GEF Small Grants Programme CSO Challenge Program 2026: Receive Up to $300,000 to Scale High-Impact Environmental Solutions

Civil society organizations around the world are playing a critical role in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, pollution, and other environmental challenges. Yet many of these organizations struggle to secure the resources needed to expand successful initiatives and increase their impact.

To address this gap, the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) CSO Challenge Program has launched a new funding opportunity designed to identify, reward, and support innovative environmental solutions led by civil society organizations.

Supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the program provides grants of up to USD $300,000 to help qualified organizations scale proven environmental solutions, replicate successful models, and expand their impact.

In addition to funding, selected organizations will benefit from technical assistance, capacity-building opportunities, peer learning, strategic partnerships, and international visibility.

For the current call, applications are open for organizations operating in the Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia (EECCA) region.

About the GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program

The GEF Small Grants Programme has a long history of supporting community-led environmental action across the globe. Building on the success of previous initiatives, the CSO Challenge Program was created to provide larger grants and more comprehensive support to organizations that have already demonstrated success and are ready to grow.

The program recognizes that civil society organizations and local communities are often at the forefront of environmental conservation and sustainable development. Their innovations, local knowledge, and grassroots approaches are essential for addressing some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

The CSO Challenge Program aims to amplify these efforts by helping organizations scale their solutions, reach new communities, and create lasting environmental impact.

Funding Amount

Selected organizations can receive:

• Grants of up to USD $300,000
• Funding for projects lasting up to 24 months
• Tailored technical support
• Capacity-building assistance
• Networking opportunities
• Peer-to-peer learning opportunities
• Partnership development support
• Increased international recognition and visibility

Unlike traditional GEF Small Grants Programme funding, this initiative prioritizes larger grants that can significantly accelerate growth, replication, and scaling of successful environmental solutions.

Program Objectives

The CSO Challenge Program seeks to achieve several important goals:

1. Recognize Innovative Environmental Solutions

The program identifies and rewards organizations that have developed effective and innovative approaches to environmental conservation and sustainability.

2. Strengthen Organizational Capacity

Selected organizations receive support to enhance their ability to design, manage, and expand impactful environmental programs.

3. Scale Successful Models

The program helps organizations replicate proven approaches in new regions, communities, and contexts.

4. Encourage Knowledge Sharing

Participants are encouraged to exchange experiences, lessons learned, and best practices with other organizations and stakeholders.

5. Promote Inclusion

The program supports initiatives that actively engage:

• Women
• Youth
• Indigenous Peoples
• Local communities
• Marginalized populations

What Types of Projects Are Funded?

Funding is available for initiatives that focus on scaling and expanding successful environmental solutions.

Supported activities include:

Replicating Proven Models

Organizations can replicate successful environmental approaches in new communities, regions, or countries.

Adapting Existing Solutions

Projects may adapt effective models to suit different local conditions and environmental contexts.

Testing Scaling Strategies

Organizations can explore innovative approaches to expanding the reach and impact of promising environmental initiatives.

Strategic Priority Areas

Applicants must work within one of the program’s five strategic priority areas.

1. Community-Based Management of Threatened Ecosystems and Species

Projects that support local communities in protecting biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and conserving threatened species.

2. Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security

Initiatives that promote sustainable food systems while protecting natural resources and strengthening livelihoods.

3. Low-Carbon Energy Access

Projects that improve access to renewable and low-carbon energy solutions while delivering environmental and social benefits.

4. Chemicals and Waste Management

Programs that reduce pollution, improve waste management systems, and protect environmental and human health.

5. Sustainable Urban Solutions

Innovative approaches that improve environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and resource efficiency in urban areas.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Civil Society Organization Status

Applicants must:

• Be a legally registered Civil Society Organization (CSO)
• Possess legal status in their country
• Maintain a bank account in the organization’s name

Geographic Eligibility

The applicant organization and the initiative to be replicated or scaled must be located in an eligible GEF Recipient Country.

Eligible regions include:

Africa

• 54 eligible countries

Latin America and the Caribbean

• 33 eligible countries

Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA)

• 21 eligible countries

Asia-Pacific

• 41 eligible countries

Why This Grant Matters

Many environmental organizations develop highly effective local solutions but lack the resources needed to expand their reach. The CSO Challenge Program addresses this challenge by investing in organizations that have already demonstrated success and are ready for growth.

Through funding, mentoring, partnerships, and technical support, the program helps organizations move from local success stories to scalable models capable of generating regional and global impact.

Application Process

The CSO Challenge Program uses a two-stage selection process.

Stage 1: Concept Note Submission

Applicants must submit a Concept Note outlining their proposed project and scaling strategy.

Stage 2: Full Proposal Submission

Organizations shortlisted during the first stage will be invited to prepare and submit a comprehensive Full Proposal.

A diverse selection committee comprising representatives from:

• The GEF Secretariat
• Civil society organizations
• Indigenous Peoples’ organizations
• Youth organizations
• Women’s organizations
• IUCN

will evaluate submissions and select finalists and winners.

Languages Accepted

Applications may be submitted in:

• English
• French
• Spanish

Application Timeline

Step 1: Concept Note Stage

05 June 2026

• Call for proposals opens

20 June 2026

• Deadline for questions

20 July 2026

• Deadline to submit Concept Notes

Step 2: Full Proposal Stage

19 August 2026

• Finalists notified and invited to submit Full Proposals

18 September 2026

• Deadline for Full Proposal submission

Step 3: Final Selection

18 October 2026

• Winners and finalists notified

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

1. Alignment with SGP 2.0 priority areas
2. Impact potential
3. Alignment with national Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEA) commitments
4. Scalability
5. Inclusivity
6. Organizational capacity and sustainability

Benefits Beyond Funding

In addition to financial support, successful applicants will gain access to:

• Expert technical assistance
• Organizational capacity strengthening
• International exposure
• Peer learning opportunities
• Strategic partnerships
• Networking with governments, donors, and private sector actors
• Knowledge-sharing platforms

Organizations Behind the Program

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

The GEF is one of the world’s leading environmental funding institutions. Over more than three decades, it has provided over $26 billion in financing and mobilized an additional $148 billion to support environmental projects globally.

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

IUCN is the world’s largest and oldest global environmental network, working with governments, civil society organizations, and experts in over 160 countries to address environmental and development challenges.

RTI International

RTI International is a globally recognized independent scientific research institute that supports evidence-based solutions across environmental, social, and technical disciplines.

Application Deadline

Concept Note Deadline:

20 July 2026

Click here for more and to apply

Interested organizations are encouraged to review the Call for Proposals, Concept Note Template, and Guidelines for Applicants before beginning their application process.

Organizations with proven environmental impact and ambitions to scale their solutions now have a unique opportunity to secure up to $300,000 in funding and join a global network of environmental change-makers working to build a more sustainable future.

Click here for more global grant opportunities