UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme 2026: Call for Environmental and Climate Project Proposals

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mozambique has officially launched the 2026 Call for Proposals under the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), inviting eligible organisations to submit innovative, community-driven environmental and climate action projects.

The programme supports grassroots initiatives that address pressing environmental challenges while improving livelihoods and strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable communities.

Implemented globally across more than 99 countries, the GEF Small Grants Programme has become one of the leading mechanisms supporting local environmental action and sustainable development. In Mozambique, the programme has been implemented by UNDP since 2005 and has already supported more than 287 projects focused on biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, and climate resilience.

The 2026 funding cycle continues this commitment by supporting locally led solutions that generate both environmental and socio-economic impact.

Application Period

• Applications open: 1 May 2026
• Submission deadline: 30 May 2026

Eligible Countries

• Open to organisations operating within Mozambique

Geographic Focus Areas

Projects must be implemented within the following priority ecological landscapes:

• Chimanimani-Gorongosa-Marromeu landscape in Sofala Province
• Matutuine region in Maputo Province

Who Can Apply?

The call is open to:

• Civil society organisations (CSOs)
• Community-based organisations (CBOs)
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Eligible applicants must demonstrate:

• Capacity to implement community-based environmental projects
• Alignment with environmental sustainability and local development objectives
• Strong community engagement and participation approaches
• Ability to deliver measurable environmental and socio-economic outcomes

Priority Project Areas

The programme encourages proposals focused on:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Sustainable land management
• Sustainable water resource management
• Climate change adaptation
• Climate change mitigation
• Ecosystem restoration
• Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem protection
• Community-based natural resource management
• Climate resilience initiatives
• Sustainable livelihood development linked to environmental conservation

Programme Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable communities
• Protect ecologically significant landscapes
• Promote sustainable natural resource management
• Enhance biodiversity conservation
• Support community-led environmental governance
• Improve livelihoods through sustainable development approaches

Funding and Capacity Building Support

In addition to financial support, the programme provides:

• Technical assistance
• Organisational capacity strengthening
• Knowledge-sharing opportunities
• Practical project implementation support
• Access to environmental and sustainability expertise

The programme follows a “learning-by-doing” model designed to help organisations build long-term capacity while implementing impactful projects.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The GEF Small Grants Programme plays a critical role in connecting global environmental priorities with local action.

The programme supports organisations that are:

• Advancing community-led sustainability solutions
• Responding to climate and environmental challenges
• Protecting ecosystems and biodiversity
• Supporting inclusive and sustainable economic development
• Contributing to national and international environmental goals

This makes the opportunity particularly valuable for grassroots organisations seeking to scale their environmental impact while strengthening local resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

Important Notes

• Projects must align with the programme’s environmental and community development priorities
• Strong emphasis is placed on grassroots participation and community ownership
• Applicants are encouraged to review all proposal templates, programme strategies, and supporting guidelines before submission
• Preference may be given to projects demonstrating strong sustainability and long-term community impact

Application Process

Interested organisations must submit their project proposals via email during the application period.

Applicants are encouraged to include all required supporting documentation and ensure alignment with the programme’s strategic environmental priorities.

Click HERE to visit the official website