How we select projects
We don't pick projects based on gut feeling. Every project in the Terry Portfolio is assessed against 5 criteria, grounded in the best available science. Here's exactly how we do it.
Why methodology matters
There are thousands of climate and nature projects in the world. Some are transformative. Some are well-intentioned but ineffective. Some are outright greenwashing. Without a framework, how do you know which ones deserve your money?
We don't claim to have all the answers. But we do commit to being transparent about how we make decisions, what science we lean on, and why each project earned its place.
"We're not scientists. But we use the work of scientists to make better decisions about where every euro should go."
Every project in the Terry Portfolio has been assessed against 5 criteria. The same framework applies to all missions that join Terry, portfolio or not. This isn't a one-time check: we review and rebalance periodically based on project performance and new evidence.
Our foundations
Built on established science
We don't invent our own framework. We stand on the shoulders of the world's leading climate and biodiversity research.
Project Drawdown
The world's leading resource for climate solutions, ranking the most effective interventions by impact potential.
The world's leading resource for climate solutions, ranking the most effective interventions by impact potential.
IPCC
The UN body providing comprehensive scientific assessments on climate change, its impacts, and mitigation pathways.
The UN body providing comprehensive scientific assessments on climate change, its impacts, and mitigation pathways.
IPBES
The global science-policy body on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Often called the "IPCC for nature."
The global science-policy body on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Often called the "IPCC for nature."
IUCN
The International Union for Conservation of Nature. The global standard for nature conservation and species protection.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature. The global standard for nature conservation and species protection.
Assessment framework
5 criteria, every project
Each project is scored on these 5 dimensions. Together, they determine whether a project joins Terry — and how much of the Portfolio it receives.
1
Climate & nature impact
Highest weight
Does this project meaningfully contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, or nature restoration? We look at the scale of potential impact, the directness of the intervention, and alignment with Drawdown's ranked solutions.
E.g., reforestation (Drawdown #1 land-based solution), renewable energy transition, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection.
2
Evidence & measurability
High weight
Can the project demonstrate its results with data? We look for measurable outcomes: trees planted and surviving, hectares restored, species counts, energy generated. Projects that can prove their impact score higher.
E.g., GPS-tagged trees (Life Terra), verified renewable energy capacity (WISE), monitored kelp regrowth (Kelp Forest Alliance).
3
Community benefit
Medium weight
Does the project benefit local communities beyond just the environmental impact? We value projects that create jobs, educate, engage citizens, or strengthen community resilience alongside their ecological work.
E.g., community land ownership (Land van Ons), citizen science engagement (Life Terra), local habitat creation (The Pollinators).
4
Transparency
Medium weight
Is the project open about its finances, methods, and results? We look for public reporting, clear communication about how funds are used, and willingness to be held accountable.
E.g., published annual reports, open financial data, public impact dashboards, third-party audits.
5
Scalability
Lower weight (but matters)
Can this project grow? Can additional funding translate into additional impact? We look for projects where more money genuinely means more trees, more energy, more restoration — not just more overhead.
E.g., pan-European reforestation model (Life Terra), replicable farming approach (Land van Ons), scalable legal advocacy (Rechten van de Natuur).
1
Climate & nature impact
Highest weight
Does this project meaningfully contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, or nature restoration? We look at the scale of potential impact, the directness of the intervention, and alignment with Drawdown's ranked solutions.
E.g., reforestation (Drawdown #1 land-based solution), renewable energy transition, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection.
2
Evidence & measurability
High weight
Can the project demonstrate its results with data? We look for measurable outcomes: trees planted and surviving, hectares restored, species counts, energy generated. Projects that can prove their impact score higher.
E.g., GPS-tagged trees (Life Terra), verified renewable energy capacity (WISE), monitored kelp regrowth (Kelp Forest Alliance).
3
Community benefit
Medium weight
Does the project benefit local communities beyond just the environmental impact? We value projects that create jobs, educate, engage citizens, or strengthen community resilience alongside their ecological work.
E.g., community land ownership (Land van Ons), citizen science engagement (Life Terra), local habitat creation (The Pollinators).
4
Transparency
Medium weight
Is the project open about its finances, methods, and results? We look for public reporting, clear communication about how funds are used, and willingness to be held accountable.
E.g., published annual reports, open financial data, public impact dashboards, third-party audits.
5
Scalability
Lower weight (but matters)
Can this project grow? Can additional funding translate into additional impact? We look for projects where more money genuinely means more trees, more energy, more restoration — not just more overhead.
E.g., pan-European reforestation model (Life Terra), replicable farming approach (Land van Ons), scalable legal advocacy (Rechten van de Natuur).
1
Climate & nature impact
Highest weight
Does this project meaningfully contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, or nature restoration? We look at the scale of potential impact, the directness of the intervention, and alignment with Drawdown's ranked solutions.
E.g., reforestation (Drawdown #1 land-based solution), renewable energy transition, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection.
2
Evidence & measurability
High weight
Can the project demonstrate its results with data? We look for measurable outcomes: trees planted and surviving, hectares restored, species counts, energy generated. Projects that can prove their impact score higher.
E.g., GPS-tagged trees (Life Terra), verified renewable energy capacity (WISE), monitored kelp regrowth (Kelp Forest Alliance).
3
Community benefit
Medium weight
Does the project benefit local communities beyond just the environmental impact? We value projects that create jobs, educate, engage citizens, or strengthen community resilience alongside their ecological work.
E.g., community land ownership (Land van Ons), citizen science engagement (Life Terra), local habitat creation (The Pollinators).
4
Transparency
Medium weight
Is the project open about its finances, methods, and results? We look for public reporting, clear communication about how funds are used, and willingness to be held accountable.
E.g., published annual reports, open financial data, public impact dashboards, third-party audits.
5
Scalability
Lower weight (but matters)
Can this project grow? Can additional funding translate into additional impact? We look for projects where more money genuinely means more trees, more energy, more restoration — not just more overhead.
E.g., pan-European reforestation model (Life Terra), replicable farming approach (Land van Ons), scalable legal advocacy (Rechten van de Natuur).
1
Climate & nature impact
Highest weight
Does this project meaningfully contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, or nature restoration? We look at the scale of potential impact, the directness of the intervention, and alignment with Drawdown's ranked solutions.
E.g., reforestation (Drawdown #1 land-based solution), renewable energy transition, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection.
2
Evidence & measurability
High weight
Can the project demonstrate its results with data? We look for measurable outcomes: trees planted and surviving, hectares restored, species counts, energy generated. Projects that can prove their impact score higher.
E.g., GPS-tagged trees (Life Terra), verified renewable energy capacity (WISE), monitored kelp regrowth (Kelp Forest Alliance).
3
Community benefit
Medium weight
Does the project benefit local communities beyond just the environmental impact? We value projects that create jobs, educate, engage citizens, or strengthen community resilience alongside their ecological work.
E.g., community land ownership (Land van Ons), citizen science engagement (Life Terra), local habitat creation (The Pollinators).
4
Transparency
Medium weight
Is the project open about its finances, methods, and results? We look for public reporting, clear communication about how funds are used, and willingness to be held accountable.
E.g., published annual reports, open financial data, public impact dashboards, third-party audits.
5
Scalability
Lower weight (but matters)
Can this project grow? Can additional funding translate into additional impact? We look for projects where more money genuinely means more trees, more energy, more restoration — not just more overhead.
E.g., pan-European reforestation model (Life Terra), replicable farming approach (Land van Ons), scalable legal advocacy (Rechten van de Natuur).
1
Climate & nature impact
Highest weight
Does this project meaningfully contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, or nature restoration? We look at the scale of potential impact, the directness of the intervention, and alignment with Drawdown's ranked solutions.
E.g., reforestation (Drawdown #1 land-based solution), renewable energy transition, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection.
2
Evidence & measurability
High weight
Can the project demonstrate its results with data? We look for measurable outcomes: trees planted and surviving, hectares restored, species counts, energy generated. Projects that can prove their impact score higher.
E.g., GPS-tagged trees (Life Terra), verified renewable energy capacity (WISE), monitored kelp regrowth (Kelp Forest Alliance).
3
Community benefit
Medium weight
Does the project benefit local communities beyond just the environmental impact? We value projects that create jobs, educate, engage citizens, or strengthen community resilience alongside their ecological work.
E.g., community land ownership (Land van Ons), citizen science engagement (Life Terra), local habitat creation (The Pollinators).
4
Transparency
Medium weight
Is the project open about its finances, methods, and results? We look for public reporting, clear communication about how funds are used, and willingness to be held accountable.
E.g., published annual reports, open financial data, public impact dashboards, third-party audits.
5
Scalability
Lower weight (but matters)
Can this project grow? Can additional funding translate into additional impact? We look for projects where more money genuinely means more trees, more energy, more restoration — not just more overhead.
E.g., pan-European reforestation model (Life Terra), replicable farming approach (Land van Ons), scalable legal advocacy (Rechten van de Natuur).
1
Climate & nature impact
Highest weight
Does this project meaningfully contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, or nature restoration? We look at the scale of potential impact, the directness of the intervention, and alignment with Drawdown's ranked solutions.
E.g., reforestation (Drawdown #1 land-based solution), renewable energy transition, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection.
2
Evidence & measurability
High weight
Can the project demonstrate its results with data? We look for measurable outcomes: trees planted and surviving, hectares restored, species counts, energy generated. Projects that can prove their impact score higher.
E.g., GPS-tagged trees (Life Terra), verified renewable energy capacity (WISE), monitored kelp regrowth (Kelp Forest Alliance).
3
Community benefit
Medium weight
Does the project benefit local communities beyond just the environmental impact? We value projects that create jobs, educate, engage citizens, or strengthen community resilience alongside their ecological work.
E.g., community land ownership (Land van Ons), citizen science engagement (Life Terra), local habitat creation (The Pollinators).
4
Transparency
Medium weight
Is the project open about its finances, methods, and results? We look for public reporting, clear communication about how funds are used, and willingness to be held accountable.
E.g., published annual reports, open financial data, public impact dashboards, third-party audits.
5
Scalability
Lower weight (but matters)
Can this project grow? Can additional funding translate into additional impact? We look for projects where more money genuinely means more trees, more energy, more restoration — not just more overhead.
E.g., pan-European reforestation model (Life Terra), replicable farming approach (Land van Ons), scalable legal advocacy (Rechten van de Natuur).
1
Climate & nature impact
Highest weight
Does this project meaningfully contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, or nature restoration? We look at the scale of potential impact, the directness of the intervention, and alignment with Drawdown's ranked solutions.
E.g., reforestation (Drawdown #1 land-based solution), renewable energy transition, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection.
2
Evidence & measurability
High weight
Can the project demonstrate its results with data? We look for measurable outcomes: trees planted and surviving, hectares restored, species counts, energy generated. Projects that can prove their impact score higher.
E.g., GPS-tagged trees (Life Terra), verified renewable energy capacity (WISE), monitored kelp regrowth (Kelp Forest Alliance).
3
Community benefit
Medium weight
Does the project benefit local communities beyond just the environmental impact? We value projects that create jobs, educate, engage citizens, or strengthen community resilience alongside their ecological work.
E.g., community land ownership (Land van Ons), citizen science engagement (Life Terra), local habitat creation (The Pollinators).
4
Transparency
Medium weight
Is the project open about its finances, methods, and results? We look for public reporting, clear communication about how funds are used, and willingness to be held accountable.
E.g., published annual reports, open financial data, public impact dashboards, third-party audits.
5
Scalability
Lower weight (but matters)
Can this project grow? Can additional funding translate into additional impact? We look for projects where more money genuinely means more trees, more energy, more restoration — not just more overhead.
E.g., pan-European reforestation model (Life Terra), replicable farming approach (Land van Ons), scalable legal advocacy (Rechten van de Natuur).
1
Climate & nature impact
Highest weight
Does this project meaningfully contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, or nature restoration? We look at the scale of potential impact, the directness of the intervention, and alignment with Drawdown's ranked solutions.
E.g., reforestation (Drawdown #1 land-based solution), renewable energy transition, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection.
2
Evidence & measurability
High weight
Can the project demonstrate its results with data? We look for measurable outcomes: trees planted and surviving, hectares restored, species counts, energy generated. Projects that can prove their impact score higher.
E.g., GPS-tagged trees (Life Terra), verified renewable energy capacity (WISE), monitored kelp regrowth (Kelp Forest Alliance).
3
Community benefit
Medium weight
Does the project benefit local communities beyond just the environmental impact? We value projects that create jobs, educate, engage citizens, or strengthen community resilience alongside their ecological work.
E.g., community land ownership (Land van Ons), citizen science engagement (Life Terra), local habitat creation (The Pollinators).
4
Transparency
Medium weight
Is the project open about its finances, methods, and results? We look for public reporting, clear communication about how funds are used, and willingness to be held accountable.
E.g., published annual reports, open financial data, public impact dashboards, third-party audits.
5
Scalability
Lower weight (but matters)
Can this project grow? Can additional funding translate into additional impact? We look for projects where more money genuinely means more trees, more energy, more restoration — not just more overhead.
E.g., pan-European reforestation model (Life Terra), replicable farming approach (Land van Ons), scalable legal advocacy (Rechten van de Natuur).
1
Climate & nature impact
Highest weight
Does this project meaningfully contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, or nature restoration? We look at the scale of potential impact, the directness of the intervention, and alignment with Drawdown's ranked solutions.
E.g., reforestation (Drawdown #1 land-based solution), renewable energy transition, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection.
2
Evidence & measurability
High weight
Can the project demonstrate its results with data? We look for measurable outcomes: trees planted and surviving, hectares restored, species counts, energy generated. Projects that can prove their impact score higher.
E.g., GPS-tagged trees (Life Terra), verified renewable energy capacity (WISE), monitored kelp regrowth (Kelp Forest Alliance).
3
Community benefit
Medium weight
Does the project benefit local communities beyond just the environmental impact? We value projects that create jobs, educate, engage citizens, or strengthen community resilience alongside their ecological work.
E.g., community land ownership (Land van Ons), citizen science engagement (Life Terra), local habitat creation (The Pollinators).
4
Transparency
Medium weight
Is the project open about its finances, methods, and results? We look for public reporting, clear communication about how funds are used, and willingness to be held accountable.
E.g., published annual reports, open financial data, public impact dashboards, third-party audits.
5
Scalability
Lower weight (but matters)
Can this project grow? Can additional funding translate into additional impact? We look for projects where more money genuinely means more trees, more energy, more restoration — not just more overhead.
E.g., pan-European reforestation model (Life Terra), replicable farming approach (Land van Ons), scalable legal advocacy (Rechten van de Natuur).
1
Climate & nature impact
Highest weight
Does this project meaningfully contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, or nature restoration? We look at the scale of potential impact, the directness of the intervention, and alignment with Drawdown's ranked solutions.
E.g., reforestation (Drawdown #1 land-based solution), renewable energy transition, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection.
2
Evidence & measurability
High weight
Can the project demonstrate its results with data? We look for measurable outcomes: trees planted and surviving, hectares restored, species counts, energy generated. Projects that can prove their impact score higher.
E.g., GPS-tagged trees (Life Terra), verified renewable energy capacity (WISE), monitored kelp regrowth (Kelp Forest Alliance).
3
Community benefit
Medium weight
Does the project benefit local communities beyond just the environmental impact? We value projects that create jobs, educate, engage citizens, or strengthen community resilience alongside their ecological work.
E.g., community land ownership (Land van Ons), citizen science engagement (Life Terra), local habitat creation (The Pollinators).
4
Transparency
Medium weight
Is the project open about its finances, methods, and results? We look for public reporting, clear communication about how funds are used, and willingness to be held accountable.
E.g., published annual reports, open financial data, public impact dashboards, third-party audits.
5
Scalability
Lower weight (but matters)
Can this project grow? Can additional funding translate into additional impact? We look for projects where more money genuinely means more trees, more energy, more restoration — not just more overhead.
E.g., pan-European reforestation model (Life Terra), replicable farming approach (Land van Ons), scalable legal advocacy (Rechten van de Natuur).
1
Climate & nature impact
Highest weight
Does this project meaningfully contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, or nature restoration? We look at the scale of potential impact, the directness of the intervention, and alignment with Drawdown's ranked solutions.
E.g., reforestation (Drawdown #1 land-based solution), renewable energy transition, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection.
2
Evidence & measurability
High weight
Can the project demonstrate its results with data? We look for measurable outcomes: trees planted and surviving, hectares restored, species counts, energy generated. Projects that can prove their impact score higher.
E.g., GPS-tagged trees (Life Terra), verified renewable energy capacity (WISE), monitored kelp regrowth (Kelp Forest Alliance).
3
Community benefit
Medium weight
Does the project benefit local communities beyond just the environmental impact? We value projects that create jobs, educate, engage citizens, or strengthen community resilience alongside their ecological work.
E.g., community land ownership (Land van Ons), citizen science engagement (Life Terra), local habitat creation (The Pollinators).
4
Transparency
Medium weight
Is the project open about its finances, methods, and results? We look for public reporting, clear communication about how funds are used, and willingness to be held accountable.
E.g., published annual reports, open financial data, public impact dashboards, third-party audits.
5
Scalability
Lower weight (but matters)
Can this project grow? Can additional funding translate into additional impact? We look for projects where more money genuinely means more trees, more energy, more restoration — not just more overhead.
E.g., pan-European reforestation model (Life Terra), replicable farming approach (Land van Ons), scalable legal advocacy (Rechten van de Natuur).
1
Climate & nature impact
Highest weight
Does this project meaningfully contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation, or nature restoration? We look at the scale of potential impact, the directness of the intervention, and alignment with Drawdown's ranked solutions.
E.g., reforestation (Drawdown #1 land-based solution), renewable energy transition, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection.
2
Evidence & measurability
High weight
Can the project demonstrate its results with data? We look for measurable outcomes: trees planted and surviving, hectares restored, species counts, energy generated. Projects that can prove their impact score higher.
E.g., GPS-tagged trees (Life Terra), verified renewable energy capacity (WISE), monitored kelp regrowth (Kelp Forest Alliance).
3
Community benefit
Medium weight
Does the project benefit local communities beyond just the environmental impact? We value projects that create jobs, educate, engage citizens, or strengthen community resilience alongside their ecological work.
E.g., community land ownership (Land van Ons), citizen science engagement (Life Terra), local habitat creation (The Pollinators).
4
Transparency
Medium weight
Is the project open about its finances, methods, and results? We look for public reporting, clear communication about how funds are used, and willingness to be held accountable.
E.g., published annual reports, open financial data, public impact dashboards, third-party audits.
5
Scalability
Lower weight (but matters)
Can this project grow? Can additional funding translate into additional impact? We look for projects where more money genuinely means more trees, more energy, more restoration — not just more overhead.
E.g., pan-European reforestation model (Life Terra), replicable farming approach (Land van Ons), scalable legal advocacy (Rechten van de Natuur).
From application to portfolio
How a project gets selected
Application
Project applies or is identified by the Terry team
Initial review
Basic fit check: climate/nature focus, NL relevance, active community
5-criteria assessment
Scored against all 5 criteria using available data and research
Team discussion
Internal review of scores, fit, and portfolio balance
Decision
Accepted as mission, or as mission + portfolio allocation
The Terry Portfolio
Current allocations and rationale
Each project's allocation reflects its overall score across all 5 criteria. Higher scores earn a larger share of the portfolio.
Principles that guide us
The rules we follow when building and managing the Terry Portfolio.
Diversity of approach
We deliberately include different types of interventions: reforestation, energy, oceans, farming, biodiversity, legal. No single approach solves the climate crisis.
We deliberately include different types of interventions: reforestation, energy, oceans, farming, biodiversity, legal. No single approach solves the climate crisis.
Evidence over sentiment
We prioritize projects that can measure and prove their impact. Good intentions aren't enough. We need data.
We prioritize projects that can measure and prove their impact. Good intentions aren't enough. We need data.
Regular review
The portfolio is not static. We review allocations periodically based on project performance, new evidence, and the evolving landscape of climate solutions.
The portfolio is not static. We review allocations periodically based on project performance, new evidence, and the evolving landscape of climate solutions.
No offsets, no credits
Terry is a donation tool. We never sell carbon credits, make neutrality claims, or participate in offset markets. Every euro is a straightforward donation.
Terry is a donation tool. We never sell carbon credits, make neutrality claims, or participate in offset markets. Every euro is a straightforward donation.
Trust the process. Fund the projects.
Trust the process. Fund the projects.
Trust the process. Fund the projects.
Trust the process. Fund the projects.
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© 2025 Terry. All rights reserved.
© 2025 Terry. All rights reserved.
© 2025 Terry. All rights reserved.