By Cleo Baldoumas - Research and Translator at Re-earth Initiative

Re-Earth Initiative is preparing to launch its second cycle of “RE!Granting,” building on the lessons learned from its first round. Derrick, the program lead from Nairobi, Kenya, shared insights into the program's evolution and goals for this next phase.

Increased Grant Pool 

One of the major updates in Cycle 2 is that, to support ambitious projects, Re-Earth Initiative has increased the available grant amounts. Derrick explained: 

"In the first cycle, most grantees received $5,000 as a baseline. A few projects with exceptional needs received higher amounts—$6,000, $8,000, or even $10,000. But for this new cycle, we’ve created clear categories with amounts ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $15,000. This will help applicants scale their projects and achieve bigger impacts."

Cycle 2 grants will be categorized into four types:

• Restoration projects: $15,000 for five new applicants.

• Preservation projects: $10,000 for five new applicants.

• Empowerment projects: $5,000 for five new applicants.

• Returning grantees: Up to $6,000 for five recipients from Cycle 1.

Focusing on the Global South and Urgent Environmental Challenges

Reearth Initiative remains dedicated to tackling urgent environmental issues, particularly in the Global South. In the first cycle, a significant portion of funding went to projects addressing climate change and environmental degradation in vulnerable communities. This commitment continues in Cycle 2, as Derrick emphasized:

"Our priority is to address urgent environmental challenges. Globally climate change is a major crisis, and we understand that communities in the Global South often face the harshest impacts of climate change, and they need the most support."

Ensuring Accessibility During and After the Application

Accessibility is a cornerstone of ReEarth Initiative’s approach, particularly for frontline communities. To remove barriers to participation for both applicants and grantees, the organization has implemented several key strategies:

• For Applicants

• Translation Services: Applications are accepted in multiple languages. At the moment we are translating both in French and Spanish. Other languages will be opening up soon in regard to Translations Team capacity with translation support provided during the review and interview processes. 

• For Grantees

• Virtual Check-ins: Regular updates ensure grantees receive ongoing support throughout their projects.

• In-Person Visits (where possible): Site visits allow the team to better understand community needs and assess project impacts.

• Capacity Building: Workshops and resources will be offered to help grantees develop the skills necessary for sustained success.

Prioritizing Community Engagement

Community engagement is vital to the success and impact of the projects supported by the ReEarth Initiative. Derrick elaborated:

"We place great importance on how applicants demonstrate their commitment to engaging with the local community. It's about showing us how they're working with the community to develop sustainable solutions to local challenges.”

He shared an example from a site visit to Western Kenya:

“I visited a grantee’s project in a rural village in Western Kenya where I didn’t speak the language. But the community knew the grantee well. The local leaders  even came to meet us. It showed me that this was truly a communal program. That kind of trust and connection is what we try and look for as community participation is key in solving these critical environmental challenges.”

Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria

RE!Granting uses a thorough evaluation process to ensure projects are sustainable and impactful. Key criteria include:

• Environmental impact: How well the project addresses local environmental challenges.

• Community engagement: The depth of collaboration with local communities.

• Social impact: Inclusivity and benefits for marginalized groups like indigenous people, especially women and youth.

• Long-term outcomes: The lasting positive effects on the environment and the community. 

• Scalability: The potential to expand and sustain the project over time. 

Building Collaborative Ecosystems

Looking ahead, Reearth Initiative aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem among its grantees. By connecting grantees working on similar projects, the organization hopes to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative fundraising. Derrick shared an example of this approach:

"After our community retreat in Costa Rica, I immediately came back and collaborated with one of our grantees in implementing our “Lives On The Frontlines” film screening in Kisumu, Kenya. We worked together to engage the community and organize an event that showcased the level of community engagement. The event was a huge success, driven by the strong bond between our organization and the community. It demonstrated how collaboration can amplify impact."

By combining funding, resources, and opportunities for collaboration, Re-Earth Initiative is empowering individuals and communities to create lasting change in their communities. The application window for Cycle 2 of RE!Granting opens on January 6, 2025, and the organization is eager to support a new cohort of grantees dedicated to building a more sustainable future.