Green Climate Fund accredited entities: who they are and how to work with one
92 matching capital sources on the ASFIP database · Last checked October 2026
Accredited entities are the gatekeepers of the Green Climate Fund. Only they can submit funding proposals, and they carry responsibility for delivering and reporting on the project. There are more than 130 of them — international development banks, UN agencies, national development banks, ministries and a small number of commercial banks.
Choosing the right accredited entity is the single biggest decision in a GCF application. This page explains how they differ and lists the accredited entities and GCF partners on our database.
Direct access vs international access entities
Direct access entities are national or regional institutions — for example national development banks, environment funds or ministries — and the GCF actively wants more proposals through them. International access entities are multilateral development banks, UN agencies and bilateral agencies that operate across many countries.
A direct access entity usually knows the national pipeline and has stronger government ties; an international entity brings co-finance and a track record of large proposals.
Size categories matter
Each entity is accredited for a maximum project size — micro (up to USD 10 million), small (10–50 million), medium (50–250 million) and large (above 250 million) — and for specific risk levels and fund types (grants, loans, equity, guarantees). An entity accredited only for small grant projects cannot take your USD 80 million loan programme.
How to approach an accredited entity
Come with a concept, not just an idea: location, technology, estimated cost, the climate impact in tonnes of CO2 or people made more resilient, expected co-finance, and why the project needs concessional money. Check the entity's existing GCF portfolio first — entities are far more receptive to projects in sectors and countries where they already operate.
The funders
Each profile shows mandate, instruments and sector appetite. Verified contacts and application routes are available to members.
- Green Climate FundClimate Fund · South KoreaLargest dedicated global climate fund supporting mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.GrantsConcessional DebtEquity
- Green Climate Fund - Private Sector FacilityProgramme Window · South KoreaDedicated GCF window deploying concessional debt, equity and guarantees to crowd private capital into climate projects, including across Africa.Concessional DebtEquityGuarantees
- Green Climate Fund Pacific Regional ProgrammesProgramme Window · South KoreaGCF's dedicated support to Pacific small island developing states, delivered through regional accredited entities such as SPREP, SPC and the Pacific Community, prioritising adaptation and resilience.GrantsConcessional DebtTechnical Assistance
- Green Climate Fund Readiness ProgrammeClimate Fund · South KoreaGrantsTechnical Assistance
- African Development BankMDB · Côte d'IvoireAfrica's premier multilateral development bank, financing infrastructure, energy and climate adaptation across the continent.DebtGuaranteesGrants
- FMO - Dutch Entrepreneurial Development BankDFI · NetherlandsDutch development bank focused on energy, agribusiness and financial institutions in Africa.DebtConcessional DebtEquity
- International Finance CorporationMDB · United StatesPrivate-sector arm of the World Bank Group, investing in climate-smart businesses and infrastructure in Africa.DebtEquityMezzanine
- U.S. International Development Finance CorporationDFI · United StatesUS development finance institution mobilising private capital into emerging markets.DebtEquityPolitical Risk Insurance
- Africa Finance CorporationMDB · NigeriaPan-African multilateral development finance institution focused on infrastructure.DebtEquityMezzanine
- British International InvestmentDFI · United KingdomUK development finance institution investing in productive, sustainable and inclusive African businesses.DebtEquityMezzanine
Showing 10 of 92 matching capital sources. The remaining 82 — including their verified routes and eligibility criteria — are reserved for members.
Common questions
- How many GCF accredited entities are there?
- More than 130, split between direct access (national and regional) and international access entities. The current list is published on the GCF website.
- Can my organisation become a GCF accredited entity?
- Yes, but accreditation is demanding and can take years. It requires strong fiduciary standards, environmental and social safeguards and a gender policy. Most project developers partner with an existing entity instead.
- What does an accredited entity charge?
- Entities recover costs through a GCF fee on the funded amount, and some also charge arrangement or management fees on the co-finance they provide. Agree the terms early.
Related guides
Official sources: Green Climate Fund · GCF accredited entities · GCF Readiness Programme. Reviewed by the iSustain Global research team against funders' published criteria.