Trees for Climate (TFC) Match at Source Blended Finance Strategy

The programme aims to develop and test a blended finance approach-'Match at Source'-that collaborates with regulated infrastructure organisations to achieve mutual benefits, increase scale and quality, accelerate delivery (Raise the Peak), and extend the programme's lifespan (Lengthen the Tail). This tender seeks to develop an investment-ready operating model, including clear governance of financial structures, robust monitoring and assurance, and an engagement plan with infrastructure sponsors, regulators, and appropriate government departments.

Key elements include the Strategic Stretch financial model, a legal and governance framework to prevent double-counting and foster transparent attribution, potential tokenisation of Community Forest benefits, and a four-phase delivery plan culminating in a comprehensive business case before the Autumn 2028 Spending Review. The potential links to public procurement, in particular Social Value requirements, are also part of this specification, providing verified "Social Value" units that deliver high-quality impacts linked to local Community Forest Plans. Innovation is strongly encouraged, but not at the expense of the main objective, whether through tokenised, blockchain-enabled assurance (preferred) or an acceptable non-tokenised alternative that offers lower risk or quicker implementation.