Calling on civil society organisations with proven environmental solutions: New IUCN GEF grants programme is open for proposals

The first round of the call for proposals is open to civil society organisations based in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, and will last 45 days. Three additional calls for proposals will follow, targeting civil society organisations based in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific region. IUCN Member organisations are welcome and encouraged to apply, provided they meet the programme’s eligibility criteria. Former GEF Small Grants Program grantees are also welcome to apply, though prior participation in the programme is not a requirement.

The GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program supports the wider recognition, development and replication of environmental solutions with a proven track record of success, including those involving youth, women and Indigenous Peoples. Eligible areas for support include sustainable agriculture, fisheries and food security; community-based management of threatened ecosystems and species; sustainable urban solutions; low-carbon energy access; and chemicals, waste management and plastic pollution.

Six winners and six finalists will be selected from each of the programme’s four calls. Winning organisations will receive direct grants of up to US$300,000, as well as capacity-building, technical and awareness-raising support. Finalists will receive recognition by the programme and be invited to join its community of practice to foster knowledge exchange among its members. Both winners and finalists will be supported in developing case studies using IUCN’s PANORAMA methodology for knowledge management.

“I’m delighted that IUCN has been entrusted with the implementation of the SGP CSO Challenge Program that builds upon IUCN’s longstanding leadership and support for civil society-led conservation throughout the world", said IUCN Director General, Dr Grethel Aguilar. "To tackle the most pressing global environmental challenges, we need the voices, ideas and solutions from all members of society, including from youth, women and Indigenous People and local communities”.

At the programme’s launch event in Samarkand, Dr Aguilar was joined by a panel of civil society leaders who shared their perspectives and experiences on inclusive and impactful civil society-led conservation action. The panel also highlighted the innovative ways in which the GEF programme will help recognise, support and promote solutions from around the globe.

“This initiative is a critical vehicle for the GEF partnership to invest in high-impact, community-driven solutions that deliver for nature, people and the climate,” said Janie Rioux, Director of IUCN’s Multilateral Finance Unit. “Leveraging our scientific expertise and on-the-ground experience, IUCN stands ready to support and elevate grassroots innovations – particularly those championing Indigenous People, women and youth voices – to deliver lasting global environmental benefits.”

A pilot initiative of the GEF Small Grants Program, the GEF’s premier mechanism for engaging civil society stakeholders, the GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program is implemented by IUCN and executed by RTI International. It will run over a 4-year period, with a US$10 million investment from the GEF and US$4.5 million in co-funding from IUCN and RTI.