Apply for 2026 UNDP Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme
Applications are now open for the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) for 2026, brought to you by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This initiative is all about empowering community-led environmental and sustainable development projects throughout Africa.
Through this programme, eligible civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) can access grant funding and receive technical support to help them protect the environment while also enhancing local livelihoods.
Grant Benefits
Eligible organisations can access:
- Grants of up to US$100,000 for selected strategic projects and opportunities
- Funding for community-led environmental initiatives
- Technical assistance and capacity-building support
- Opportunities to develop and scale innovative environmental solutions
- Support for initiatives that improve livelihoods while generating global environmental benefits.
Important: The maximum grant amount and eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific country call and type of GEF SGP opportunity. The US$100,000 opportunity referenced here relates to a strategic grant call for hosting and delivering a Southern Africa regional workshop, rather than a general grant open to all African startups or organisations.
Who Can Apply?
Depending on the specific country or regional call, eligible applicants may include:
- Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
- Community-Based Organisations (CBOs)
- Research institutions
- Indigenous Peoples’ organisations
- Women and youth organisations
- Organisations representing persons with disabilities
- Other eligible community-based groups.
Areas of Focus
Projects may focus on:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Land degradation and restoration
- Sustainable agriculture and food security
- International waters
- Chemicals and waste management
- Renewable energy and low-carbon solutions
- Community-led environmental protection and sustainable livelihoods.
Why This Matters
The GEF Small Grants Programme is designed to support local organisations that are directly addressing environmental challenges in their communities. Its funding model focuses on locally led solutions that can improve livelihoods, strengthen community resilience, and contribute to wider environmental goals.
Application Deadline
Deadlines vary depending on the specific GEF SGP country or regional call. Applicants should carefully review the relevant call for proposals before applying.
