UNDP Ghana ICCA-GSI 2026 Grant Call: Up to US$50,000 for NGOs, CSOs and Community-Based Organizations to Support Monitoring and Evaluation of Conservation Projects

The UNDP, through the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), has announced its Third Call for Proposals for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Support to Projects in Territories and Areas Conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (ICCA) in Ghana. The funding opportunity is being implemented under the second phase of the Global Support Initiative for Territories and Areas Conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (ICCA-GSI).

This grant opportunity provides financial support of up to US$50,000 to eligible Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), community groups and other recognized local organizations operating in Ghana. The selected organization will serve as a catalytic NGO, providing monitoring and evaluation support to the GEF Small Grants Programme, including activities under the ICCA-GSI programme.

The initiative recognizes the important role that Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities play in protecting biodiversity, conserving threatened ecosystems, promoting sustainable livelihoods and strengthening climate resilience. Through this call, UNDP Ghana seeks to engage capable local organizations that can contribute to effective project monitoring, evaluation, learning, documentation and reporting.

The programme is particularly relevant to organizations working in environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, sustainable agriculture, fisheries, food security, climate action, community development and environmental governance.

By offering grants of up to US$50,000, the opportunity aims to strengthen the institutional and technical capacity needed to monitor conservation interventions, assess project outcomes and ensure that community-led environmental initiatives deliver measurable and sustainable results.

Interested organizations are encouraged to review the official call for proposals, assess their eligibility and submit their applications within the announced application period.

1. About the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP)

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) is a community-based funding programme that supports local initiatives addressing global environmental challenges while improving the livelihoods and well-being of communities.

Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, the GEF SGP provides financial and technical support to civil society organizations, community groups and other local stakeholders working to achieve environmental sustainability.

The programme is based on the understanding that local communities are essential partners in addressing environmental problems. Communities often have direct knowledge of their natural environments and are among the first to experience the consequences of biodiversity loss, land degradation, climate change and unsustainable resource use.

Consequently, the GEF SGP supports community-driven projects that combine environmental protection with sustainable development.

The programme focuses on several strategic environmental areas, including:

A. Community-Based Conservation of Threatened Ecosystems and Species

This area supports initiatives that protect endangered species, conserve threatened ecosystems and promote sustainable management of natural resources.

Projects may involve:

• Community-led biodiversity conservation.
• Protection and restoration of degraded ecosystems.
• Conservation of threatened plant and animal species.
• Sustainable management of forests, wetlands and other important habitats.
• Strengthening community participation in environmental protection.
• Promotion of traditional conservation practices and indigenous knowledge.

The objective is to ensure that communities have the resources and capacity to protect biodiversity while maintaining sustainable relationships with their natural environments.

B. Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security

The GEF SGP also supports projects that promote sustainable food production and responsible natural resource management.

This strategic area recognizes the relationship between environmental sustainability, agricultural productivity and food security.

Relevant activities may include:

• Promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
• Encouraging environmentally responsible fishing methods.
• Improving community food security through sustainable production systems.
• Supporting climate-resilient agricultural practices.
• Reducing environmental degradation associated with agricultural activities.
• Promoting sustainable management of fisheries and aquatic resources.

These interventions are intended to strengthen livelihoods while reducing pressure on ecosystems.

C. Low-Carbon Energy Access Co-Benefits

Another strategic area focuses on promoting access to energy solutions that contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and environmental sustainability.

Projects under this area may support:

• Adoption of renewable energy technologies.
• Improved access to clean energy in rural communities.
• Energy-efficient technologies and practices.
• Community-level initiatives that reduce dependence on environmentally harmful energy sources.
• Sustainable energy solutions that improve local livelihoods.

The broader objective is to encourage development approaches that support energy access while contributing to climate change mitigation.

D. Local-to-Global Coalitions for Chemicals and Waste Management

This area focuses on strengthening community and institutional approaches to responsible chemicals and waste management.

It recognizes that poor waste management and the inappropriate use of chemicals can negatively affect human health, biodiversity, water resources and environmental quality.

Potential areas of intervention include:

• Community-based waste management initiatives.
• Promotion of sustainable waste disposal practices.
• Reduction of environmental pollution.
• Awareness creation on responsible chemical use.
• Strengthening partnerships between local communities and relevant institutions.
• Supporting initiatives that encourage sustainable waste management systems.

E. Catalysing Sustainable Urban Solutions

The programme also supports sustainable urban development through dialogue and collaboration between Civil Society Organizations, government institutions and the private sector.

This strategic area seeks to promote environmentally responsible urban planning and development.

It may involve:

• CSO-led environmental advocacy.
• Collaboration between government, private sector and civil society.
• Sustainable urban planning and policy development.
• Community participation in environmental decision-making.
• Development of policy dialogue platforms.
• Promotion of environmentally sustainable urban solutions.

These strategic areas provide the broader environmental context within which the GEF SGP operates.

2. About the ICCA-GSI Programme

The Global Support Initiative on Territories and Areas Conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (ICCA-GSI) is a flagship initiative under the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme.

Implemented by UNDP, the initiative seeks to strengthen the conservation and sustainable management of territories and areas conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

These territories and areas are commonly referred to as ICCAs. They represent natural and cultural landscapes, ecosystems and territories that are conserved through the governance systems, traditional knowledge, practices and collective actions of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

ICCA-GSI recognizes that biodiversity conservation is not exclusively dependent on formal government institutions or protected areas. Local communities also play a significant role in protecting ecosystems through customary governance arrangements, traditional resource management systems and community-based conservation practices.

The initiative therefore supports communities in maintaining and strengthening their conservation efforts.

Objectives of the ICCA-GSI Programme

The programme focuses on several interconnected objectives:

1. Strengthening biodiversity conservation

ICCA-GSI supports community-led approaches to biodiversity protection, including the conservation of threatened species, habitats and ecosystems.

2. Promoting sustainable livelihoods

The initiative recognizes that environmental conservation must be compatible with the economic and social well-being of local communities.

It therefore supports approaches that enable communities to benefit from sustainable natural resource management.

3. Strengthening climate resilience

Communities that depend heavily on natural resources are often vulnerable to climate-related challenges.

The programme seeks to strengthen their capacity to adapt to climate change while protecting the ecosystems that sustain their livelihoods.

4. Recognizing traditional knowledge and customary governance

Traditional knowledge and community governance systems are important components of local conservation practices.

ICCA-GSI promotes recognition of these systems and supports the role of local communities in managing their territories and natural resources.

5. Supporting policy engagement and knowledge sharing

The initiative encourages the sharing of knowledge, experiences and lessons from community-based conservation activities.

It also supports policy engagement to improve recognition and support for community-conserved territories.

Funding and International Support

The ICCA-GSI programme is funded by the Government of Germany through its Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV).

The initiative contributes to international biodiversity conservation efforts and supports the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

In particular, it contributes to the achievement of the framework’s Targets 3, 21, 22 and 23, which relate to biodiversity conservation, knowledge and information, participation and rights, and gender-responsive approaches to biodiversity action.

Globally, ICCAs cover nearly one-third of the world’s land and make significant contributions to biodiversity conservation and community well-being.

Through financial support, policy engagement and knowledge-sharing activities, ICCA-GSI seeks to strengthen the recognition and effectiveness of these community-led conservation systems.

3. Overview of the UNDP Ghana 2026 Call for Proposals

The third call for proposals is specifically designed to identify and support a qualified local organization that can provide monitoring and evaluation support to the GEF Small Grants Programme, including the ICCA-GSI programme in Ghana.

The selected organization will undertake a catalytic NGO role, helping to strengthen the monitoring, evaluation and learning processes associated with the programme.

Monitoring and evaluation are important components of environmental and development projects because they help organizations assess whether activities are being implemented effectively and whether intended outcomes are being achieved.

For conservation initiatives, this includes understanding how project interventions contribute to biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, sustainable livelihoods and community resilience.

The grant will therefore support an organization capable of contributing to effective programme oversight, evidence generation and the documentation of project achievements and challenges.

Key Opportunity Details

Category	Details
Opportunity	Third Call for Proposals: ICCA-GSI Monitoring and Evaluation Support
Implementing organization	United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Programme	Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP)
Initiative	ICCA-GSI Phase 2
Opportunity type	Grant / Call for Proposals
Funding amount	Up to US$50,000
Target applicants	NGOs, CSOs, CBOs, community groups and eligible social enterprises
Country	Ghana
Geographic priority	Selected conservation landscapes and districts in Ghana
Focus area	Monitoring and Evaluation support for environmental and conservation projects
Application opening date	Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Application deadline	Friday, 6 November 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Submission method	Electronic application
Submission email	helpdesk.gh@undp.org

The maximum grant amount is US$50,000. Applicants should consult the detailed call for proposals for information on the specific scope of work, eligible expenditure, budget requirements and any additional grant conditions.

4. Priority Geographic Areas in Ghana

The UNDP Ghana call identifies specific geographic areas as priorities for the programme.

These locations are important because they include communities and landscapes where biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management and community participation are particularly relevant.

Organizations operating in or working with communities in the identified locations should pay particular attention to the opportunity.

The priority geographic areas include:

A. Communities Along the Black Volta Basin

The Black Volta Basin is an important ecological and natural resource landscape in Ghana.

The programme prioritizes communities along the basin, with particular attention to the following districts:

• Wa-West District – Upper West Region: Organizations working with communities in this district may be relevant to the programme’s objectives around conservation, sustainable resource management and community development.
• Banda District – Bono Region: This district is among the priority locations identified under the call.
• Bole District – Savannah Region: Community-based environmental initiatives in Bole are included in the programme’s geographic priorities.
• Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District – Savannah Region: Organizations working on conservation and sustainable livelihoods in this district are also within the identified priority landscape.
• Central Gonja Municipal – Savannah Region: This municipality is another priority location under the call.

B. Afadzato South Socio-Ecological Production Landscape

The programme also identifies the Afadzato South socio-ecological production landscape in the Volta Region as a priority area.

This landscape is important in the context of community-based conservation, sustainable production systems and the relationship between local livelihoods and natural resource management.

Organizations working with communities in this area may find the opportunity particularly relevant if their activities align with the programme’s objectives.

Important: The identification of these geographic areas indicates the programme’s priorities. Applicants should consult the official call for proposals to understand the specific geographic requirements and how they affect eligibility and selection.

5. Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

The UNDP Ghana 2026 ICCA-GSI grant opportunity is open to eligible local organizations operating in Ghana.

The call specifically identifies several categories of organizations that may apply.

A. Local Non-Governmental Organizations

Local NGOs operating in Ghana may submit proposals if they satisfy the relevant registration and documentation requirements.

Eligible NGOs are expected to have:

• Valid registration with the Registrar General’s Department.
• Valid Social Welfare certification.
• Legal recognition to operate as a non-governmental or non-profit organization in Ghana.
• The capacity to undertake activities relevant to the programme’s monitoring and evaluation objectives.

Organizations should ensure that their registration and certification documents are valid and available when preparing their applications.

B. Civil Society Organizations

Civil Society Organizations working in environmental protection, sustainable development, community engagement and related areas may also be eligible.

CSOs play an important role in connecting communities with government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders.

Organizations in this category should demonstrate their ability to contribute meaningfully to the programme’s objectives and satisfy the eligibility requirements outlined in the official call.

C. Community Groups and Community-Based Organizations

Community groups and Community-Based Organizations are also included among the eligible applicant categories.

These organizations are particularly important to the ICCA-GSI programme because they often work directly with local communities and understand the environmental, cultural and livelihood challenges affecting them.

Community groups and CBOs must be recognized by the relevant District Assemblies and the Environmental Protection Authority of Ghana, as specified in the announcement.

D. Social Enterprise Organizations

Social Enterprise Organizations recognized by the relevant District Assemblies and the Environmental Protection Authority of Ghana are also identified as eligible applicants under the call.

This category provides an opportunity for qualifying organizations that combine social or environmental objectives with enterprise-based approaches to development.

They should ensure that their recognition and documentation satisfy the requirements of the official call.

Important Eligibility Considerations

Before submitting an application, interested organizations should carefully verify the following:

1. Organizational status: Confirm that the organization falls within one of the eligible applicant categories.
2. Registration and recognition: Ensure that the relevant registration certificates, Social Welfare certificates or recognition documents are valid and available.
3. Geographic relevance: Assess whether the organization’s activities and operational experience are relevant to the priority geographic areas identified in the announcement.
4. Programme relevance: Demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed work and monitoring and evaluation support for the GEF SGP and ICCA-GSI programme.
5. Institutional capacity: Review the organization’s ability to undertake the responsibilities associated with the catalytic NGO role.

The announcement does not provide a complete list of technical qualifications, staffing requirements, financial capacity standards or detailed evaluation criteria. Applicants must therefore consult the full call for proposals rather than assume that meeting the basic registration requirements automatically guarantees eligibility.

6. What Will the Selected Organization Do?

The central purpose of this grant is to provide monitoring and evaluation support to the GEF Small Grants Programme, including the ICCA-GSI programme in Ghana.

The successful organization will serve as a catalytic NGO, contributing to the effective monitoring and evaluation of programme activities.

Monitoring and evaluation help development programmes understand whether their interventions are producing the expected results.

For a community-based environmental programme, this may involve examining whether conservation activities are improving ecosystem protection, strengthening community participation, supporting sustainable livelihoods and contributing to environmental resilience.

The detailed responsibilities and deliverables of the selected organization should be confirmed through the official call for proposals.

However, the broad monitoring and evaluation focus highlights the importance of:

• Supporting the assessment of project implementation and progress.
• Strengthening evidence-based programme monitoring.
• Documenting project activities, outputs and outcomes.
• Contributing to the assessment of conservation and sustainable development interventions.
• Supporting the identification of implementation challenges and lessons learned.
• Strengthening knowledge management and reporting.
• Contributing to improved accountability and programme effectiveness.

Organizations interested in applying should demonstrate how their experience, institutional resources and proposed approach can support these objectives.

7. Funding Amount and Grant Support

One of the most significant features of this opportunity is the financial support available to successful applicants.

Under the third call for proposals, UNDP Ghana intends to award grants of up to US$50,000.

This funding is intended to support an eligible organization in providing monitoring and evaluation support to the GEF Small Grants Programme, including the ICCA-GSI programme.

The grant is not presented as an individual scholarship, personal award or general unrestricted funding opportunity. It is an organizational grant intended to support the specified programme responsibilities.

What Applicants Should Know About the Funding

• The maximum available grant is US$50,000.
• The funding is intended for eligible organizations rather than individual applicants.
• The proposed activities must align with the monitoring and evaluation objectives of the call.
• Applicants should develop their proposals using the official UNDP proposal template.
• Detailed budget requirements and eligible expenditure should be checked in the official call documentation.

The announcement does not specify a uniform grant amount for every applicant or provide a detailed breakdown of allowable costs. Organizations should therefore avoid assuming that every successful applicant will automatically receive the full US$50,000.

8. Programme Duration, Location and Implementation Structure

The announcement identifies the programme as part of the second phase of the ICCA-GSI initiative and establishes the grant’s purpose, funding ceiling and geographic priorities.

The opportunity will be implemented in Ghana, with a particular focus on the priority communities and landscapes identified in the call.

However, the announcement does not state a specific implementation duration, commencement date, project completion date or detailed schedule for the selected organization’s work.

Applicants should consult the full call for proposals for additional information concerning:

• Expected project duration.
• Proposed implementation schedule.
• Specific monitoring and evaluation responsibilities.
• Expected deliverables and reporting requirements.
• Grant disbursement arrangements.
• Budget and financial management conditions.
• Any additional contractual obligations.

This information is important for organizations preparing realistic proposals and implementation plans.

9. How to Apply for the UNDP Ghana ICCA-GSI Grant 2026

Interested and eligible organizations must submit their proposals electronically using the official proposal template provided by UNDP Ghana.

The application process requires applicants to review the call documentation, prepare their proposals and submit the completed documents within the stipulated application period.

Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Review the Official Call for Proposals

The first step is to read the detailed call for proposals published by UNDP Ghana.

The document provides additional information about the grant, eligibility requirements, application conditions and other relevant details.

Organizations should carefully examine the requirements before beginning their applications.

Official Call for Proposals:

https://www.undp.org/ghana/publications/detailed-information-0

Step 2: Confirm Your Organization’s Eligibility

Before preparing a proposal, verify that your organization meets the requirements outlined in the call.

Confirm whether your organization qualifies as:

• A local NGO or non-profit organization.
• A Civil Society Organization.
• A Community-Based Organization or community group.
• A qualifying Social Enterprise Organization.

Also ensure that the relevant registration, certification or recognition documents are valid.

Step 3: Download the Official Proposal Template

Applicants are expected to use the proposal template provided by UNDP Ghana.

The template should guide the preparation and presentation of the application.

Organizations should avoid submitting proposals in unrelated formats without first confirming that this is permitted.

Download the Proposal Template:

https://www.undp.org/ghana/publications/proposal-template-0

Step 4: Prepare Your Proposal

Complete the proposal template carefully and ensure that the information provided addresses the requirements of the call.

Applicants should clearly explain their proposed approach to providing monitoring and evaluation support to the GEF Small Grants Programme, including the ICCA-GSI programme.

The proposal should be prepared in accordance with the instructions in the official template and detailed call documentation.

Organizations should pay particular attention to the following:

• The relevance of the proposed intervention.
• The organization’s institutional background and experience.
• Its understanding of community-based conservation and environmental development.
• Its proposed monitoring and evaluation approach.
• Its capacity to undertake the expected responsibilities.
• The proposed budget and justification of costs.
• The alignment of the proposal with the objectives of the GEF SGP and ICCA-GSI programme.

Applicants should ensure that all requested information is accurate, complete and consistent with the supporting documents.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Electronically

Once the proposal has been completed, submit it electronically to the official UNDP Ghana application email address:

Email: helpdesk.gh@undp.org

Applicants should ensure that the completed proposal and any supporting documentation required by the call are attached before sending the email.

It is advisable to use a clear subject line identifying the application as a submission for the third ICCA-GSI Monitoring and Evaluation Support Call for Proposals.

Organizations should also retain a copy of their submitted application and any electronic correspondence relating to the submission.

Step 6: Await the Review and Selection Process

After the submission deadline, applications will undergo a review and selection process.

UNDP Ghana has indicated that successful applicants will be notified following the review and selection.

Applicants should ensure that their contact information is accurate and monitor their email accounts for official communication.

10. Important Dates and Application Deadline

Organizations interested in the UNDP Ghana ICCA-GSI grant must pay close attention to the application period.

The call opened on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, and applications must be submitted by Friday, 6 November 2026.

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Important event	Date
Call for proposals announced	Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Application period opens	Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Application deadline	Friday, 6 November 2026
Submission closing time	5:00 p.m.

<|end|>

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Application deadline: Friday, 6 November 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Applications submitted after the stated deadline may not be considered. Interested organizations are therefore encouraged to complete their proposals and submit them ahead of the closing date.

11. Contact Information for Further Enquiries

Organizations that require clarification or additional information about the opportunity may contact the designated UNDP Ghana representative.

For further enquiries:

Email: akosua.bireduaa.aninakwa@undp.org

Application submission:

Email: helpdesk.gh@undp.org

Applicants should direct application submissions to the designated submission email and use the separate contact address for further enquiries.

12. Why This Opportunity Matters for Environmental Organizations in Ghana

The UNDP Ghana ICCA-GSI grant represents an important opportunity for local organizations working at the intersection of environmental conservation, sustainable development and community empowerment.

Environmental projects often require more than financial resources to achieve lasting results. They also need effective monitoring systems, reliable data, institutional accountability and the ability to document progress.

Monitoring and evaluation make it possible to understand whether interventions are achieving their objectives and whether resources are being used effectively.

For community-based conservation initiatives, these processes are particularly important because environmental and social outcomes may develop over extended periods.

For example, a conservation project may aim to restore a degraded ecosystem, protect threatened species or improve the sustainable management of natural resources. Without effective monitoring, it may be difficult to determine whether these interventions are producing measurable improvements.

The catalytic NGO role supported through this call can therefore contribute to strengthening the evidence base for environmental programming in Ghana.

Opportunities for Local Organizations

The grant offers several potential benefits for successful organizations:

1. Institutional development

Participation in a UNDP-supported programme can provide an opportunity to strengthen organizational systems, technical capacity and programme management experience.

2. Contribution to biodiversity conservation

Selected organizations will support work connected to the conservation of ecosystems, species and community-managed territories.

3. Strengthening monitoring and evaluation capacity

The opportunity places monitoring and evaluation at the centre of its objectives, making it relevant to organizations with experience in programme assessment, environmental research, data collection and reporting.

4. Supporting community-led development

The ICCA-GSI programme recognizes the role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in conservation. The initiative therefore creates opportunities for organizations to contribute to community participation and sustainable resource management.

5. Contributing to international environmental goals

Through its connection to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the initiative supports broader international efforts to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable environmental governance.

For Ghanaian NGOs, CSOs and community-based organizations, this is an opportunity to contribute to environmental development while supporting the effectiveness of community-led conservation programmes.

Conclusion

The UNDP Ghana ICCA-GSI 2026 Third Call for Proposals provides an opportunity for eligible local NGOs, Civil Society Organizations, Community-Based Organizations, community groups and qualifying social enterprises to access grants of up to US$50,000 for monitoring and evaluation support to the GEF Small Grants Programme, including the ICCA-GSI initiative.

With priority areas covering communities along the Black Volta Basin and the Afadzato South socio-ecological production landscape, the opportunity places strong emphasis on community-based conservation, biodiversity protection, sustainable livelihoods and environmental resilience.

Organizations with the appropriate registration or recognition and the capacity to undertake the proposed monitoring and evaluation responsibilities are encouraged to review the official application requirements and prepare their submissions.

Interested applicants must submit their completed proposals electronically to helpdesk.gh@undp.org no later than Friday, 6 November 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

This grant offers an important opportunity for local organizations to contribute to stronger environmental governance, more effective conservation programming and sustainable community development in Ghana.

Find out more and apply here

 

Deadline: Friday, 6 November 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

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