The GEF Small Grants Programme in Uzbekistan implemented by UNDP Uzbekistan with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) announces a new Call for Proposals for community-based environmental initiatives in Uzbekistan.

The Programme provides grants to non-governmental non-profit organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations for innovative, practical, and locally driven initiatives aimed at addressing global environmental challenges while improving livelihoods, resilience, and sustainable natural resource management at the local level.

The Call for Proposals is open to eligible non-governmental non-profit organizations throughout Uzbekistan.

Project proposals should contribute to one or more of the following priority areas: biodiversity conservation; sustainable land and water management; climate change mitigation and adaptation; restoration of degraded ecosystems; sustainable agriculture and agroforestry; chemicals and waste management; environmental awareness and capacity building; as well as introduction of effective low-carbon and resource-efficient solutions, including renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient approaches aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving environmental sustainability.

Applications may be submitted by registered non-governmental non-profit organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (Mahallas), associations, foundations, research and academic institutions for non-commercial initiatives, and other eligible civil society organizations.

Applicant organizations must demonstrate that their statutory activities and organizational-operational mandate are relevant and thematically aligned with the proposed project and environmental objectives of the Programme.

Government institutions, state organizations, commercial entities, and profit-oriented organizations are not eligible to apply under this Call for Proposals.

The Programme does not finance commercial or profit-oriented activities, political or religious activities, retrospective financing of already completed activities, or initiatives implemented directly by government agencies. Purely infrastructure or construction-focused projects without clear environmental innovation, community engagement, and sustainability components are also generally not eligible.

Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate strong community participation and ownership, practical and innovative environmental solutions, measurable environmental benefits, sustainability and replication potential, support for vulnerable communities, and co-financing or in-kind contribution from applicants and partners. Special consideration will also be given to projects that promote inclusive approaches and actively engage women and youth in project planning, implementation, and community decision-making processes.

Applicants are expected to provide reasonable co-financing and/or in-kind contribution to support project implementation. Co-financing may include financial contributions, equipment, materials, volunteer labor, land, facilities, technical expertise, or other relevant support from the applicant organization, local communities, partners, or other stakeholders.

The maximum grant amount for a standard project is generally up to USD 50,000. Strategic grants may be considered in exceptional cases subject to Programme priorities and approval procedures. 

Applicants are invited to submit a project concept/application form, preliminary budget, supporting organizational documents, and any relevant annexes or technical materials. Project proposals should clearly demonstrate environmental relevance, feasibility, expected impacts, implementation capacity, sustainability of results, and alignment with Programme priorities.

Applications will undergo administrative and technical review followed by evaluation by the National Steering Committee in accordance with SGP procedures and priorities.

Applicants are strongly requested to carefully follow all application instructions and submission requirements. Incomplete applications, incorrectly completed forms, or applications submitted by organizations that do not meet the eligibility criteria may not be considered.

The deadline for submission of proposals is 5 June 2026.

Please note that due to the large number of applications expected, only shortlisted applications will be notified and followed up by the Programme.

Detailed application materials, templates, and additional guidance are available at sgp.uz

Additional information can be found in the dedicated One-pager.