Call for Proposals: the 2018 PEFC Collaboration Fund competition is OPEN

21 March 2018 Collaboration Fund

The 2018 PEFC Collaboration Fund is now open, and we are waiting for your proposals! Make sure you have applied by 11 May 2018.

This year, we are looking for project proposals that pioneer the application of technology and innovation within forest certification.  

“Following the 2017 PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue, there is seemingly no question amongst our diverse stakeholders that forest certification needs to embrace modern innovations and technology,” highlighted Sarah Price, Head of Project and Development, PEFC International.

“In response, through our 2018 PEFC Collaboration Fund, we are seeking to support members and their partner organizations in their dedicated efforts to embrace technology innovation within certification.”

What we are looking for

We are looking for ambitious solutions to tackle critical issues like making certification more accessible for smallholders, creating innovative approaches for auditing and data collection, or imagining new ways to engage consumers on sustainability.

For example, we want projects that pioneer new applications of technology and innovation that show promise of new solutions for:

• engaging and leveraging society for sustainable forestry
• strengthening trust and traceability throughout value chains
• creating efficient and accessible sustainable forest management certification
• evolving certification processes, data collection and impact measurement

Interested in getting involved?

PEFC members, both national members and international stakeholder members, are eligible to apply and must be the main project applicant. Project partners may include all kind of organizations, including private and public sector organizations.

Proposals can request a contribution of up to 50,000 CHF and must have a maximum project timeframe of 3 years. The fund will support new and additional activities rather than existing, ongoing work and running costs. Grantees must provide evidence of at least 35% co-funding from other sources within the overall project budget.

Technology and Innovation Platform

Want to get involved, but you are not a PEFC member? Then join our online Technology and Innovation Platform!

This platform is designed to enable and encourage ongoing interaction between PEFC International, PEFC members, solution providers and other stakeholders, who are interested in supporting and contributing to purposeful innovation within forest certification.

Project proposals must be submitted by PEFC members, but technology solutions providers and other stakeholders will play a critical role as partners in the proposals. This platform will help connect partners.

If you wish to join this platform and take part in the PEFC Collaboration Fund, please fill in the registration form.