The GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) CSO Challenge Program, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is offering funding and support to civil society organizations (CSOs) developing innovative environmental solutions with global impact.
The programme is designed to help organizations scale and replicate successful conservation and sustainability initiatives that benefit communities and protect the planet.
Opportunity Overview
Programme: GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program
Supported By: Global Environment Facility (GEF) and IUCN
Partner: RTI International
Funding Amount: Up to $300,000 USD
Project Duration: Up to 24 months
Eligible Applicants: Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
Regions Open:
- Africa
- Latin America & the Caribbean
- Asia-Pacific & Oceania
Deadline: 15 September 2026
Application Languages: English, French, or Spanish
About the GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program
The programme identifies, rewards and supports high-impact environmental solutions developed by civil society organizations.
Selected CSOs will receive financial support and technical assistance to:
- Scale existing environmental solutions
- Replicate successful approaches in new communities
- Improve organizational capacity
- Build partnerships
- Increase environmental impact
The programme focuses on locally driven solutions that address major environmental challenges.
Strategic Areas Supported
Applications are welcomed from organizations working in five key areas:
1. Community-Based Management of Threatened Ecosystems and Species
Projects may focus on:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Protection of threatened species
- Community-led ecosystem management
2. Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security
Eligible initiatives may include:
- Sustainable farming methods
- Climate-resilient agriculture
- Sustainable fisheries
- Food security solutions
3. Low-Carbon Energy Access
Projects addressing:
- Renewable energy access
- Clean energy solutions
- Community energy systems
4. Chemicals and Waste Management
Supported approaches include:
- Waste reduction
- Recycling initiatives
- Sustainable waste systems
- Pollution prevention
5. Sustainable Urban Solutions
Projects may focus on:
- Green cities
- Urban sustainability
- Climate adaptation
- Community-based urban solutions
What Selected Organizations Receive
Successful CSOs will benefit from:
Grant Funding
Up to:
$300,000 USD
for projects lasting up to 24 months.
Funding supports organizations seeking to scale or replicate proven environmental solutions.
Technical Support
Organizations receive tailored assistance including:
- Results tracking
- Environmental and social risk management
- Programme design improvements
- Private sector partnership development
Capacity Building and Collaboration
Selected organizations will gain opportunities to:
- Improve organizational visibility
- Share knowledge
- Collaborate with other CSOs
- Develop partnerships
- Strengthen institutional capacity
Eligibility
The programme is open to eligible civil society organizations and actors developing innovative environmental solutions.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A proven or promising environmental approach
- Potential for scaling or replication
- Community impact
- Alignment with one of the five strategic areas
Application Deadline
Deadline: 15 September 2026
Time: 23:59 UTC
Applications must be submitted through the online grants portal.
Supporting Organizations
The programme is:
Supported by:
- Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Led by:
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
In partnership with:
- RTI International
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