit to the number of grants you can apply for at the same time, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each application and have the resources to manage the land if awarded. However, please note that applying for multiple grants may spread TiME’s resources too thin and lower the chances of a successful campaign. It’s important to prioritize your applications and focus on those that align with TiME’s goals and objectives to maximize your chances of success.
If I’ve already applied for a grant before, can I apply for a grant to purchase another plot of land?
Yes, TiME encourages long-term partnerships and appreciates additional applications from organizations that have successfully completed a grant program in the past. Please note, however, that each application will be evaluated on its own merits, and your organization will need to demonstrate the same level of commitment and capacity for effective land management as in the previous application.
What if the land we look to purchase does not have a formal title deed?
While it is preferable for the land to have a formal title deed, TiME understands that in some cases, a plot of land may not have a formal title deed or may have unclear ownership status. In such cases, TiME will work with the partner organization to determine the legal status of the land and assess the risks involved. TiME may also require additional legal documentation or support to ensure the land can be legally acquired and protected.
How long does the process take from submitting an application to receiving the grant?
Once the application has been reviewed and approved (a process which takes approximately 1–3 months), the crowdfunding campaign will begin on January 1st of the following year to raise funds for land purchase. The campaigns run until sufficient funds are raised to purchase the land or until the end of the year, whichever comes first. The overall timeline for receiving grant funding depends on the timing of the application’s submission and the success of the fundraising efforts.
What is the maximum amount of funding that TiME may allocate for costs not related to land purchase through its grant?
TiME may allocate up to 5 percent (5%) of the total grant for non-acquisition-related costs, such as legal fees or conservation activities on the land. However, this is subject to review and approval by TiME’s Board of Directors. TiME’s grant funding is primarily intended to support the acquisition of land within critical habitats and ecosystems.
Will TiME fund ongoing expenses or maintenance costs for protected lands?
No, TiME’s grant funding is intended to support the acquisition and initial protection of critical habitats and ecosystems. Ongoing expenses and maintenance costs for protected lands are the responsibility of the local partner organization or landowner.
What is TiME’s Scientific Advisory Committee, and how does it evaluate grant applications?
TiME’s Scientific Advisory Committee is made up of independent experts in conservation biology and related fields. They review grant applications to ensure that the proposed land purchases will have significant impacts on biodiversity conservation and meet TiME’s selection criteria. They also assess the capacity of local partner organizations to manage and protect the purchased land.
How can I learn more about TiME’s educational program?
To learn more about TiME’s educational program, visit this-is-my-earth.org/educators/. The educational program engages children around the world in conservation and inspires the next generation of conservation leaders. It includes interactive online tools, educational materials, and hands-on activities that empower children to learn about and take action for biodiversity conservation.
Can individuals or for-profit organizations apply for a grant from TiME?
No, TiME’s Land Purchase Grant Program is only open to local conservation organizations that are registered as non-profit or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). TiME’s mission is to support the conservation efforts of these organizations and empower them to protect biodiverse lands for the benefit of all species, now and in the future.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about TiME’s Land Purchase Grant Program, please contact our Land Conservation Manager, Gal Zanir, at [email protected].