Submissions are now being accepted for the Restoration Returns Grant, valued at US$17,000. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by 15 September 2025.

Previously known as the Small Grants Award for Field-Level Restoration Projects, this funding opportunity backs locally driven ecosystem restoration efforts that deliver measurable benefits for communities, their environments, and sources of livelihood.

The grant is open globally to organizations of varying capacities that are engaged in grassroots restoration activities.

In its first round in 2024, the initiative attracted 673 applications from more than 100 nations. Grants awarded ranged between US$5,000 and US$15,000. Ultimately, 39 impactful projects—focused on different ecosystems and restoration methods—were selected, receiving a combined total of US$395,000.

Due to the strong response and the innovative nature of the projects received, the funding amount per recipient has now been increased to US$17,000. This adjustment reflects the rising need for support among local initiatives tackling land degradation.

The Restoration Returns Grant is a key component of the G20 Global Land Initiative’s broader goal to regenerate one billion hectares of degraded land by 2030 and achieve a 50% reduction in land degradation by 2040.

Overview

The Global Initiative for Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing the Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats—referred to as the G20 Global Land Initiative—was established during Saudi Arabia’s leadership of the G20. This initiative aims to cut global land degradation by half by the year 2040. To oversee and coordinate its implementation, a dedicated office was set up under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Additionally, the initiative spearheads the Land Challenge within the broader UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration campaign.

To drive land restoration on a large scale, the G20 Global Land Initiative is conducting various global activities. These include promoting successful restoration practices, engaging private sector stakeholders to frame restoration as a viable investment, collaborating with civil society to raise awareness, and partnering with universities worldwide to build capacity. As part of its efforts, the Initiative intends to support select on-the-ground restoration initiatives led by civil society organizations, with available grants estimated at USD 17,000.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply now.