Grant Life Cycle
The following steps guide you through the entire life cycle of a grant, spanning from the initial application to the project’s completion and potential expansion (as per our vision). Please bear in mind that these durations are approximate and can vary significantly based on various factors.
APPLICATION TIME FRAME
1. Submit a Request for Information (RFI)
When you intend to apply for the BVT Grant, please first request our RFI (Request for Information form), through this email form. Please mention “RFI form request” as your subject. This email form can also be used to inquire further about the BVT Grant. Your RFI application will be reviewed by BVT’s regional partnership coordinators.
The RFI process will include BVT’s safeguard policies screening, which are intended to prevent or mitigate any harm to people or the environment that might inadvertently arise during the project. Applicants whose project triggers one or more safeguard policies will be asked to prepare the relevant safeguard document(s) and incorporate preventative measures into the project’s design.
At this stage, be prepared to be contacted by our regional team for further interviews to clarify your RFI submissions further.
2. BVT Opens a Request for Proposals
BVT announces an annual Request for Proposals, specifying the regions of interest open for submissions. If the Request for Proposal (RFP) period is active (please refer to the provided schedule, usually lasting two months), we encourage you to submit your proposal.
Prior to submitting a Request for Information (RFI), ensure eligibility and reach out to the BVT regional team for further discussions. Check the FAQ page for additional guidance.
Note: BVT exclusively accepts proposals during open requests. Proposals submitted outside of these periods will not be considered.
3. Submit a Self-assessment and Risk Form
The self-assessment form serves a dual purpose. It not only assesses the compatibility of your site, governance, and management capability with our social agroforestry initiative at BVT but also enables the BVT team to establish contextually viable targets.
We provide risk measures for each section of the assessment tailored to your specific sites. Both the Self-assessment and Risk forms are accessible on BVT portal with your respective login.
4. Scheduling for GIS Survey (Site Visit or Satellite Imaging)
After applicants have submitted the Self-assessment form, we will review these submissions to assess eligibility for a Geographic Information System (GIS) survey.
As an integral part of our mandatory procedure, the GIS survey not only evaluates eligibility but also provides an opportunity to enrich your proposal with valuable insights obtained from the survey. The GIS survey usually involves approximately two weeks for data collection by our team and an additional two weeks for data compilation.
5. Submit Environmental and Social Safeguard Form (ESS form)
In parallel with the GIS survey, applicants are expected to submit the BVT ESS form along with risk mitigation plans. These risk measures provide context for the sites and inform BVT regional teams about necessary measures, but they do not necessarily influence BVT’s project approval decision. Safeguard documents, prepared by the grantee, must be approved before the project’s final approval.
6. Applicant Prepares a Full Proposal
Before the RFP term concludes, applicants should finalize a comprehensive proposal, including compiled GIS survey documents, ESS forms, and, if applicable, additional information for Due Diligence.
7. Applicant Consultation with BVT
Applicants may request guidance to complete their proposals, and the BVT regional technical team will be available to address questions and proactively assist with various aspects.
8. Announcement
Within three to six months after the close of the RFP, applicants will be informed if their sites and projects are being considered for inclusion in the project partnership charter.
9. Applicant Signs Partnership Charter
Successful applicants for the grant will sign a partnership charter with BVT.
10. Grant Recipients Receive Orientation Training
Successful applicants will be invited to an orientation call covering financial aspects, implementation cycles, and reporting requirements. Each project will be assigned a regional BVT assistance team, including a technical and economic coordinator.
IMPLEMENTATION TIME FRAME
(Phase 1 to 4)
This timeline comprises four phases, each following the same cycle. The first phase begins immediately after applicants complete their orientation training. Grant recipients are now called BVT Landscape Backbone Partners.
1. Adjustment to Risk measures and Action (if needed)
New grantees must submit any revisions to their action plans and risk registers within two months of the grant start date. During this period, it’s crucial to submit the following documents via BVT Portal:
- Backbone Landscape Partner Capacity Tracking Tool
- Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT)
2. Grant Recipients Initiate Project Phases
Applicants kick off the process of the phase with direct support from the BVT regional team.
3. Grant Recipients report on Project Phase "Champion Activation"
Every quarter, grant recipients provide updated risk registers and performance tracking tools via BVT Portal. If changing risk measures make original targets unfeasible, recipients may propose target adjustments.
4. BVT Regional Visit
Members of the BVT Regional team conduct site visits to selected applicants. The schedule is communicated through usual channels and announced via BVT Portal.
5. Semesterly Narrative and Documentation report and Committee check
Every semester, the BVT technical, risk and compliance committee approves submitted reports. Short narrative and documentation reports must be submitted via BVT Portal. Target realignment can occur during these reviews or quarterly reports, supported by reasonable explanations. Q&A sessions and coaching calls follow submission to confirm achieved targets.
6. Project Phase Closure and Performance Based Payments
Payments for each phase are disbursed following approval from the BVT regional team and committee.