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  • About the RRF
    • What We Fund
    • Leadership & Governance
    • Supporters
    • Latest Updates
    • FAQ
  • Rhinos & Recovery
    • About Rhinos
    • Distribution & Status
    • Threats to Rhinos
  • Projects
    • Project Map
    • Project Database
  • Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rhino Recovery Fund?

The Rhino Recovery Fund (RRF) is a collaborative granting initiative created by the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN). Our goal is to protect rhinos from wildlife crime and restore their landscapes, improve the health of rhino populations, and benefit local people. It is managed by WCN, a U.S. nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization, Tax ID #30-0108469. WCN proudly maintains the highest possible 100% 4-star rating through Charity Navigator and a platinum status with Guidestar, meaning every cent of every dollar donated goes directly to rhino recovery, with zero administrative or overhead fees taken. The RRF receives input and guidance from an array of technical experts from a variety of different conservation organizations and academic institutions to ensure the best science and experience informs where we invest your contribution.

What is the goal of the RRF?

The goal of the RRF is to protect rhinos from wildlife crime and restore their landscapes, improving the health of rhino populations and benefiting local people.

Who funds the RRF?

The RRF is funded by generous individuals, foundations, and companies around the world. Each and every one, regardless of the size of the donation, makes a difference in securing the future of rhinos.

What proportion of RRF funding is used for overhead and admin?

Zero. One things that sets the RRF apart is our 100% model; every cent of every dollar donated goes directly to rhino recovery, with zero administrative or overhead fees taken.

What kind of conservation projects does the RRF support?

The RRF has two primary investment strategies:

  • Rhino Guardians: We invest in projects designed to protect African rhinos from wildlife crime by stopping rhino poaching and ending the trafficking and demand for rhino horn.
  • Rhino Landscapes: We invest in projects that restore intact, functioning habitat to support wild rhinos including management of protected areas, community involvement, and supporting governments.

In both of these strategies we look to support projects that take new approaches to rhino conservation, that benefit both people and rhinos, and that encourage everyone to embrace rhinos and participate in their recovery.

What kind of partners and organizations are typically funded?

In general, we work with known partners with an established track record of financial efficiency and accountability and strong reputation for achievements in the field. Prospective grantees must have a legal presence and have permissions in the country where work is proposed. In general, we prefer to give grants to NGOs working within an established framework such as 501c3 or equivalent status, and only provide grants directly to governments under exceptional circumstances. Campaign investments can include broader types of grantees, including for-profits offering highly leveraged investment opportunities.

What kind of projects are not funded by the RRF?

The RRF does not fund the following types of projects:

  • Post-graduate studies
  • Ecological research without clear applied conservation implications
  • Conference attendance
  • Direct grants to governments (with rare exceptions)
  • Artificial reproduction projects
  • Long term captivity projects, e.g. zoos

What size of grants does the RRF issue?

The RRF typically issues grants of US$50,000 to US$150,000.

What is the process for applying for funding from the RRF?

 

The RRF is not taking unsolicited proposals as it is by invitation only. However, we are interested in learning about current rhino conservation work being conducted across rhino ranges. If you are interested in providing us with a summary of your work, please submit an email to info@rhinorecoveryfund.org. If the work is deemed potentially eligible and high priority for RRF funding, we will reach out to you.

 

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The Rhino Recovery Fund maintains a 100% donation model. Every dollar raised is directly deployed to projects that recover rhinos, with zero administrative fees or overhead.

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