LocationsNew round of funding available for community projects that help preserve the environment
September 21, 2025
Hundreds turned up for the Upolu outreach workshop for the UNDP GEF-SGP Call for Proposals.
Apia, SAMOA – Financial grants of up to US$50,000 are now up for grabs for local organisations to implement projects that support the conservation and preservation of the natural environment while contributing to enhancing community resilience and improved livelihoods.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Small Grants Programme (SGP), with funding from the Government of Australia and the Global Environment Facility issued a national Call for Proposals for interested applicants from civil society, community-based, church-based, and non-government organisations and communities, to submit proposals for projects in the areas of terrestrial and marine biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, reversing land degradation, sustainable forest management, water resource management, and waste management.
The Call for Proposals marked the commencement of two significant projects, namely the GEF-SGP OP-8, and the SAMOA CARES: Building Sustainable and Resilient Communities Together, in partnership with the Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE).
The Chief Executive Officer of MNRE, Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena, reiterated in her remarks during the outreach workshop for Upolu applicants on September 12, 2025: “SAMOA CARES is about Communities, Adaptation, Resilience, Ecosystems, and Sustainability — a simple, yet powerful, message recognizing that climate resilience is not only about protecting the environment, but also about strengthening livelihoods through sustainable means: improving food and water security, supporting eco-friendly enterprises, minimizing waste, and ensuring that development today safeguards the needs of tomorrow.’
Waste Management project in Savaii, supported by UNDP GEF-SGP.
The Government of Australia injected AU$2 million to support the SAMOA CARES Sustainable Village Initiative implemented by MNRE, through the SGP.
“What we really love about the Small Grants Programme is that it can funnel climate finance directly to communities to support local priorities. Wherever we can back initiatives that make it easier for those living and working on the frontlines of our changing climate to access resources themselves – we know we will see tangible outcomes,” said Claire McGeechan, Acting High Commissioner of Australia.
The grants and technical support provided by SGP will enhance the efforts of local communities.
“To do this work, we need durable and genuine partnerships, such as the one we have with the Government of Australia, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. This partnership aims to support national capacities and efforts to address climate change and other environmental concerns for Samoa,” said Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative.
The workshops in Upolu, and Savaii on September 19, are to help potential applicants with the preparation of their proposals to ensure alignment and compliance with the requirements of the SGP.
Established in 1992, SGP supports innovative, sustainable development projects, especially in local communities, by providing financial and technical support to projects that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing the wellbeing and livelihoods of the most vulnerable in these communities. These projects range from renewable energy sources, waste management, improving village pools, building community capacities in agriculture, apiculture, and many others.
For more information, please contact:
Laufālē’ainā Lesā, Communications Analyst, UNDP Multi-Country Office Samoa, laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org.
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