GEF Small Grants Programme: Who Can Apply and How
95 matching capital sources on the ASFIP database · Last checked October 2026
The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) is the part of the Global Environment Facility that community organisations can actually reach. It is run by UNDP and gives small grants to local NGOs and community groups for environmental and climate projects.
Each participating country has a national coordinator and a national steering committee that set priorities, publish calls and choose projects. That means the rules, deadlines and focus areas differ by country.
Who can apply
Community-based organisations, local NGOs, indigenous peoples' organisations and similar civil society groups. Governments and private companies are generally not eligible as lead applicants.
Typical grant sizes and what is funded
Grants are typically up to $50,000, with some strategic projects up to $150,000. Common themes include community conservation, sustainable land and farming practice, clean energy access, waste and chemicals, and protecting water resources. Applicants are usually expected to contribute in cash or kind.
How to apply
1. Find your country's SGP page and national coordinator. 2. Read the country programme strategy and current call. 3. Submit a short concept or project proposal in the required format. 4. Many countries offer a planning grant to help shortlisted groups develop the full proposal.
The funders
Each profile shows mandate, instruments and sector appetite. Verified contacts and application routes are available to members.
- GEF Small Grants ProgrammeClimate Fund · United StatesUNDP-implemented GEF window giving small grants directly to community organisations for biodiversity, land degradation, climate and chemicals projects across African countries.GrantsTechnical Assistance
- Global Environment Facility Small Grants ProgrammeProgramme Window · United StatesUNDP-implemented window providing small grants to community organisations for biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation projects across Africa.GrantsTechnical Assistance
- Global Environment FacilityClimate Fund · United StatesMultilateral fund financing biodiversity, land degradation and climate mitigation projects.GrantsConcessional DebtTechnical Assistance
- Green Climate FundClimate Fund · South KoreaLargest dedicated global climate fund supporting mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.GrantsConcessional DebtEquity
- Climate Investment FundsClimate Fund · United StatesMulti-donor concessional climate finance vehicle deployed through MDBs.Concessional DebtGrantsGuarantees
- Adaptation FundClimate Fund · United StatesFinances concrete climate adaptation projects in developing countries.GrantsTechnical AssistanceProject Preparation
- Nordic Development FundClimate Fund · FinlandNordic climate finance institution providing concessional finance for adaptation and mitigation.GrantsConcessional Debt
- EEP AfricaClimate Fund · South AfricaClean energy financing facility hosted by NDF, providing early-stage grants and repayable grants to innovative energy access and clean energy companies in Southern and East Africa.GrantsConcessional DebtCatalytic Capital
- Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Program (ASAP)Climate FundThe Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme is the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s (IFAD) main programme for channelling climate and environmental finance to smallholder farmers. The programme is incorporated into IFAD’s regular investment processes and is subject to rigorous quality control and supervision systems. Since starting its operations in 2012, ASAP funding in two distinct phases (ASAP1 and ASAP2) has received USD 300 million in contributions and has helped eight million vulnerable smallholders in 43 countries cope with the impact of climate change and build more resilient livelihoods. In 2021, the Enhanced Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP+) was launched by IFAD as an expansion of the original ASAP initiative.Grants
- Affirmative Finance Action for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa (AFAWA)Climate FundThe Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) is a flagship initiative by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) aimed at closing the $42 billion financing gap faced by women entrepreneurs across Africa. It seeks to unlock up to $5 billion in financing for women-led businesses by 2026, promoting gender-inclusive finance and empowering women to participate in Africa’s economic development fully by targeting three pillars: Access to Finance: Utilizes AfDB’s financial instruments like lines of credit, trade finance, and equity investments. Introduced the AFAWA Guarantee for Growth (G4G), a pan-African risk-sharing mechanism to reduce collateral requirements and unlock up to $3 billion in financing for around 27,000 women-led businesses Technical Assistance: Provides advisory services to financial institutions. Offers training and mentoring to women entrepreneurs to improve business productivity and financial literacy Enabling Environment: Works with governments and regulators to reform policies that hinder women’s access to finance. Supports legal and regulatory changes to foster a more inclusive financial ecosystemConcessional DebtDebtTechnical Assistance
Showing 10 of 95 matching capital sources. The remaining 85 — including their verified routes and eligibility criteria — are reserved for members.
Common questions
- How much can I get from the GEF Small Grants Programme?
- Typically up to $50,000 per project, and up to around $150,000 for some strategic projects. Check your country's current call.
- Is the GEF Small Grants Programme open in my country?
- It runs in more than 120 countries. Check the SGP website for your country's page and national coordinator.
- Can a company apply?
- Generally no. The programme funds civil society and community organisations, though companies can sometimes take part as partners.
Related guides
Official sources: GEF Small Grants Programme · Global Environment Facility. Reviewed by the iSustain Global research team against funders' published criteria.