About MNLF

An independent Conservation
Trust Fund for Mongolia

Founded in 2024 in partnership between the Government of Mongolia and The Nature Conservancy through the Eternal Mongolia PFP initiative.

Our Mission

We unlock the finance and know-how to help Mongolia's people safeguard their unique natural heritage and build a climate-resilient future.

Our Vision

Shaping a better future for nature and people through sustainable finance.

Fund Model

Conserving nature,
securing legacy

Founded in 2024, the Mongolian Nature’s Legacy Foundation (MNLF) is an independent, non-profit Conservation Trust Fund, legally registered in the United States as a 501(c) and operating in Mongolia through its representative office. Guided by the principles of transparency, independence, and good governance, MNLF is a dedicated, national financial intermediary that mobilizes and manages resources to fund high-impact projects delivering lasting, measurable results for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and environmental protection, in line with government priorities.

MNLF is a dedicated, national financial intermediary that mobilizes and manages resources to fund high-impact projects delivering lasting, measurable results for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and environmental protection, in line with government priorities.

Nature conservation priorities & challenges
Financial needs & projections
Stakeholder dialogue
Environmental Objectives & Plans
Funding sources
Bilateral & multilateral donors
Private sector funding
Government funding
Philanthropic funding
Other sources
Conservation Trust Fund

Mongolian Nature's Legacy Foundation

Endowment Fund
Transition Fund
Instruments
Grants
Technical assistance
Co-financing & blended finance
Eligible projects & recipients
Government agencies
Research & science
Civil society & NGOs
Communities & local orgs
SMEs & corporates

Who We Support

Anyone working to protect Mongolia's natural heritage

01

Government Agencies

Ministries and protected area authorities

02

Research & Science

Universities and ecological monitoring bodies

03

Civil Society & NGOs

Conservation organizations and advocacy groups

04

Communities

Herder households and local co-management groups

05

SMEs & Cooperatives

Green businesses and sustainable value chains

06

Media & Awareness

Public communications and education programs

Board of Directors

Governance

The MNLF Board of Directors bring diverse and balanced expertise and insights with representatives from the Government of Mongolia, civil society, the private sector, and the international conservation community.

Board Committees

Governance and Nomination Committee Finance and Investment Committee Executive Committee Committee Chair

The Secretariat

The team behind the work

Policy & Advocacy Team
Grants & MEL Team
External & Internal Relations Team
Finance & Operations Team

* Ad hoc Technical Evaluation Committees, comprising a range of thematic experts, are established to support the MNLF Secretariat in grant review and evaluation processes.

Partners

Working together

Policy Partners

President's Office of MongoliaMinistry of Environment & Climate ChangeMinistry of FinanceMinistry of Food, Agriculture & Light IndustryMinistry of Culture, Sports, Tourism & YouthMinistry of Economy & Development

Funders

The Nature Conservancy

International Partners

Enduring EarthGIZWCS MongoliaWWFShan ShuiIFC, World Bank GroupGood GrowthJizoku

Private Sector

State BankKhan BankGolomt BankToCBusiness Council of MongoliaMGBC

MNLF Good Practice

How we operate

MNLF operates in line with the Best Practice Standards for Conservation Trust Funds and adheres to good governance, finance, operations, safeguards and accountability standards.

01

Grant Management Standards

MNLF applies internationally recognized grant management best practices, including needs assessment, competitive selection, fiduciary controls, and results-based disbursement.

02

Environmental & Social Safeguards

All MNLF-funded activities are screened against IFC Performance Standards and national environmental law. An Environmental and Social Management Framework guides grantee obligations.

03

Anti-Corruption & Whistleblower Policy

MNLF maintains a zero-tolerance policy on fraud, corruption, and misuse of funds. A confidential whistleblower channel is available to all grantees, partners, and staff.

04

Gender & Social Inclusion

MNLF integrates gender analysis and social inclusion criteria into grant design, selection, and reporting, ensuring marginalized communities and women lead conservation outcomes.

Transparency & Accountability

Open by design,
accountable by principle

01

Financial Transparency

Annual financial statements and independent audits published every year.

02

Policy Disclosure

Key operational policies and procedures are made accessible to stakeholders.

03

Grant Reporting

All grant disbursements, expenditures, and outcome reports are published.

Questions about our policies, procedures or grievance mechanisms? Raise a concern or complaint.