Nigeria Country Programme

The Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) in Nigeria, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), invites eligible organisations to submit Project Concepts for Operational Phase 8 (OP8).

Background and Context

The UNDP GEF-SGP embodies the essence of sustainable development by "thinking globally and acting locally." Since its inception in Nigeria in 2009, the programme has successfully worked with over 150 Civil Society Organisations to support over 220 community initiatives in 31 states in Nigeria. The UNDP GEF-SGP is rooted in the belief that global environmental problems can only be adequately addressed through grassroots involvement. By providing financial and technical support, SGP demonstrates that community action can maintain the fine balance between human needs and environmental imperatives.

Core Objective: Environment and Livelihoods

The primary objective of Operational Phase 8 (OP8) is to catalyse local actions that address the major drivers of environmental degradation while promoting sustainable development and improved livelihoods.

Proposals must demonstrate the following:

• Proposed projects should pilot innovative environmental solutions

• Enhance Well-being and Livelihoods: It must generate inclusive, sustainable livelihoods, reduce poverty, and create community empowerment through grassroots action.

• Scale Successes: Effective use of the built-up capacity of local NGOs, CBOs, and communities to replicate successful innovations to enhance sustainability. 

• Build Resilience: Create closer links between local efforts and global environmental benefits

• Policy linkage: It must enhance advocacy for inclusive policy development and implementation.

GEF Focal Areas

All projects must align with at least one of the following primary GEF focal areas:

• Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting ecosystems, preserving natural heritage, and sustainable use of biological resources.

• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy access, and building climate-resilient livelihood activities.

• Land Degradation: Restoring degraded lands and productivity, promoting agro-ecology, and preventing desertification.

• International Waters: Sustainable management of transboundary water bodies through community-based activities.

• Chemicals and Waste Management: Reducing the impact of plastic pollution, solid waste, and harmful chemicals (POPs) through circular economy models.

Eligibility and Grant Details

Eligible Organizations: This call is open only to registered local communities and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) including national Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

Grant Details:

• Maximum Grant Amount: Up to US$75,000.

• Project Duration: A minimum of 18 months (and typically not exceeding 36 months).

• Co-financing: Applicants must provide evidence of secured commensurate co-financing (at least $1 to $1 ratio, in-kind or cash).

   

Note to Applicants: Following the review of this call, both a Financial Proposal Template and a Technical Proposal Template will be shared with shortlisted organisations to provide a detailed framework for their proposed project

Submission and Contact

Project Concept must be submitted by completing the form at the link: UNDP GEF SGP Nigeria - Project Concept Form  – Fill out form. The deadline for submission is 14^th April 2026.