Kleinhans Fellowship for Community Forestry Research 2027 (up to $20,000)

Overview

The Kleinhans Fellowship for Community Forestry Research 2027 funds research that looks for solutions to the challenges facing the community forestry model. It is based on the view that sound scientific inquiry can guide technical assistance for local development. The research it supports is oriented toward real-world problems as defined by community forest enterprises (CFEs), and its planning, implementation and dissemination are carried out in a participatory way so that results have practical value for communities and inform their action plans.

What you get

The fellowship provides a two-year stipend of US$20,000 per year. It does not subsidize academic tuition or fees, and it does not cover transport vehicles or equipment that is unnecessary or unreasonable.

Research must address one of four topics. The first is markets for lesser-known species and non-timber forest products, including how domestic markets for diversified forest products are created and sustained. The second is biodiversity management practices, such as protecting High Conservation Value Forests and creating riparian buffers, and their effect on the economic viability of CFEs. The third is social organization and governance, including equitable participation, transparency, benefit-sharing, business training, bylaws, compliance and legal status. The fourth is multi-community enterprises, which let CFEs pool supply, invest together and access financing.

Who can apply

Applicants must hold a master's degree in forestry, ecology, botany, environmental science or a related field. Doctoral candidates and post-doctoral researchers are preferred, although relevant experience can substitute for higher-level degrees.

How to apply

The application includes a proposal of no more than seven typed pages with an abstract, a literature review, detailed methodology and a discussion of practical applications. It also requires a budget, a curriculum vitae or resume, two letters of recommendation, and a list of past, current and potential funding sources for the applicant and the project. Applications may be written in English, Spanish or Portuguese and are sent to the Rainforest Alliance.

Key dates

Applications are accepted starting six months before the deadline of February 28, 2027.