1. Rationale
In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action), this Call for Proposals seeks to enhance environmental sustainability and resilience in Rwandan communities through structured tree planting and monitoring initiatives.
Climate change continues to threaten ecosystems, livelihoods, and the well-being of Rwandan communities. Deforestation, land degradation, and changing weather patterns have increased vulnerability to floods, soil erosion, and declining agricultural productivity. Restoring forest cover through sustainable tree planting offers a proven solution for carbon sequestration, biodiversity restoration, and climate adaptation.
BK Foundation, the philanthropic arm of BK Group Plc, established in 2023, is committed to driving lasting impact through three strategic pillars: Education, Empowerment, and Environmental Conservation. Under the Environmental Conservation Pillar, the Foundation has launched a long-term Tree Planting and Monitoring Program designed to plant and sustain at least 50,000 trees annually, with a strong emphasis on survival, growth, and measurable environmental impact. This initiative goes beyond tree planting — it integrates continuous monitoring, ecosystem restoration, and community engagement to strengthen local resilience to climate change.
A key component of the program is building community knowledge and capacity on climate resilience, empowering local populations to become active stewards of their environment.
The Foundation invites legally registered NGOs and social enterprises with proven expertise in afforestation, reforestation, ecological restoration, carbon footprint reduction, and climate adaptation to submit technical and financial proposals for strategic partnership and program implementation.
2. Background
The BK Foundation supports inclusive and evidence-based programs aligned with Rwanda’s Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through its Environmental Conservation Pillar, the Foundation focuses on tackling climate change, ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss by promoting nature-based solutions that build community resilience and environmental accountability.
Key priorities include:
- Increasing forest and tree cover across rural and urban landscapes;
- Restoring degraded land and promoting ecosystem services;
- Enhancing community-based adaptation and livelihoods;
- Promoting carbon sequestration and emission reduction;
- Fostering awareness and behavioral change for sustainable resource use.
This initiative emphasizes long-term monitoring, data-driven impact tracking, and community engagement to ensure every planted tree contributes to measurable climate action. By partnering with capable and experienced organizations, BK Foundation aims to reduce Rwanda’s carbon footprint, foster greener communities, and build a sustainable future for generations to come.
3. About the Grant
Objective
Plant 25,0000 to 50,000 trees within four months and monitor them over two years, while strengthening community resilience through engagement, capacity building, and innovative, locally driven solutions for sustainable environmental stewardship.
Scope
Includes site selection, species identification, planting, nurturing, monitoring, and community mobilization with climate resilience education.
Deliverables
- Inception Plan with implementation approach, community engagement strategy, and proposed innovative resilience-building methods.
- 25,0000 to 50,000 trees planted and geo-tagged, with species and site documentation and evidence of community participation.
- Biannual monitoring reports on tree survival, growth, ecosystem restoration, and community outcomes.
- Baseline and final reports on environmental impact, community resilience initiatives, capacity building, and lessons learned.
Funding Terms: Maximum allocation of RWF 25,000,000 per Organization, disbursed in tranches linked to agreed milestones. Applicants are encouraged to propose co-financing and innovative approaches to maximize program impact.
Selection: Two organizations will be selected for partnership under this program.
Monitoring & Reporting: Applicants are required to develop a robust M&E framework, submit biannual progress reports, and facilitate site visits by the Foundation or its representatives.
Sustainability: Proposals should clearly demonstrate strategies to ensure long-term impact, including community stewardship, integration of agroforestry practices, and collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders.
4. Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Entities: Registered NGOs and social enterprises in Rwanda.
- Experience: Minimum three years in afforestation or reforestation, with qualified technical and M&E staff.
- Governance: Evidence of sound governance, financial management, and risk control.
- Geographical Coverage: Preference for organizations active in priority degraded areas with strong community networks.
- Collaboration: Ability to work with BK Foundation, government institutions, and local communities.
- Mandatory Documentation: Registration certificate, organizational profile, audited accounts, RRA & RSSB clearances, and references.
- Grounds for Disqualification: Unregistered entities, incomplete applications, unresolved legal/ethical issues, or insufficient experience.
5. Technical Evaluation Criteria
| Criteria |
Weight (%) |
Details |
| Past Experience |
20 % |
Relevant organizational track record in afforestation/reforestation projects, supported by evidence and references. |
| Technical Approach |
30 % |
Quality and feasibility of the implementation plan, M&E strategy, and technical soundness. |
| Management Approach |
20 % |
Clarity of project management structure, roles, timelines, and coordination. |
| Sustainability & Impact |
20 % |
Long-term impact, community involvement, and integration of sustainable practices (e.g., agroforestry). |
| Cost Effectiveness |
10 % |
Efficient use of resources, value for money, and alignment with budget ceiling. Encouraged are co-financing models. |
Bonus points: Innovative methods, eco-friendly practices, and partnerships with research institutions may receive additional consideration.
6. Evaluation Process Overview
The review will include:
- Eligibility screening
- Technical evaluation
- Due diligence (site visits or interviews, if applicable)
- Final selection
7. How to Apply
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Applications must be submitted through the official BK Foundation portal by clicking the “Apply” button on the RFP announcement page.
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Deadline: 31st October 2025, 5:00 PM (Kigali Time)
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Format: Electronic submissions only through the BK Foundation website (https://bkfoundation.rw/)
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Note: Late submissions will not be considered
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Submit queries to bkfoundation@bk.rw by 28th October 2025, 5:00 PM (Kigali Time)
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Official responses will be issued by 15 November 2025