Rapid Deployment Mechanism (RDM)

The Rapid Deployment Mechanism (RDM) is open exclusively to applications from developing member countries of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People.

The process is designed to be country-driven, allowing countries in partnership with local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to articulate their specific needs and goals in line with the Coalition’s objectives.

Grant applications must be submitted through each country’s HAC Focal Point online, but you can also access a Word version of the application form and an Excel budget template for easy sharing and collaboration.

If the links to the documents provided in Word and Excel do not open, please try using a different browser. We recommend Edge.

To access the full list of Focal Points, please scroll to the bottom of the page.

Examples of Activities Eligible for RDM Support:

• Strategy & Planning

  • Develop national 30×30 roadmaps and conservation strategies

  • Define effective policies for Protected Areas and OECMs

  • Map potential Protected Areas and OECMs

  • Develop regulatory frameworks and management plans

• Stakeholder Engagement

  • Organize national workshops to support or accelerate 30×30 implementation

  • Engage stakeholders to identify best practices and lessons learned

  • Facilitate exchanges of best practices, including in-person regional collaboration

• Capacity Building

  • Conduct trainings on key 30×30 themes (e.g., governance, inclusion, monitoring)

  • Deliver workshops to build institutional and technical capacity

• Funding Range: Grants will range from USD $25,000 to $50,000, based on the project’s scope and specific needs.

• Grant Agreements: Issued within 2 months of selection.

• Implementation Period: Projects must be completed within 18 months, with all funds spent and reported by April 27, 2027.

• Grant Management: Awardees will receive detailed guidance on grant management and reporting requirements upon selection.

Priority will be granted to developing countries presenting projects that demonstrate ambition, concrete impact, added value, clear implementation feasibility, and for which the grant enables to leverage further actions and ambition on 30×30.

Grant applications will only be taken into consideration if submitted electronically by HAC member country Focal Points on the dedicated online application form accessible from the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People web site.  The RDM will start accepting applications on April 28, 2025 and will close on June 28, 2025. 

Refer to the evaluation guidance for further details.

How do I create a user account?

You cannot create a user account.  Only HAC Focal Points can access the online application form.  If you are a new HAC Focal Point (new member country or replacing someone), please email domoina.rakotobe@hacfornatureandpeople.org to request your log in credentials.

Do I need to log in to submit an application?

Yes, use your Matchmaking platform credentials.

Can the proposed implementing NGO submit the application?

No, the HAC Focal Point needs to submit electronically. This also confirms that the HAC Focal Point has reviewed, endorsed, and fully supports the submitted application.

Can I use my own budget template?

No, please use the provided Excel template to ensure all applications are evaluated consistently and can be reviewed more efficiently.

Will there be a second round of grants?

The HAC for N&P Secretariat aims to organize a second round; however, to increase our chances of securing additional funding, we must showcase high-impact, high-ambition applications in the first round to attract further support.

I have already reached my 30×30 target, can I still apply for a grant?

The grant is intended to catalyze greater impact for the implementation of 30×30, the target is not only quantitative but also qualitative. In this sense, the application should show how the grant will be used for this purpose.

Can I propose my current financial assistance on the matchmaking for the RDM?

Yes.  You will need to complete the RDM application form and adjust the budget not to exceed USD $50,000.

Can I complete the form in other languages (e.g., French or Spanish)?

Yes.  You can work from the Word template and then copy and paste into the online application form.