Call for Applications: The GEF Small Grants Program – SGP CSO Innovation Challenge Program (grants of up to USD $300,000 awarded)

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Closing Date: 31 July 2026

Call for Applications: The GEF Small Grants Program – SGP CSO Innovation Challenge Program (grants of up to USD $300,000 awarded)

The GEF Small Grants Program (SGP) Civil Society Organization (CSO) Challenge Program is now open for applications.

This global initiative, supported by GEF and led by IUCN, provides grants of up to USD $300,000 to help civil society organizations scale and replicate innovative conservation solutions that deliver global benefits for people and the planet..

Selected organizations will receive not only funding, but also technical assistance, capacity-building, and opportunities for knowledge sharing and partnership.

CSOs with demonstrated impact and potential for scaling to apply are encouraged to apply.

GEF SGP CSO Innovation Challenge Program

Supported by IUCN and GEF, this program helps civil society organizations scale and replicate innovative conservation solutions that deliver global benefits for people and the planet.

The program is now open for Eastern Europe, Caucasus & Central Asia regions!

Submit proposals in English, French, or Spanish through the online grants portal.

About the Program

IUCN and the GEF have launched the SGP CSO Challenge Program – a new global program to identify, reward and support high impact innovative environmental approaches and solutions spearheaded by civil society organizations and actors.

The program welcomes submissions from CSOs working in one of 5 strategic areas:

Community-based management of threatened ecosystems and species
Sustainable agriculture and fisheries, and food security
Low-carbon energy access
Chemicals and waste management
Sustainable urban solutions

Selected CSOs will be supported with…

Up to $300,000 USD in direct grant funding

Grant funding for projects lasting up to 24 months to scale or replicate promising environmental solutions.

Tailored, demand-driven technical support

Assistance with tracking results, managing environmental and social risks, designing high-impact programs, and engaging private sector partners.

Capacity building and collaboration

Support to increase organizational visibility, share knowledge, learn from other CSOs, and build partnerships.

Eligibility

What is funded

Grants of up to $300,000 USD for civil society organizations running projects up to 24 months.

Funding Focus

Funding supports initiatives that focus on the following areas:

Replicating proven models in new communities, contexts, or locations
Adapting existing solutions to local conditions
Testing scaling approaches for promising innovations

Unlike previous GEF SGP grants, the program prioritizes larger-sized requests to meet the goals of identifying innovative approaches that can be scaled.

The SGP CSO Innovation Challenge Program strongly encourages projects that meaningfully engage youth, women, and Indigenous Peoples.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible, applicant organizations must meet all of the following criteria:

Civil Society Organization

Be a CSO with legal status and a bank account in the organization’s name.

GEF Recipient Country

Proponents and Initiatives to be replicated / scaled must be based in GEF recipient countries listed here.

For more information, refer to the Guidelines for Applicants.

Eligible applicants are local, national, regional, or international civil society organizations (CSOs) that are authorized to receive charitable contributions from foreign sources, maintain a bank account in the organization’s name, and are directly responsible for implementing the project. International CSOs are eligible provided they work closely with national stakeholders and local communities and obtain all required government authorizations. Governments may participate in project activities but are not
eligible to receive grant funding directly. Proposals from, or with strong engagement of, youth, women, and Indigenous Peoples are strongly encouraged.