The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by UNDP in North Macedonia, has launched its Eighth Operational Phase (OP8) to empower civil society and community-based organizations in designing and leading innovative, community-driven solutions to environmental challenges. Building on 30 years of successful partnerships with local actors across the country, the SGP is seeking proposals from legally registered civil society organizations and community-based organizations ready to tackle biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental degradation while improving livelihoods and fostering inclusive local governance.

Who Can Apply? 

Civil society organizations, registered in North Macedonia. Your organization must be legally registered to apply.

What We Are Looking For?

The SGP OP8 in North Macedonia prioritizes projects in three thematic areas:

1. Community-based Conservation of Threatened Ecosystems and Biodiversity - Protect and restore natural resources through equitable community governance; enhance conservation of globally significant species; promote sustainable agriculture, forestry, and tourism that benefits both people and nature.
2. Low-Carbon Energy Access and Co-benefits - Scale renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions in households, schools, and public buildings to reduce fossil fuel dependence and contribute to the country's climate commitments.
3. Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security - Increase production efficiency and livelihood diversification in vulnerable ecosystems; restore degraded lands; establish sustainable value chains that strengthen rural communities.

All projects must also integrate three cross-cutting priorities that strengthen impact and sustainability:

• Social Inclusion - Ensure meaningful participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in project design and benefits.
• Knowledge Management - Capture and share lessons learned to enable replication and scaling of successful approaches.
• Monitoring and Evaluation - Demonstrate measurable results and contribute to evidence-based environmental action.

Grant Amount and Duration

• Grant size: Up to USD 30,000
• Project duration: 12 to 18 months
• Co-financing requirement: A minimum of 50% of total project budget (cash and/or in-kind contributions from your organization, local government, private sector partners, or other donors)

How Your Proposal Will Be Evaluated

Proposals will be assessed by the National Steering Committee based on alignment with SGP priorities and national environmental needs; expected environmental and community benefits; the innovation and feasibility of your approach; your organization's capacity to implement; the degree of community participation and partnerships; potential for sustainability and replication; and the co-financing you have secured. All proposals must demonstrate how they will contribute to measurable environmental outcomes aligned with global commitments while strengthening local civil society capacity.

How to Apply?

A complete Project Proposal Form and supporting documentation (proof of legal registration, relevant organizational experience, and detailed budget) must be submitted electronically to:

Email:  lazar.popivanov@undp.org and  anita.kodzoman@undp.org

Deadline: 10 August 2026 with the email subject line: SGP MKD, Application [Name of CSO].

Information sessions and consultations will be organized to support quality applications. 

• The first info session will be organized on the 12^th of June 2026 [Friday] from 11:30 am at the UNDP Country Office premises. Interested CSOs can attend it in person, or online. If interested, sign up on this e-form [link available here], no later than the 8^th of June 2026. 

Announcements for the upcoming information sessions will be made on the UNDP North Macedonia website and social media channels.

Learn More and Get Support

For eligibility questions, technical guidance, and clarification during proposal development, contact the SGP team at the email above. We encourage early dialogue to strengthen your proposal.

Important documents to consider:

1. Project Proposal Template [available here]
2. Executive Summary of the SGP North Macedonia Strategy [available here]
3. Open Call [available here]