The Casa Fund is expanding its resources across the region, including projects aiming to combat deforestation and protect the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil.

Newfound resources came from donations made by major American philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. 

Up to 45 projects will be supported from a total of US $360.000. The Atlantic Forest region is home to more than 2,000 species of fauna and 20,000 plant species.  

In addition, 72% of the Brazilian population is concentrated in regions under its domain and guarantees the water supply for more than 100 million people.  

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), it is also home to thousands of endangered species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, including rare jaguars, golden lion tamarins, woolly spider monkeys, maned three-toed sloths and red-tailed parrots. 

Recovering the Atlantic Forest and alleviating poverty, by producing food and income generation opportunities, will be the Fund’s main goal. 

In a statement, Cristina Orpheo, Executive Director of Casa Fund described MacKenzie Scott’s way of donating as “inspiring, as it is based on informed trust.” 

The call for projects “Strengthening Communities for the Conservation and Revitalization of the Atlantic Forest and Climate Resilience” will receive applications from May 27 to June 27.  

“In 2005, Casa Socio-Environmental Fund took its first steps as the first socio-environmental fund for South America created by South American activists. Proud of our history, we have never given up the close relationship with activists and local non profit sector, who share decades of common vision with us,” said Maria Amalia Souza, founder of Casa Socio-Environmental Fund.