GEF Small Grants Programme: Call for Proposals 2025
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- 29.09.2025
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GEF Small Grants Programme: Call for Proposals 2025
Everything you need to know about the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme 2025 Call for Proposals.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) has officially announced its Call for Proposals for 2025. This initiative provides vital funding to civil society organizations, local communities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working on grassroots projects to protect the environment and support sustainable livelihoods. Since its inception in 1992, the GEF SGP has supported over 27,000 community-based projects in more than 125 countries worldwide.
The programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the GEF and aims to empower local actors to take innovative, community-driven approaches to tackle global environmental challenges.
The 2025 Call for Proposals focuses on funding small-scale, high-impact projects that address the following global environmental focal areas:
- Biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Land degradation and sustainable land management
- International waters and transboundary water systems protection
- Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and chemicals management
Projects under the GEF SGP 2025 are expected to deliver measurable benefits to both the environment and local communities, aligning with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The GEF Small Grants Programme typically awards grants of up to $50,000 per project, though exceptional projects may receive additional co-financing or larger amounts. In 2025, special priority will be given to proposals that:
- Promote gender equality and women’s leadership in environmental management
- Leverage indigenous knowledge for biodiversity conservation
- Develop innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Foster partnerships between communities, private sector actors, and local governments
- Enhance resilience of vulnerable populations to climate change impacts
Applicants are encouraged to seek co-financing or matching funds from other donors to enhance project impact and sustainability.
Who Can Apply for the GEF Small Grants Programme 2025?
The GEF SGP Call for Proposals 2025 is open to a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Registered non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Community-based organizations (CBOs)
- Indigenous peoples’ organizations
- Youth groups and women’s associations
- Academic and research institutions collaborating with communities
Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record in implementing community-level projects and the capacity to manage funds transparently.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Interested organizations can submit their proposals through their country’s GEF SGP National Coordinator or via the official online application platform. Below is a step-by-step guide to applying:
- Review the Guidelines: Download and carefully read the GEF SGP 2025 Call for Proposals Guidelines available on the official website.
- Develop a Concept Note: Outline your project idea, objectives, expected outcomes, budget, and co-financing contributions.
- Submit the Concept Note: Send your concept note to your country’s SGP National Coordinator for review and feedback.
- Full Proposal Submission: If your concept note is shortlisted, you will be invited to submit a full proposal with detailed activities, indicators, and budget breakdown.
- Evaluation and Approval: Proposals will be evaluated based on environmental impact, community participation, innovation, and sustainability.
- Grant Agreement: Successful applicants will sign a grant agreement and begin project implementation.
Application Deadlines for 2025
The deadline for submitting concept notes under the GEF SGP 2025 Call for Proposals varies by country. Applicants are strongly advised to check with their National SGP Office for specific deadlines. Generally, the call opens in January 2025 and closes in April 2025, with full proposals due by June 2025.
Early submission is recommended to allow time for feedback and revisions before the final deadline.
Benefits of Participating in the GEF Small Grants Programme
Participation in the GEF SGP 2025 offers numerous benefits for grassroots organizations, including:
- Access to financial resources for innovative environmental projects
- Capacity-building and technical support from UNDP and partner agencies
- Opportunities to scale up successful projects through additional funding
- Networking and knowledge-sharing with other grantees worldwide
- Contribution to global environmental goals and local community development
Key Tips for a Successful Proposal
To increase your chances of success, applicants should:
- Align proposals with national environmental strategies and SDGs
- Demonstrate strong community participation and ownership
- Include measurable indicators of environmental and social impact
- Highlight gender equality and inclusion of marginalized groups
- Provide realistic budgets and co-financing plans
Remember, the GEF Small Grants Programme values innovation, partnerships, and sustainability.
For more information about the GEF Small Grants Programme 2025 Call for Proposals, visit the official GEF SGP website or contact your country’s SGP National Coordinator. Detailed application forms, guidelines, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) are available online.
Click here to access the official GEF SGP 2025 Call for Proposals
