Applications are now open for the Rainforest Alliance Kleinhans Fellowship, an international research fellowship supporting graduate students, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral researchers working to strengthen community forestry and sustainable forest management across Latin America.
The fellowship provides funding for applied research that helps community forest enterprises (CFEs) address real-world challenges related to forest conservation, biodiversity, governance, sustainable livelihoods, and market access. Through this initiative, the Rainforest Alliance aims to promote practical, community-driven solutions that improve both environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
About the Rainforest Alliance Kleinhans Fellowship
The Kleinhans Fellowship is a prestigious research program that supports scientific studies designed to improve the long-term sustainability of community-managed forests.
As governments increasingly recognize the role of local communities in forest conservation, community forest enterprises have become important drivers of sustainable development. However, many continue to face significant challenges, including limited financing, weak organizational capacity, illegal competition, and restricted market opportunities.
The fellowship funds research that generates practical recommendations for overcoming these challenges while promoting participatory approaches that directly benefit local communities.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows will receive:
- US$20,000 annual research grant
- Funding for two years (total of US$40,000)
- Opportunity to conduct field research in Latin America
- Collaboration with Rainforest Alliance experts
- Engagement with community forest enterprises
- Opportunity to present findings through community workshops
- International recognition for applied forestry research
- Opportunity to publish research in peer-reviewed journals
- Contribution to sustainable forest management and conservation
Research Topics
Applicants must propose research addressing one of the following areas:
Markets for Lesser-Known Species and Non-Timber Forest Products
Research that explores ways to develop sustainable domestic markets for lesser-known timber species and non-timber forest products while improving the competitiveness of community forest enterprises.
Biodiversity Management Practices
Projects investigating sustainable forestry practices that protect biodiversity, conserve High Conservation Value Forests, establish riparian buffers, and strengthen ecosystem health.
Social Organization and Governance
Research focusing on improving governance within community forest enterprises, including:
- Transparency
- Community participation
- Benefit sharing
- Organizational development
- Business management
- Legal compliance
- Human resource development
Multi-Community Enterprises
Studies examining collaborative business models among community forest enterprises, including shared investments, financing mechanisms, aggregated supply chains, and cooperative management.
Geographic Scope
Researchers from any country are eligible to apply.
However, all funded research projects must be conducted in Latin America.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should:
- Be pursuing a graduate degree in forestry, ecology, botany, environmental science, or a closely related field.
- Be doctoral candidates or postdoctoral researchers (preferred).
- Graduate students with significant relevant experience may also apply.
- Propose research that directly addresses challenges faced by community forest enterprises.
- Demonstrate the practical value of their proposed research.
Funding
The fellowship provides:
- US$20,000 per year
- Funding for two years
- Maximum total funding of US$40,000
Please note that the fellowship does not cover:
- Academic tuition fees
- University fees
- Purchase of unnecessary vehicles or equipment
Expected Outcomes
Selected fellows will:
- Conduct participatory research with local communities.
- Share research findings through workshops involving community members and Rainforest Alliance staff.
- Submit a final report summarizing research outcomes.
- Publish findings in a peer-reviewed academic journal.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Research proposal (maximum seven typed pages)
- Project abstract
- Literature review
- Detailed methodology
- Discussion of practical applications
- Budget
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
- Two letters of recommendation
- List of past, current, and potential funding sources
Applications may be submitted in:
- English
- Spanish
- Portuguese
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: August 31, 2026
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2027
Why Apply?
The Rainforest Alliance Kleinhans Fellowship offers an outstanding opportunity for researchers passionate about conservation and sustainable development to conduct impactful research that directly benefits forest communities. Beyond financial support, fellows gain the opportunity to collaborate with international experts, engage with community stakeholders, and influence policies and practices that promote sustainable forestry across Latin America.
For graduate students and early-career researchers seeking to build expertise in forestry, biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and sustainable natural resource management, the Kleinhans Fellowship provides an excellent platform for advancing both academic and professional careers.
Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their proposals early and submit complete applications before the February 28, 2027 deadline.
Application Status: Applications open on August 31, 2026.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2027.
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