Letter of inquiry due Aug 7, 2027
About the Program
Since 1992, the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (GEF SGP) has embodied the very essence of sustainable development by "thinking globally and acting locally.” In the GEF partnership, SGP is serving a unique role supporting objectives of multilateral environmental agreements, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals, and in achieving the GEF’s mission and mandate to deliver global environmental benefits (GEBs).
The overriding objective of SGP 2.0 under the eighth replenishment cycle (GEF-8) is to “Catalyze and mobilize civil society actors and local actions needed to address major drivers of environmental degradation and help deliver multiple benefits across the GEF’s mandated thematic dimensions, while promoting sustainable development and improved livelihoods."
To achieve this, GEF SGP provides financial and technical support to local civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs), with a special focus on Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth, to develop and implement innovative local actions that address global environmental issues, while also improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.
The SGP core global program is currently implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), and Conservation International (CI).
Scale Your Environmental Impact with the CSO Challenge Program
CSOs around the globe are invited to apply for the GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program - a new initiative designed to support and scale high-impact environmental solutions.
The program offers grants of up to $300,000 to help organizations expand or replicate successful initiatives that deliver measurable global environmental benefits while strengthening local communities. Beyond funding, selected organizations will receive tailored technical support, capacity-building opportunities, and knowledge sharing opportunities that can help sustain and expand their work.
Projects must align with one of five priority areas:
Community-based management of threatened ecosystems and species
- Sustainable agriculture or fisheries and food security
- Low-carbon energy access
- Chemicals and waste management
- Sustainable urban solutions.
The program is global, inclusive, and designed to reduce barriers to participation, with multilingual resources and support available throughout the application process.