Request for Proposals Regenerative Land Initiative

Request for Proposals

Letter of Interest (LOI) must be received by January 31, 2027

LOIs will be reviewed within two weeks of receipt. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full grant proposal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit LOIs early to allow time for review and proposal submission. If invited, complete applications are due by February 28, 2027.

Grant Proposal Deadline: February 28, 2027

Award Range: $35,000 – $150,000, to 3 – 8 recipients

Introduction

The Elevar Fund invites proposals for projects that advance regenerative land management practices and contribute to ecological restoration, climate resilience, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable community development.

This grant program is designed to support 501(c)3 organizations with bold approaches toward improving land stewardship while generating measurable environmental, economic, and social benefits. In 2027, funding priority will be given to projects that advance regenerative agriculture, strengthen the infrastructure needed to support regenerative practices, expand education and knowledge-sharing, and restore  ecosystems.

From early-stage support to established organizations facing a critical moment or looking to expand, we welcome hearing about how we can support your creative solutions to today’s challenges.

2. Program Purpose

The purpose of this grant program is to accelerate the development and implementation of regenerative land management approaches that:

• Restore ecosystem health
• Improve soil function and biodiversity
• Enhance water quality and retention
• Increase resilience to climate impacts
• The program encourages projects that combine scientific innovation, practical implementation, and community engagement.

3. Funding Priorities

Priority consideration will be given to projects addressing one or more of the following areas:

Regenerative Agriculture – seed, soil and land

• Cover cropping systems
• Agroforestry and silvopasture
• Regenerative ranching and livestock management
• Adaptive grazing systems
• No-till or reduced-till farming
• Compost and nutrient cycling innovations
• Soil carbon enhancement practices

Regenerative Agriculture Infrastructure

• Shared infrastructure that supports farmers in adopting and expanding regenerative agriculture practices.
• Access to resources and equipment, including shared farm equipment, processing, storage, composting, and other essential services.
• Build farmer capacity through technical assistance, education, and training.
• Strengthen local food systems by connecting producers with markets, processors, distributors, community organizations, and consumers.

Regenerative Land Education

• Farmer Education & Training
• Soil Health & Ecosystem Education
• Technical Assistance & Mentorship

Ecosystem Restoration

• Wetland restoration
• Riparian restoration
• Native habitat rehabilitation
• Pollinator corridor development
• Reforestation and afforestation

4. Attributes of a competitive proposal

• Problem-first approach: Address urgent and critical challenges in an innovative fashion.
• Solution-oriented mindset: Work within existing systems while leveraging current stakeholders, infrastructure, and incentives to expand impact effectively.
• Replicable: Focus on scalable solutions, avoiding isolated or short-term interventions.
• 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations or fiscally sponsored by one
• Geographically aligned – projects must be based in the United States
• Relevant expertise or partnerships
• Ability to track and report measurable outcomes
• Financial sustainability
• Ability to deliver the project within the proposed timeframe, manage funds provided and conduct required reporting and analysis.

5. Funding Restrictions

Grant funds may not be used for:

• Political lobbying activities
• General operating support unrelated to the project
• Retrospective reimbursement for completed activities
• Projects lacking measurable impact metrics
• Projects outside the United States

6. Award Information

* Awards are expected to range from $35,000 – $150,000.

* Project durations may range from 12 to 18 months.

The Elevar Fund reserves the right to fund all or part of a proposal.

7. Process

This funding opportunity is a two-step process in which applicants will first submit a brief Letter of Intent (LOI) through the Elevar Fund’s online grant interface describing the proposed project.

• All letters will be reviewed within two weeks of receipt of LOI.
• For successful LOIs, applicants will be asked to submit a full grant proposal and financial statements.
• Please verify your grant eligibility status before submitting a one-page LOI through our application form.

8. About Us

Founded in 2025, the Elevar Fund is a philanthropic initiative based in Springboro, Ohio that seeks to elevate community impact through strategic giving and deep partnership.

“Elevar” — meaning to lift, raise, or elevate — reflects our belief that meaningful change comes from empowering those closest to the work.