The purpose of the RfP is to solicit proposals from individuals and organizations that are interested in supporting Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. in the design of an impact investment vehicle, the Wahkohtowin Forest Resilience Fund, focused on financing Indigenous-led nature and stewardship work including carbon offset projects, biodiversity credit projects, habitat banking projects. See Appendix A for detailed description of advisory services, RFP submission guidelines and evaluation criteria. 

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A vision for the Wahkohtowin Forest Resilience Fund:

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When operational, the Wahkohtowin Fund will invest in multiple First Nation-led nature projects that will accrue economic benefits in Northern Ontario. The working forests in the province are in the North and improving stand level silviculture systems through the mycorrhizal inoculation of forest seedlings is one example of additional, accretive economic benefit in Northern Ontario. Acquisition of private forest land for compliance or voluntary Improved Forest Management (IFM) carbon projects are another investment that could be contemplated by the Fund. The ecosystem services that will be maintained or enhanced through projects in the Fund's portfolio will create material economic benefits for First Nations in Northern Ontario, create jobs, and help make forest ecosystems more resilient in the face of climate change. Forests are more resilient with First Nations leading their stewardship and this orientation will be at the core of the Wahkohtowin Fund's investment thesis.

 

Proposal Due Date: March 31, 2026

 

Contact:

Leigh Fox | Conservation Finance Catalyst Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc.

leigh@wahkohtowin.com

 

Appendix A:  

 

Purpose of Consultancy  

The purpose of the consultancy is to develop a business plan for the Wahkohtowin Forest Resilience Fund, a finance facility for First Nations-led revenue generating Nature projects. The goal of the business plan development work is to describe in detail the value proposition of the Fund, build a template for the Fund's architecture, engage broadly to develop the Fund's investment thesis, and dimension the steps needed to successfully execute the establishment and operation of the Fund.

 

1.0 Proposal Contents

• 1.1 Project Approach/Methodology for Fund business plan development

• 1.2 Work plan and timeline for completion of phases described in project methodology

• 1.3 Project Team: Description of key project team members and qualifications

• 1.4 Team Fund development and management experience

• 1.5 Proposed business plan elements

• 1.6 Fund architecture development process

• 1.7 Portfolio strategies: describe how an investment thesis and Fund return target can align with the vision for the Wahkohtowin Forest Resilience Fund

• 1.8 Budget: Identify all costs in Canadian dollars including all costs to accomplish the objectives of the contract. A fully detailed budget outlining deliverables with staff costs, travel costs, and other costs

 

2.0 Evaluation and Selection​