View the Google Docs version here. Sign up for the online info session via this link.
Introduction
The Forest Foundation Philippines is pleased to announce the Transdisciplinary Research Grants Program, supporting research projects that integrate scientific, local, and indigenous knowledge systems to address pressing environmental and social challenges.
This program aligns with our Results Framework 2023-2027, focusing on sustainable forest conservation, climate action, and ecosystem services.
Our goal is to fund research that goes beyond knowledge creation—fostering collaborative partnerships, participatory decision-making, and tangible solutions for forest conservation and community resilience.
Proponents must adhere to the Foundation’s Transdisciplinary Research Framework, which sets the stage for collaborative and participatory research methodologies. Access the full TD Research Framework here.
To effectively communicate research findings, insights, and potential pathways to impact, project proponents need to allocate funding toward the development of a dedicated communications or outreach component. This investment will enhance the research project’s overall effectiveness and ensure that key messages reach the appropriate audiences.
Priority Research Themes
The program will support research projects that incorporate transdisciplinary approaches in the following areas:
- Forest Conservation & Restoration: Science-based and community-driven approaches to forest protection, biodiversity conservation, and habitat restoration.
- Resilience & Adaptation: Strategies for sustainable land management and ecosystem-based adaptation.
- Sustainable Livelihoods & Forest-Based Economies: Integration of conservation efforts with economic opportunities for local communities.
- Knowledge Co-Creation & Policy Impact: Research that enhances local governance, environmental policies, and grassroots decision-making processes.
Proposals must emphasize community participation, knowledge-sharing, and cross-sector collaboration.
Forest Foundation Philippines primarily provides grants to support projects in the country’s most critical forest landscapes: Sierra Madre, Palawan, Samar and Leyte, and Mindanao. Transdisciplinary Research Work outside of the four focal landscapes may be considered upon the availability of funding. Learn more about the four focal landscapes here.
Eligibility
The research grants program is open to interdisciplinary research teams from the following sectors:
- Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and NGOs
- Academic and Research Institutions (universities, research centers)
- Indigenous and Local Community Organizations
- In exceptional circumstances, government agencies and policy think tanks
Proponents must demonstrate active engagement with local communities and include at least two disciplines (e.g., environmental science, social science, traditional knowledge, law, public policy, and economics).
Funding and Duration
- Grant Amounts: Up to PhP 3 million per research project
- Project Duration: Up to two (2) years
- Funding Scope: Covers research activities, stakeholder engagements, capacity-building, knowledge dissemination, and implementation support.
- Outcomes: Projects under this grant category shall deliver specific output/s that will contribute to at least two (2) target outcomes as stated in the Foundation’s Results Framework.
Eligible Activities
Proponents must submit a detailed Grant Proposal Form that emphasizes and reflects the following transdisciplinary components as expressed in the TD Research Framework:
- Joint Problem Framing
- Define the problem based on community needs.
- Explain how the research addresses an urgent environmental or social challenge.
- Collective Power Sharing & Decision-Making
- Describe how marginalized groups (e.g., indigenous peoples, local farmers) will have equal participation.
- Outline strategies to mitigate power imbalances.
- Transdisciplinary Knowledge Production
- Detail how scientific, local, or indigenous knowledge will be integrated and/or utilized in the research process.
- Include capacity-building initiatives to empower stakeholders.
- Knowledge Integration & Dissemination
- Describe how results will be jointly analyzed and validated with all stakeholders.
- Explain plans for policy engagement, advocacy, and public communication.
Evaluation Criteria
The selection of research projects for funding is a competitive process. The proposals will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
- Design: Are the objectives, methods, and outcomes coherent, and do they align with the Transdisciplinary Research Approach framework?
- Capacity: Has the research team demonstrated the ability to conduct transdisciplinary research or similar studies, including experience in cross-sector collaboration and knowledge integration?
- Impact: To what extent will the research project contribute to the generation and application of knowledge, particularly in relation to forest protection?
- Relevance: Does the proposal align with program priorities and respond to local needs?
- Efficiency: Will the research project be implemented in a timely and cost-effective manner?
- Sustainability: Can the research project be scaled up, replicated, or institutionalized after its implementation?
Application and Submission
Please submit your applications using the Google Form link available here: https://bit.ly/ffp-research-submission. It should containing the following required documents:
- Duly Accomplished Grant Proposal Form: <Link>
- Work and Budget Plant (For multi-year research projects, provide a budget for the entire duration of the project
- For small grants (up to PhP 500,000): <Template 1>
- For medium grants (up to PhP 3,000,000): <Template 1> & <Template 2>
- Proponent Profile Sheet: <Link>
- CVs of Lead Researcher & Key Team Members
- Letters of Endorsement from Partner Organizations & Stakeholders
Only completed proposals with relevant supporting documents attached will be accepted for evaluation and assessment for the awarding of grants.
The Proposal should be submitted by April 15, 2025, 11:59 PM.
Timeline
- RFP Issuance: March 3, 2025
- Online Info Sessions: March 19, 2025 (Wednesday), April 4, 2025 (Friday); Sign up for the online info session through this link.
- Grant Proposal Deadline Submission: April 15, 2025
- Grant Award Announcement: May 5, 2025
Contact Information
For inquiries, please contact:
Forest Foundation Philippines
2F Valderrama Bldg., 107 Esteban St., Legaspi Village 1229 Makati City, Philippines
Phone: (+63 2) 8891 0595; (+63 2) 8864 0287
proposals@forestfoundation.ph