GEF Small Grants Programme Opens Call for Video Proposals on Innovative Water, Waste and Energy Projects

Call for Video Proposals: Innovative Community-Led Water, Waste and Energy Projects

June 9, 2026

Call for Video Proposals on Innovative Water, Waste and Energy Projects

UNDP

1. Background and Objectives of the Call

South Africa continues to face growing environmental and socio-economic challenges including energy constraints, water scarcity, deteriorating drinking water quality, and increasing waste generation, coupled with climate vulnerability and unemployment. Communities are increasingly required to adopt locally appropriate solutions that improve environmental management while supporting livelihoods and resilience.

The GEF SGP supports community-driven initiatives that generate global environmental benefits while empowering local communities. The objective of this Call is to support community-led projects that promote sustainable water management and conservation; advance circular economy and waste reduction solutions; and improve access to renewable and sustainable energy – while improving climate resilience and environmental stewardship. Projects should foster innovation and local knowledge as well as create jobs and sustainable livelihoods, particularly for women and youth.

2. Priority Areas

SGP will prioritise the following sectors for projects providing low-cost innovative solutions. Project proposals may address more than one sector, and holistic approaches integrating these sectors are highly encouraged:

Energy: Support towards energy efficient and renewable energy initiatives such as solar PV systems, low-smoke and clean cooking technologies; energy efficient building materials; small-scale renewable energy systems; energy-saving technologies and appliances, and community-based clean energy enterprises.
Water: Support towards water-saving technologies and sustainable water management initiatives such as reuse and recycling of grey water; water-use monitoring devices and methods for agriculture; water treatment and purification technologies; rainwater harvesting systems; nature-based water conservation approaches; innovative initiatives integrating indigenous knowledge systems in agriculture and water conservation.
Waste: Support towards waste reduction, re-use, recycling and circular economy initiatives such as re-use and recycling of waste material; material innovation e.g. using biodegradable and compostable materials; minimising / reducing food waste; value-addition from plastic waste or rubber materials; empowerment and inclusion of informal waste pickers; composting and organic waste management and use of agricultural residues for value-added products.

3. Who Can Apply

Applications are invited from South African registered Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs)/ Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Cooperatives, Associations as well as research / academic institutions working with communities.

Proof of registration must accompany your application.
Private companies, individuals and government entities are not eligible for funding.
Only one application per organisation will be considered for funding.
Projects consisting of a single event or activity (e.g., workshop) will not be considered.
Organisations or grantees currently implementing ongoing projects funded by the SGP or with outstanding reports due to the SGP are not eligible to apply.
Co-financing and partnerships with government, private sector, associations and other stakeholders are highly encouraged.

4. Video Proposal Guidelines

Organisations are invited to submit a video proposal/pitch as follows:

Length: Maximum 5 minutes
Format: MP4 file attachment or accessible online link. Use of smart phones to record videos is permitted.
Language: English or local languages (with English subtitles). Please ensure that your video is audible.
Content to Cover in your Video:
- Introduction of the Organisation: Background, mission and relevant experience.
- Problem Statement: What environmental or socio-economic challenge does the community face?
- Proposed Solution: What solution is being proposed and how will it address the challenge and add value to the social, economic and environmental situation of the area? What activities would the funding be used for? Where would these activities be caried out? (show the site where the project is or will be implemented, including the technology- if already in use)
- Innovation and Expected Results: What makes this project innovative and impactful?
- Direct Beneficiaries: Who are the expected beneficiaries who will be directly involved in the activities? Do they include women or youth?
- Community Participation: How will local communities participate and/or benefit?
- Sustainability: How will the project continue beyond SGP support?

5. Evaluation Criteria

Relevance to GEF SGP objectives and priority sectors (20%)
Clarity and coherence of the project idea (15%)
Innovation and feasibility (25%)
Environmental and socio-economic benefits and impact (25%)
Sustainability and replicability (15%)

6. Grant Amount

Selected projects will be awarded a minimum of US$ 25,000 up to a maximum of US$ 40,000. The Committee will have the final decision on the grant amount awarded.

7. Submission Process & Timeline

Interested Organisations / Institutions are requested to submit their applications (in the form of video proposals) on or before the 25th of June 2026 at 23h59 (South African Standard Time) on this link or the QR Code provided. Applicants are requested to carefully follow the instructions for uploading their videos and registration certificates and to avoid last minute submissions to ensure all required information is successfully uploaded.

Shortlisted organisations will be invited to submit written project proposals. Please consider your application unsuccessful if you do not receive a response within three (3) months after the submission deadline.

8. Contact

For enquiries on this Call, please email: Gefsgp.sa@undp.org

ANNEX 1: Evaluation Criteria

Criteria	Points	Assessment
1.Relevance to GEF SGP objectives and priority sectors	20	Does the proposal align with the Small Grants Programme’s objectives? (10) Does the project address pressing needs or opportunities within the target community relating to water, waste and energy issues? (10)
2. Clarity and coherence of the project idea	15	Is the project idea explained in a clear, concise and logical manner in the video? (5) Is the problem, objectives and proposed activities to be funded well-articulated and easy to follow? (5) Does the proposal avoid vagueness or overambition, instead presenting a realistic and coherent project? (5)
3. Innovation and feasibility	25	Does the project introduce new or creative approaches, technologies, or models, or adapt existing ones in a novel way for the local context? (10) Are the proposed activities realistic given the community’s capacities, resources and context? (7) Do the proposing organisation/team members appear capable of implementing the idea effectively (skills, partnerships, experience)? (8)
4. Environmental and Socio-economic benefits and impact	25	Will the project contribute towards strengthening climate resilience and environmental stewardship? (8) Will it create or improve livelihoods, jobs, or income opportunities for local communities, especially women and youth? (10) Does the project show potential to empower vulnerable or marginalised groups, especially women and youth? (7)
5.Sustainability and replicability	15	Can the project continue to deliver benefits beyond SGP funding (e.g. through self-financing, partnerships, community ownership, etc)? (5) Could the model or approach be scaled up or adapted by other communities or areas? (5) Does the proposal indicate potential for lasting environmental and socio-economic impact? (5)
TOTAL POINTS	100