Through the GEF, UNDP offers four main opportunities to obtain grants for projects that meet the eligibility requirements: (1) full projects; (2) medium sized projects; and (3) enabling activities.

Preparatory funding for full projects and medium sized projects can be accessed through the (4) project development facility.

To find out more about each type of GEF grant opportunity, the amount of funding possible and to access templates to prepare proposals, please click on the links on the navigation bar at the right. A key concept for determining the amount of funding that the GEF can provide for projects is that of incremental costs. The GEF Incremental Cost Policy paper approved should be consulted. Eligibility criteria for project proposals and for countries to receive GEF grants are important considerations.

Whichever funding opportunity is sought, project proponents must adhere to the Convention and operational guidelines (available under Focal Areas of Action) for the relevant focal area(s) when preparing a project proposal. Please see How to Access GEF Grants for further practical guidance on preparing and submitting proposals. There is monitoring and evaluation (M&E) guidance for project preparation and implementation provided in the M&E Resource Kit under M&E Policies and Procedures.

The various roles of civil society organizations can also be an important consideration in the preparation of projects: Civil Society Participation in UNDP-GEF Projects.

In addition, through the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), a corporate level initiative managed by UNDP on behalf of the GEF Partnership, eligible projects can receive a maximum of $50,000 in grant funding.