Call for Applications: RSSF Certification Readiness Project

Supporting Smallholders on the Path to Sustainable Certification

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is pleased to open applications for a new round of Certification Readiness Projects under the RSPO Smallholder Support Fund (RSSF).

This initiative directly contributes to the RSPO Smallholder Strategy, which supports smallholders to improve their livelihoods, strengthen their organisational capacity, and achieve RSPO Certification, in line with sustainability principles.

Why Certification Readiness?

Certification Readiness Projects are designed to help independent smallholder groups overcome key barriers to certification by providing tailored support in, but not limited to:

• Strengthening farmer group governance and internal control systems (ICS)
• Capacity building on best management practices, environmental and social compliance, and business skills
• Conducting baseline assessments and preparing for external RSPO audits

Through this support, smallholders are better equipped to achieve certification, improve yields, access premium markets, and enhance their livelihoods sustainably.

Who Can Apply?

We invite applications from eligible organisations working with independent smallholder groups, including, but not limited to:

• Cooperatives and group managers
• Civil society and NGOs
• Private sector entities supporting independent smallholders

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Legal recognition and relevant experience
• Commitment to RSPO sustainability and certification principles
• A clear, feasible plan aligned with RSSF objectives
• Preferably, a demonstrated linkage with mills and a clear market access plan, to ensure that certified smallholders can be integrated into sustainable supply chains

What We Fund

The RSSF Certification Readiness Project provides partial funding support (up to regional caps) for activities that include, but are not limited to:

• Group formation and strengthening
• Training and capacity development
• Baseline/gap assessments and legality mapping
• Internal audits and preparation for external certification

*Note: Co-funding is required for larger applications. Please refer to the RSSF Governance Policy

Application Timeline

Applications are open from 1 November to 31 January 2026.

For full guidelines and application forms, visit: RSSF Form & Templates

Send your submissions here.

Together, let’s make palm oil sustainable — starting with empowered and certified smallholders.

For inquiries, contact: [email protected].