The Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), invites locally registered civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), grassroots actors, foundations, and academic institutions in Zambia to apply for funding to address critical environmental challenges in their communities. This includes organizations actively engaged in innovative and inclusive solutions in areas such as Biodiversity Conservation, Climate Change, Land Degradation, International Waters, and Chemicals and Waste.

Since 1992, the GEF-SGP has supported over 26,000 projects worldwide, demonstrating that community-driven initiatives can generate significant environmental benefits while improving livelihoods and advancing sustainable development. This is your opportunity to contribute to Zambia’s environmental priorities with impactful, local action.

Objectives

i) Empower local CBOs and CSOs to lead community-driven solutions enhancing well-being and resilience.
ii) Promote innovative approaches and partnerships to improve ecosystem services and livelihoods.
iii) Utilize inclusive practices, prioritizing women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Strategic Initiatives

i) Ecosystem Conservation and Management: Grants will support community-led biodiversity conservation in forests, grasslands, wetlands, and marine habitats.
ii) Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: Enhance local agriculture, livestock, and fisheries productivity through science-based, regenerative practices adapted to local conditions.
iii) Chemicals and Waste Management: Focus on practical solutions like handling plastics, e-waste, mercury, and persistent organic pollutants.

Priority Landscapes

GEF-SGP OP8 will prioritize the following catchment areas in Zambia: Chambeshi, Luapula, Luangwa, Kafue, Tanganyika, and Zambezi.

Eligibility Criteria

Organizations wishing to apply must:

• Be locally registered as an NGO, CBO, CSO, foundation, or academic institution. Private sector entities are not eligible.
• Demonstrate strong community involvement and prior experience in similar projects.
• Provide a matching contribution (cash or in-kind).

Non-Eligible Proposals

Excluded proposals include:

• Activities opposing UN values or promoting religious/political agendas.
• Proposals focused solely on capital expenditures, sponsorships, scholarships, or cash donations.

Application Process

Submit your proposal to ops.zm@undp.org and copy registry.zm@undp.org by 31st December 2025, 11:59 PM Zambia time. 

Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered. Any request for clarification must be sent by standard electronic communication to ops.zm@undp.org.

Supporting Documents Required:

• Proof of registration.
• Organizational structure details (e.g., organogram).
• Support letter from a relevant government ministry.

Virtual Information Session

A zoom meeting has been arranged to provide more details. The zoom meeting will be held on 19th December 2025 from 11:00 to 12:30 hours.

https://undp.zoom.us/j/89028146295?pwd=3ZULHLfRgMEBSlIIg9CEq3rHVI8INv.1 

Meeting ID: 890 2814 6295 

Passcode: 359038

Evaluation Process

Proposals are reviewed by the National Steering Committee (NSC). Selected applicants will sign a grant agreement that outlines project and budget details.

For more information, download the documents below: