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TFL Project Incubator

Call for Applicants

Overview

The Environmental Leadership & Training Initiative (ELTI) of the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) invites past participants of the Tropical Forest Landscapes (TFL) online certificate program to apply for the TFL Project Incubator Fellowship. 

The TFL Project Incubator Fellowship is a two-year program designed to bridge the gap between learning and implementation. The Fellowship supports TFL past participants to advance conservation and restoration initiatives grounded in the concepts, strategies, and tools introduced during the 10-month TFL online certificate program. Through financial support, structured mentorship, and peer learning, the Fellowship aims to strengthen leadership and capacity for impactful tropical forest conservation and restoration globally.

The fellowship provides:

  • Up to USD $50,000 in seed funding to launch or expand a restoration or conservation initiative in tropical forest landscapes
  • Personalized mentorship and training opportunities tailored to project and professional development needs
  • Structured peer learning and exchange opportunities

The fellowship spans two years and is structured in the following phases:

  • July–September 2026: Onboarding and Action Planning
  • October 2026–June 2028: Project Implementation and Monitoring

Selection will take place through a two-round competitive review process:

Round 1: Open Call for TFL Past Participants

  •     Applicants must submit a concept note and summary budget by April 1 at 11:59 PM ET
  •     Applicants will be notified by April 15 whether they have been invited to submit a full proposal in Round 2.

Round 2: Invitation to Submit a Full Proposal

  •     Applicants selected in Round 1 will be invited to submit a full proposal and detailed budget by June 1 at 11:59 PM ET.
  •     Selected applicants for the 2026-2028 TFL Incubator Fellowship will be notified by June 15.

How to Apply

Please review the detailed Call for Applicants document, which explains the application process, eligibility requirements, and other essential information. The Call for Applicants (PDF), Summary Budget Template (xlsx), and Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) are in a public Dropbox folder.

To apply, navigate to the folder, download and review the files, prepare your concept note (up to four pages, PDF preferred) and summary budget, and follow the Round 1 submission process outlined in the Call For Applicants. Questions can be directed to tropicalcertificate@yale.edu with the subject line “TFL Incubator inquiry.”

Founding Support

The TFL Project Incubator Program was established through a generous gift to Yale University from Hao-Li Tai, a TFL Past Participant (2023-24), and her husband Evan Loh, in honor of Jean (MN ’58) and H.C. Loh.

The program supports selected TFL participants to implement projects based on elements of their TFL Capstone plans, translating their training into real-world applications. Hao-Li was inspired by the commitment, passion, and timely work of her classmates from around the globe.