Who can apply
- Local, national, regional or international civil society organisations
- Legally established CSOs with a bank account in the organisation's name
- Organisations authorised to receive charitable contributions from foreign sources
- CSOs directly responsible for implementing the proposed project
- Organisations implementing projects in eligible GEF recipient countries
- International CSOs working closely with national stakeholders and local communities and holding required government authorisations
- Women-led, youth-led and Indigenous Peoples-led organisations are particularly encouraged
Focus areas
- Community-based management of threatened ecosystems and species
- Sustainable agriculture, fisheries and food security
- Low-carbon energy access and co-benefits
- Chemicals and waste management
- Sustainable urban solutions
- Replication and scaling of proven environmental solutions
- Environmental innovation and global environmental benefits
- Inclusive environmental action involving women, youth and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
Requirements
- Applicant must be a legally established civil society organisation
- Applicant must maintain a bank account in the organisation's name
- Project must be implemented in an eligible GEF recipient country
- Proposal must scale, replicate or expand an existing or successfully tested environmental solution
- Project must align with at least one of the five GEF SGP priority areas
- Project duration must not exceed 24 months
- Applicant must demonstrate relevant technical and organisational experience
- Required documents include organisational registration or constitutional documents, an in-country registration certificate where applicable, a project location map and CVs of key project staff
- Applicants must complete the preliminary environmental and social risk assessment
- Financial support to third parties through sub-grants and pure research are not eligible
Application steps
- Review the official Call for Proposals and Guidelines for Applicants
- Confirm that the organisation, country and existing environmental solution meet all eligibility requirements
- Create an account on the official CSO Challenge Program application portal
- Prepare the Concept Note and required organisational, project-location and staff documents
- Complete and submit the online Concept Note in English, French or Spanish
- Submit before 15 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC and retain confirmation of submission
This is a strong but highly competitive scaling grant. It is not designed for organisations that only have a new environmental idea or an untested pilot. Applicants should be able to demonstrate that their solution has already produced credible results and explain exactly how the grant will replicate, adapt or scale that solution. The US$300,000 ceiling also means organisational readiness will matter. Strong applicants should have credible financial management, relevant technical experience, measurable environmental results, a realistic scaling strategy and clear partnerships. Co-funding is not mandatory, but documented co-financing or a credible pathway to additional investment can strengthen the proposal. Applicants should prepare early. The application requires evidence of previous work, key staff CVs, registration documentation, geographic information, safeguards screening and a convincing theory of change rather than a simple activity list.