Calls for Proposals: GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program 2026 – Grants for Civil Society Environmental Solutions

Application Deadline: July 20, 2026 (Eastern Europe, Caucasus & Central Asia regional call)

About the Program

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) CSO Challenge Program is a prestigious global initiative designed to empower civil society organizations (CSOs) to develop, expand, and replicate innovative environmental solutions. Supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), one of the world’s largest funders of environmental projects, the program aims to address pressing ecological challenges while promoting sustainable development worldwide. Led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the SGP CSO Challenge Program works in close collaboration with RTI International, a leading research organization with extensive experience in implementing environmental and social projects. Together, they provide funding, technical assistance, and capacity-building support to CSOs, enabling them to implement impactful environmental initiatives that can be scaled and adapted across different regions and contexts. The core objective of the program is to identify and support high-impact environmental solutions developed by civil society organizations that show promise for broader application. By facilitating the scaling and replication of successful projects, the program seeks to accelerate progress toward global environmental goals, including biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable resource management. Participants in the GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program are encouraged to develop innovative approaches that address critical environmental issues such as deforestation, pollution, water scarcity, and ecosystem degradation. The program not only provides financial resources but also offers mentorship, technical guidance, and opportunities for knowledge sharing among grantees. This comprehensive support helps CSOs strengthen their capacity, increase their reach, and maximize the impact of their initiatives. The GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program strives to foster a global network of empowered civil society organizations committed to creating sustainable environmental solutions. By scaling successful projects and encouraging the replication of best practices, the program aims to contribute significantly to the preservation of the planet’s natural resources and the well-being of communities worldwide.

Key Details of the Program

• Total Funding: USD 10 million from GEF + USD 4.5 million co-financing from IUCN and RTI International
• Direct Grants: Up to USD 300,000 per winning CSO
• Number of Winners: Approximately 24 CSOs supported across four regional calls (6 winners + 6 finalists per region)
• Program Duration: Four-year program launched at the 8th GEF Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (June 2026)
• Eligible Regions: Eastern Europe, Caucasus & Central Asia; Africa; Latin America & the Caribbean; Asia-Pacific

Priority Areas:

1. Sustainable agriculture and fisheries, and food security
2. Chemicals and waste management (including plastic pollution)
3. Community-based management of threatened ecosystems and species
4. Low-carbon energy access
5. Sustainable urban solutions

Priority Applicants:

• Youth and youth-led CSOs
• Women and women’s groups
• Indigenous Peoples and Local Community organizations

Application Process

Proposals are selected through an inclusive and transparent two-stage review process:

Step 1: Concept Note

• Call Opens: June 5, 2026
• Deadline for Questions: June 20, 2026
• Deadline to Submit Concept Note: July 20, 2026

Step 2: Full Proposal

• Finalists Notified: August 19, 2026
• Full Proposal Invited: August 19, 2026
• Deadline for Full Proposal Submission: September 18, 2026

Step 3: Final Selection

• Winners and Finalists Notified: October 18, 2026

A diverse Program Selection Committee, comprised of GEF Secretariat, representatives of civil society, Indigenous Peoples, youth, and women’s organizations, and IUCN, will select winning and finalist CSOs from among proposals received.

Important: 

Proposals may be submitted in: English, French, or Spanish.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be assessed using the following criteria:

1. Alignment with SGP 2.0 priority areas
2. Impact potential
3. Alignment with national MEA commitments
4. Scalability
5. Inclusivity
6. Innovation
7. Theory of Change & Logical Framework
8. Technical competency of proponent
9. Financial viability
10. Sustainability
11. Partnerships & stakeholder cooperation
12. Commitment to knowledge sharing
13. Risk management & mitigation

For detailed guidance, refer to the Guidelines for Applicants available on the official website.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review the Call for Proposals and Guidelines for Applicants for detailed information on eligibility, application materials, and the selection process.

Step 2: Create an account or sign in to the online grants portal.

Step 3: Submit your Concept Note through the online grants portal by the deadline (July 20, 2026).

Step 4: If shortlisted, submit a Full Proposal.

Selected winners receive: Direct funding up to USD 300,000 and full program support (capacity-building, technical support, knowledge exchange).
Finalists receive: Recognition and access to capacity-building support.

Application Link: Click here to apply

Upcoming Regional Calls

Organizations are encouraged to prepare their proposals in advance of each regional call opening. The Eastern Europe, Caucasus & Central Asia call is currently open and closes on July 20, 2026. The Latin America & the Caribbean call tentatively opens on July 1, 2026. The Africa call tentatively opens on August 1, 2026. The Asia-Pacific call tentatively opens on September 1, 2026.

Why This Program Matters

Civil society organizations are on the front lines of the climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises, yet their work is often underfunded and underrecognized. The GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program was designed to close this funding gap by providing significant financial and technical support to CSOs with proven solutions ready to scale. For CSOs working on environmental solutions, particularly those led by or involving youth, women, and Indigenous Peoples, this program offers:

• Substantial grant funding (up to USD 300,000)
• Capacity-building and technical support to strengthen impact
• Global visibility and recognition
• Peer-to-peer learning opportunities within a global community of practice

As IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar stated: “To tackle the most pressing global environmental challenges, we need the voices, ideas and solutions from all members of society, including from youth, women and Indigenous People and local communities.”

For More Information: Visit the Official GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program Page