GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program: Grants of Up to $300,000 for Civil Society Organizations Leading Environmental Solutions

The GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program, built on the experience of the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), provides grants of up to $300,000 to support high-impact, innovative environmental solutions led by civil society organizations (CSOs) and local actors.

Unlike traditional small-grant approaches, this program targets established CSOs that have already demonstrated technical and organizational capacity, a proven track record of achievement, and an existing environmental solution ready for replication, adaptation, or scaling. Grants support projects lasting up to 24 months.

The program focuses on five strategic priority areas:

1. Community-Based Management of Threatened Ecosystems and Species (biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, ecosystem stewardship).

2. Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries and Food Security (climate-resilient food systems, natural resource conservation, sustainable production practices).

3. Low-Carbon Energy Access (expanding clean energy access and supporting sustainable local development).

4. Sustainable Urban Development and Waste/Pollution Reduction.

5. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.

The initiative aims to bridge the funding gap for organizations seeking to take proven local environmental solutions to a broader, more sustainable scale.