About

The GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program, jointly supported by IUCN and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aims to identify, reward, and support high-impact environmental approaches led by civil society. The program provides direct grant funding of up to $300,000 USD for projects lasting up to 24 months, focusing on scaling or replicating proven conservation solutions that generate global benefits for both people and the planet. Geographically adaptable, the initiative funds projects that replicate successful models in new communities, adapt existing solutions to local contexts, or test scaling approaches for promising innovations. Eligible activities span five strategic areas: community-based management of threatened ecosystems and species; sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and food security; low-carbon energy access; chemicals and waste management; and sustainable urban solutions. Beyond financial investment, selected organizations receive tailored, demand-driven technical support to help track results, manage environmental and social risks, design high-impact programs, and engage private sector partners, alongside capacity-building opportunities to increase visibility and foster peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.

Eligibility

To qualify for funding, applicants must be legally registered civil society organizations (CSOs) maintaining an active institutional bank account in the organization’s name. Eligible applicants must be actively working within at least one of the program’s core strategic priority areas, which include biodiversity conservation, sustainable food systems, low-carbon energy solutions, pollution reduction, and sustainable urban development. Evaluation considerations will prioritize organizations demonstrating a clear capacity to effectively scale or replicate promising environmental solutions, manage social and environmental risks, and actively participate in collaborative knowledge sharing and partnership development.

Post Date: June 16, 2026