Support Portal FAQs — Food & Trees for Africa

Question 1

How are projects selected for funding?

Accepted Answer

Selection is based on a matching process. Once your project has passed our verification and assessment process and is on our database, we look for a match between your needs and the specific criteria set by our funders. These criteria often include geographic location, the type of project (such as a school garden or community garden), and the potential for long-term sustainability. When a funder’s requirements align with your project’s details, we move forward with the next steps of the funding process.

Question 2

How do I start the application process?

Accepted Answer

Simply click the button to open the application form and fill out the required details. The form is very short and easy to complete. Once you submit it, our team will review your request and get back to you to discuss the next steps.

Question 3

Who is eligible to apply for support?

Accepted Answer

We welcome applications from schools, community groups and non-profit organisations. We also support small-scale farmers, green entrepreneurs and climate leaders who are working to improve their communities. While we focus on group-led initiatives, we help individuals and entrepreneurs whose work aligns with our goals in food security, tree planting and the green economy. Unless we are administering a fund with a special purpose (eg. Health), All applicants must show a clear commitment to the environment and the people they serve.

Question 4

What Programmes and Projects do we Support?

Accepted Answer

In short, we support projects that benefit people and nature. We focus on community groups but also support farmers, entrepreneurs and individuals. Our main work is in food security, tree planting and climate action. However, sometimes we manage funds that include health, education or sports, culture and recreation mandates.

We never support work that harms people or the earth. We would rather refuse money (and have) for any programme or project that does not share these values.

Question 5

Is the support provided as a cash grant or as resources?

Accepted Answer

We provide support in the form of resources and materials rather than cash. We do not provide salaries, stipends or direct cash grants as part of our project support. In general, very few of our interventions involve financial payments. Our focus is on providing the tangible tools, infrastructure, skills and expertise needed to help your project become sustainable and successful.

Question 6

What is the general application process?

Accepted Answer

Our application process follows five simple steps:

Submission: You fill out a short form on our website.

Verification: We contact you to confirm your information.

Telephonic Assessment: A member of our data department phones you to discuss your project in detail.

Physical Assessment: We may visit your site for a physical assessment to verify the information provided.

Matching: Your project moves into our list of pre-assessed projects. We then work to match you with suitable funders or available funds.

Question 7

Does our project need to be located in a specific region?

Accepted Answer

We work across South Africa and much of the continent. Most of our food security work is in the SADC region. Our methods are cross-cultural, which allows us to work in any part of Africa. If you wish to join our climate networks, these are extensive across the continent. We are currently doing significant work in West Africa and there is recent movement in East Africa. While we have a wide footprint, some programmes depend on funding for specific areas. We will confirm if your region is eligible once you begin the process.

Question 8

Do your programmes provide long-term maintenance or just the initial setup?

Accepted Answer

We use different approaches depending on the project type and who we support.

For food security, we generally look to support and grow projects that have already started but we can, under special circumstances, support new projects. Every project follows a phased approach where all applicants begin with a "starter" phase before they can be considered for long-term support.

Anyone can apply for our tree planting programmes. The most important requirement is that a person or group commits to looking after the trees. The most important thing to us and our funders is  that the trees survive.

Our climate and green economy work is different from our food and tree pillars. We look for climate leaders and green entrepreneurs to work with on a case-by-case basis. We do this because conditions vary significantly across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Regardless of the support we provide, it is always up to you and the other project members to maintain your project.

Question 9

Does Food & Trees for Africa provide ongoing monitoring and support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Monitoring and support are baked into the fabric of our methodologies. We maintain one of the most robust frameworks in the industry because we are committed to the long-term success of every project. We don’t simply deliver resources and walk away; we stay involved for several years to track progress and offer guidance.

While we are firm about a formal project exit once our goals are met, we still come back from time to time to see how the project is doing. This is done at our own expense (not the funders) so that we can improve our methodologies and support (what we call) the FTFA family. This ongoing relationship ensures your work remains sustainable and continues to thrive long after the initial support phase. Even after we exit, we hope to hear from you even if its to problem solve.

Question 10

How long does it take to receive support?

Accepted Answer

We cannot guarantee a specific timeline for support. We receive many applications and can only provide funding in line with the specific requirements of our partners and funders. Once you pass the assessment stages, your project enters our pool of pre-assessed initiatives. We then work to match your project with suitable donors as funds become available. This process depends on several factors, including your location and the type of project you run. We will keep your details on file and contact you as soon as a matching opportunity arises.

Question 11

Can an individual apply for support?

Accepted Answer

Yes, individuals can apply for support. While our food security programmes often focus on community groups, we also support individual farmers, green entrepreneurs and climate leaders. If you are applying for tree planting, anyone can apply as long as they commit to caring for the trees. We look for individuals who want to create a positive impact on the environment or their community. We assess these requests on a case-by-case basis to see how they fit within our broader mission.

Question 12

What are my responsibilities once the project receives support?

Accepted Answer

Your primary responsibility is to look after and make the most of the resources you receive. Most projects include skills development and training as part of our support. If you receive funding, you are expected to attend all workshops. These sessions are designed to support your project and are often linked to the resources provided. For example, if we provide new irrigation infrastructure, all project members must attend a workshop to learn how the system works and how to service it.

Question 13

Will I receive training or workshops as part of the support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All projects receive extensive training as a core part of our support. While we provide physical resources, we believe that the true strength of any intervention lies in education and skill-sharing. Our workshops are designed to empower project members with the knowledge they need to manage their resources independently and effectively. We prioritize this capacity building because we believe that the skills you gain are just as valuable as the resources themselves.

Question 14

Can I apply for someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We make special provision for people who wish to apply on behalf of others. We understand that some applicants may have limited access to technology or need help to complete the form. However, when we conduct our verification and assessment, we must speak directly with the primary project members or project leaders. This ensures we receive accurate information and can build a relationship with the people who will manage the project daily.

Question 15

Do you give preference to certain demographic groups?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can apply to Food & Trees for Africa. We follow non-racial, non-denominational and non-ageist principles because the environment belongs to everyone. We follow the requirements of our funders, so we usually prioritise historically disadvantaged individuals and communities in need. This helps us support social and economic transformation. Most of our programmes focus on under-resourced areas. However, private institutions are still welcome to apply, especially for our tree programmes.

Question 16

How do your methods impact our existing way of working?

Accepted Answer

Our methods are specialised to work with and improve what you already have. We do not try to replace your existing way of working. We understand that every project has complex social ties and fits into its community and ecosystem in a unique way.

We follow a bottom-up approach rather than a top-down one. This means we work within the systems that already exist instead of imposing rules from above. Our goal is to strengthen your project by respecting your local knowledge and environment. While we may suggest improvements to help your project grow, we aim to build on the foundations you have already laid.

Question 17

What documents must I have ready before I begin the application?

Accepted Answer

You do not need any documents to start your application. However, the form includes a section where you can upload photos and paperwork. Uploading these early is helpful, especially if you are seeking enterprise development funding, as it shows that you meet compliance criteria. While you can apply without any attachments, we will require this documentation if your project is selected for funding as part of our onboarding process.

Question 18

Is there a cost involved in applying for or receiving support?

Accepted Answer

No. Our application process and the support we provide are free. We never charge any fees for you to apply or to receive resources. If anyone asks for payment to help you apply for our programmes, please report it to us immediately. We want to ensure that our support remains accessible to all communities.

Question 19

Do you support projects that use chemical pesticides and fertilisers?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not work with chemical inputs. Our work follows an agroecological and regenerative agriculture framework to ensure the health of the land and the community.

While we do provide inputs such as fertilisers and pest control, we only use products that are organically certified. We will not provide resources or funding to any project that uses synthetic chemical inputs (unless they have applied to convert). This approach protects biodiversity and ensures that your project remains sustainable for the long term.

Question 20

How long is the application form? Can I save my progress and finish the application form later?

Accepted Answer

Our initial form is very short and designed to be completed in one sitting. Because it is so brief, you will unlikely need to save your progress or return to it later. We recommend finishing the form in one go to ensure your request is submitted and reaches our team immediately.

Question 21

Are there specific land-ownership requirements to be eligible?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to own the land to apply. However, you must have written permission from the landowner or the local authority to use the site for at least five (preferably ten) years. This long-term commitment ensures that trees and infrastructure have enough time to establish and become sustainable. We will ask for proof of this permission during the application process.

Question 22

Can I apply for more than one programme at a time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can apply for more than one programme if they suit your project’s needs. Whether you are interested in food security, tree planting or other initiatives, we encourage you to seek the support that best fits your goals. Our team will review your requests to see how our different programmes can work together to help your project.

Question 23

How will I know if my application has been received?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a confirmation once you submit the form. Our team generally verifies applications within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the current volume of requests. We will reach out to you directly to confirm your details or to move your application to the next stage of the assessment.

Question 24

How can I check the status of my application?

Accepted Answer

Since you do not need an account to apply, there is no online portal to track your progress. Our team will contact you directly via phone or email once we have processed your submission. If you have not heard from us after a few weeks, you are welcome to contact our office to follow up on your application.

Question 25

Is there a deadline for applications?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no deadline. You are applying to be included in our database of pre-assessed projects rather than for a specific grant. We accept applications throughout the year so that your project is ready to be matched with suitable funding or resources as they become available.

Question 26

Can I update my application after it has been submitted?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to manually update your application. We handle all updates telephonically. A member of our team will contact you to verify your details during the assessment phase. Additionally, before any funding is approved, we will call you to check if any of your information has changed. This ensures our records are accurate and current before we move forward.

Question 27

Can I apply more than once?

Accepted Answer

We kindly ask that you only submit one application. To keep our records organised, we check every new entry against our existing database. Each project is assigned a single, unique ID, so any duplicate applications will be removed. Rest assured that once you have applied, your project is in our system and will be considered for all suitable opportunities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Programmes and Projects we Support