UNDP is offering grants of up to US$75,000 for eligible organisations in Papua New Guinea working on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Apply by 15 November 2026.
Background & Grant Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme, has launched a new funding opportunity for community-led conservation and sustainable development projects in Papua New Guinea.
The programme’s eighth operational phase (OP8) aims to support initiatives that protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience and improve sustainable livelihoods.
Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to US$75,000 per project, depending on the project’s scope and expected impact.
The funding is intended for community-based organisations, civil society groups, Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, non-governmental organisations and other eligible organisations working in Papua New Guinea.
Applications must demonstrate meaningful community participation and clear environmental and socioeconomic benefits. The deadline for submitting proposals is 15 November 2026.
Grant Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding organisation | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Funding programme | GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) |
| Operational phase | OP8 |
| Location | Papua New Guinea |
| Maximum grant | Up to US$75,000 per project |
| Focus areas | Conservation, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods |
| Eligible applicants | Qualified organisations working in Papua New Guinea |
| Application deadline | 15 November 2026 |
| Official announcement | UNDP Papua New Guinea |
Tasks and Funding Priorities
The programme supports community-driven projects that address environmental challenges while improving local livelihoods. Proposals should demonstrate measurable conservation outcomes, community engagement and the potential for lasting impact.
Priority Geographic Areas
Approximately 70% of programme resources will be directed towards three priority landscapes.
1. Sepik-Hunstein Landscape
Projects may focus on forest conservation, freshwater ecosystem management, community conservation initiatives and sustainable livelihoods.
2. New Britain Ridge-to-Reef Landscape and Seascape
Priority activities include forest and biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, cocoa value chains, coastal and marine ecosystem management, and climate resilience.
3. Mount Wilhelm Climate Resilient Landscape
Potential projects include watershed management, climate-smart agriculture, forest restoration and initiatives that strengthen community resilience.
Innovative proposals from other parts of Papua New Guinea may also be considered if they demonstrate strong conservation benefits and potential for replication, expansion or policy influence.
Eligible Project Areas
Projects may address one or more of the following themes:
- Biodiversity conservation: Protecting species and habitats, restoring ecosystems and strengthening community conservation areas.
- Climate change adaptation: Improving climate resilience, water resource management and disaster risk reduction.
- Sustainable agriculture: Supporting agroforestry, climate-smart farming, sustainable cocoa and coffee value chains, and food security.
- Sustainable livelihoods: Developing nature-based businesses, community ecotourism and environmentally sustainable enterprises.
- Community empowerment: Strengthening the participation of women, young people, Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities.
- Knowledge and innovation: Demonstrating practical community solutions that can be shared and replicated elsewhere.
Qualifications and Eligibility
This funding opportunity is intended for organisations rather than individual applicants seeking personal scholarships or employment grants.
Eligible applicant categories include:
- Community-based organisations (CBOs).
- Civil society organisations (CSOs).
- Indigenous Peoples’ organisations.
- Local and national non-governmental organisations.
- Community associations and cooperatives.
- Faith-based organisations engaged in environmental activities.
- Women’s and youth organisations.
Organisational Requirements
Applicants must be legally registered or demonstrate recognised community legitimacy and appropriate governance structures.
Proposals must also show that the communities intended to benefit from the project have been consulted and support the proposed activities.
Projects should align with the programme’s geographic priorities and thematic areas and demonstrate clear environmental benefits, meaningful community participation and sustainable socioeconomic outcomes.
Applicants should consult the official call for proposals to confirm the complete eligibility conditions and documentation requirements.
Additional Information
The deadline for submitting full project proposals is 15 November 2026.
Interested organisations should prepare a project proposal that clearly describes the environmental challenge, proposed activities, communities to be served, expected results and alignment with the funding priorities.
How to apply: Visit the official UNDP announcement. Download and review the official Call for Proposals PDF and accompanying Proposal Template DOCX linked on the page, then follow the specified submission instructions.
For further information, the announcement directs interested applicants to the official programme documentation for the full requirements and proposal format.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme offering?
The programme offers grants of up to US$75,000 per project to support eligible community-led conservation and sustainable development initiatives in Papua New Guinea.
2. Who can apply for the grants?
Eligible applicants include community-based organisations, civil society organisations, Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, NGOs, cooperatives, qualifying faith-based organisations, and women’s and youth organisations.
3. Can individuals apply for this funding?
The opportunity is designed for eligible organisations, not individuals applying for personal funding. Applicants should review the official eligibility requirements.
4. What projects can receive funding?
Projects may focus on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, community livelihoods, water management, and environmental innovation.
5. Which locations are prioritised?
The priority areas are the Sepik-Hunstein Landscape, New Britain Ridge-to-Reef Landscape and Seascape, and Mount Wilhelm Climate Resilient Landscape. Proposals from other areas may also be considered.
6. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for full project proposals is 15 November 2026.
7. Must organisations be registered?
Applicants must be legally registered or demonstrate recognised community legitimacy and appropriate governance structures.
8. How can organisations apply?
Organisations should visit the official UNDP funding announcement, download the Call for Proposals and Proposal Template, and follow the application instructions.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme offers a potential funding opportunity for organisations in Papua New Guinea working to protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and improve sustainable livelihoods. Community groups and environmental organisations with locally supported, practical projects should review the requirements and begin preparing their proposals before the November deadline.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares funding opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNDP or the Global Environment Facility and does not award grants. Applicants should verify eligibility requirements, funding conditions and submission instructions through the official UNDP announcement and application documents.
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