Community organizations, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, and local conservation groups in Kenya can apply for grants of up to $50,000 through the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme 2026 to support biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
Overview
Communities are often at the forefront of protecting forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and other important ecosystems. Yet many local conservation initiatives struggle to access the funding needed to expand their impact.
To help address this challenge, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), has launched a new funding opportunity under the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Conserved Areas and Territories Global Support Initiative (ICCA-GSI) Phase 2.
The programme offers grants of up to US$50,000 to support projects that strengthen biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and community-led environmental governance. Successful projects will contribute to global biodiversity goals while empowering Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect and manage important conservation areas.
About the Programme
The ICCA-GSI initiative has been supporting Indigenous Peoples and local communities since 2014 by providing direct financial support for conservation efforts, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience activities.
The second phase of the initiative focuses on supporting the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) 2030 Targets, particularly those related to:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Community participation and governance
- Access to information and knowledge
- Indigenous Peoples’ rights
- Gender equality
- Climate resilience
- Sustainable natural resource management
The programme is implemented globally in 50 countries through the UNDP-managed GEF Small Grants Programme.
What Funding Is Available?
The 2026 call combines two funding opportunities.
1. Catalytic NGO Grants
A well-established local NGO can apply to serve as a Catalytic NGO supporting ICCA initiatives.
Responsibilities include:
- Training Indigenous Peoples and local communities
- Supporting self-strengthening processes
- Conducting monitoring and evaluation
- Supporting knowledge management activities
- Producing project reports
- Strengthening conservation networks
Maximum Grant Amount: US$50,000
Project Duration: Up to 30 months
2. Regular Grants
Regular grants are available for eligible civil society organizations working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities in or near ICCAs.
Projects should focus on:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Climate resilience
- Sustainable livelihoods
- Community governance
- Environmental protection
Funding levels include:
- Up to US$30,000 for:
- Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
- Youth groups
- Women’s groups
- Organizations representing persons with disabilities
- Up to US$50,000 for NGOs
Project Duration: Up to 24 months
What Will Funded Projects Achieve?
The programme seeks projects that generate measurable environmental and community benefits.
Expected outcomes include:
- Enhanced biodiversity conservation
- Improved ecosystem management
- Increased resilience to climate change
- Stronger community governance systems
- Sustainable livelihood opportunities
- Greater participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities
- Increased inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups
Projects should contribute to the achievement of internationally recognized biodiversity and sustainability targets.
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to registered organizations in Kenya.
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
- Youth groups
- Women’s groups
- Organizations representing persons with disabilities
- Other registered civil society organizations
For regular grants, organizations should work in or near Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs) and support local communities in conservation and governance efforts.
What Projects Are Eligible?
Projects should align with biodiversity conservation and community empowerment objectives.
Priority areas include:
- Conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems
- Climate change adaptation and resilience
- Sustainable natural resource management
- Community-led conservation
- Indigenous Peoples’ rights and participation
- Environmental governance
- Gender-responsive biodiversity initiatives
- Knowledge sharing and awareness raising
Projects that demonstrate strong community engagement and tangible benefits for local communities will receive favorable consideration.
Is Co-Financing Required?
Yes.
Applicants must demonstrate co-financing support and indicate the sources of funding or contributions.
Co-financing may include:
- Cash contributions
- In-kind contributions
- Partner support
- Community contributions
Applicants should clearly explain how co-financing will support project implementation.
How to Apply
Interested organizations must submit a full project proposal using the official GEF SGP templates.
Step 1
Review the funding guidelines and eligibility requirements.
Step 2
Develop a project proposal aligned with programme priorities.
Step 3
Prepare the required supporting documents.
Step 4
Complete the proposal and budget templates.
Step 5
Submit the application via email before the deadline.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Project proposal application form
- Project budget
- Registration certificate
- Letter of support from a government office or development partner
- Additional documents if requested during the review process
All applications must be complete to be considered.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Relevance of project activities
- Organizational capacity and track record
- Realistic work plan
- Detailed budget
- Co-financing commitment
- Community engagement
- Expected environmental and social impact
- Benefits for Indigenous Peoples and local communities
Shortlisted proposals may undergo due diligence reviews and field verification before final approval.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting proposals is:
21 June 2026
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme (ICCA-GSI Phase 2) |
| Implementing Organization | UNDP |
| Funding Type | Conservation and Community Development Grants |
| Eligible Applicants | Registered Kenyan NGOs, CBOs, Youth and Women’s Groups |
| Maximum NGO Grant | US$50,000 |
| Maximum CBO/Youth/Women/PWD Grant | US$30,000 |
| Project Duration | 24–30 Months |
| Focus Areas | Biodiversity, Climate Resilience, Community Conservation |
| Co-Financing Required | Yes |
| Application Deadline | 21 June 2026 |
Conclusion
The UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme 2026 offers an important opportunity for Kenyan community organizations and conservation groups working to protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and improve local livelihoods.
With grants of up to US$50,000 available, the programme can help organizations scale their impact, empower Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and contribute to global conservation goals. Eligible organizations should begin preparing their proposals early to ensure they meet all requirements before the 21 June 2026 deadline.
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