Locations
Background
The Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan, provides financial and technical support to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), to conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people’s well-being and livelihoods. SGP demonstrates that community action can maintain the delicate balance between human needs and environmental sustainability.
Since its inception in October 1998, SGP-UNDP has supported 234 projects in partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan, CSOs, CBOs, and academic institutions. The programme is now in the final year of its 7th Operational Phase (OP7). The strategic goal of OP7 is “to promote and support innovative, inclusive, and scalable initiatives, and foster multi-stakeholder partnerships at the local level to address global environmental challenges in priority landscapes.
The current call for proposals
SGP-UNDP invites CSOs (including CBOs and grassroots institutions/communities) to submit inclusive and innovative project proposals under any of the GEF focal areas - biodiversity conservation, climate change, and sustainable use of natural resources with funding not exceeding USD 50,000 per project. As this is the final year of Operational Phase 7, the proposed project must be completed by the end of June 2026.
Preference will be given to proposals that are inclusive and innovative. CSOs and CBOs with ongoing projects are not eligible. Fully completed proposals must be submitted digitally via the designated online link. Proponents are encouraged to explore co-financing and in-kind contributions.
All proposals must align with the SGP’s Country Programme Strategy and other relevant national or UNDP climate change adaptation strategies. Please use the official SGP Proposal Template for submission.
Submission deadline
Proposals will be accepted via the online platform from 30 May to 15 June 2025, with a deadline of 3 PM BTT on 15 June 2025. Late submissions, incomplete proposals, and those not using the official template or submitted by ineligible proponents will be automatically disqualified.
For more information, visit the UNDP website or contact the GEF-Small Grants Programme at tenzinw@unops.org
Introduction to potential grantees
To better understand the GEF-Small Grants Programme, including eligibility criteria, grant ceilings, and proposal modalities, please watch the introductory videos:
You may also explore examples of past projects on the UNDP Bhutan YouTube Channel
To get ideas on thematic areas and more examples, please refer to the SGP brochure linked below.
Proposal Review Process
The project proposal review process will follow four key steps to select the most innovative and impactful proposals
Preparatory Phase
- The call is open to all eligible Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in Bhutan interested in contributing to global environmental benefits through micro-projects.
- All interested organizations must prepare their proposals using the official SGP Proposal Template. Proposals may also be submitted in Dzongkha or in video format, especially by CBOs who may face literacy or capacity challenges.
- Proposals must be developed in alignment with the SGP Country Programme Strategy.
- Relevant consultations—both local and national—should be conducted during the proposal development stage. Relevant agencies and authorities must be informed and their approvals obtained in advance.
- The SGP Secretariat may be contacted for any clarifications or guidance during the preparation process.
Submission and screening
- Only proposals from qualified CSOs and CBOs submitted within the specified timeline will be considered.
- While CSOs may submit proposals directly to the SGP Secretariat, CBOs operating in Dzongkhags must route submissions through Local Governments (Dzongkhags and Thromdes).
- Proposals must be complete and clearly written, with all required components properly addressed.
- Supporting letters from relevant agencies or institutions must be included as part of the submission.
- The SGP Secretariat will carry out the initial screening.
- Proposals that do not meet eligibility criteria, are incomplete, or improperly submitted will be disqualified during this stage.
Shortlisting, final evaluation and award
- Eligible proposals will undergo technical review
- Shortlisted proposals will be reviewed, evaluated and approved by the SGP’s National Steering Committee (NSC).
- Selected organizations will be contacted to formally accept the grant and proceed with signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).
- Funded projects will undergo rigorous monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective implementation and accountability.
Apply and please note the following.
- The proposal must be submitted using the official SGP template
- A valid registration certificate of the CSO or CBO must be attached
- Submit the details of the proponent, including both the organization and the lead applicant
- The Google Form questions are available here for your reference
