Call for Project Proposals Outside Operational Phase 8 Landscapes (Botswana)

Deadline: 08-Oct-2026

The United Nations Development Programme is inviting Botswana-based non-profit organizations and academic institutions to submit proposals for innovative, community-led projects supporting conservation, sustainable agriculture, and low-carbon energy access. The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (GEF SGP) provides grants for projects that deliver environmental and social benefits while strengthening local partnerships and community participation.

About the GEF Small Grants Program

The GEF Small Grants Program in Botswana supports community-led initiatives that address environmental challenges while contributing to sustainable livelihoods and inclusive local development. The program encourages innovative projects that can generate tangible environmental benefits, strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships, and create approaches that can be sustained, replicated, or scaled up. Projects are expected to make meaningful use of local communities, indigenous knowledge, and traditional knowledge systems. Where Can Projects Be Implemented? This funding opportunity is specifically for projects implemented outside the three selected OP8 landscapes: - Makgadikgadi Wetlands Area. - Bobirwa District. - Panhandle of the Okavango Delta. Applicants should ensure that their proposed project location falls outside these three landscapes. Strategic Initiatives Projects must address at least one of the following strategic initiatives: - Community-based conservation of threatened ecosystems and species. - Sustainable agriculture and fisheries, particularly initiatives supporting food security. - Low-carbon energy access and related co-benefits. Proposals may focus on one strategic area or develop an integrated approach addressing multiple priorities. Community-Based Conservation Projects can support communities in protecting threatened ecosystems and species.

Potential approaches may include:

- Biodiversity-friendly practices. - Protection and restoration of ecosystems. - Community-led conservation. - Use of indigenous and traditional knowledge. - Local biodiversity management. - Restoration of degraded land. Projects should demonstrate how communities will meaningfully participate in conservation activities and decision-making. Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries The program supports sustainable agriculture and fisheries initiatives, with a particular focus on food security.

Projects may promote approaches that:

- Improve sustainable agricultural practices. - Support biodiversity-friendly production. - Strengthen food security. - Diversify community livelihoods. - Incorporate indigenous and traditional knowledge. - Improve sustainable fisheries practices. - Restore degraded agricultural landscapes. Low-Carbon Energy Access Projects can also focus on low-carbon energy access and associated environmental and social benefits.

Applicants are encouraged to promote:

- Renewable energy technologies. - Energy-efficient technologies. - Low-carbon solutions. - Improved access to sustainable energy. - Technologies that provide environmental and livelihood benefits. Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge The program emphasizes the importance of indigenous and traditional knowledge systems. Projects are encouraged to incorporate locally developed knowledge and practices into conservation, agriculture, energy, and natural resource management activities. Using local knowledge can help ensure that interventions are appropriate to community needs and local environmental conditions. Livelihood Diversification Projects can contribute to sustainable livelihoods by helping communities diversify their sources of income and economic activity. Possible approaches include environmentally sustainable livelihood opportunities, biodiversity-friendly practices, sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and renewable energy solutions. Environmental and Social Benefits Proposals should demonstrate clear and measurable environmental benefits while also considering the social needs of participating communities.

Strong proposals should show:

- Clear environmental outcomes. - Meaningful community participation. - Social inclusion. - Realistic implementation arrangements. - Potential for sustainability. - Opportunities for replication or scale-up. Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships The GEF SGP encourages projects that bring different local stakeholders together. Partnerships can help communities, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and other relevant actors collaborate on environmental and development challenges. The program particularly values community-led approaches supported by effective local partnerships. Funding Available The maximum grant available for each project is the Botswana Pula equivalent of USD 50,000. Projects should develop realistic budgets that clearly connect proposed expenditures with their planned activities and expected environmental and social outcomes. Project Duration Projects are expected to run for two years from the date the grant agreement is signed. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed activities, implementation schedule, monitoring, and expected results can realistically be completed within the two-year period. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants must be non-profit-oriented institutions registered in Botswana.

Eligible organizations include:

- Civil Society Organizations. - Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). - Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). - Cooperative Societies. - Academic and Research Institutions established by an Act of Parliament. Consortium Applications Consortia of Civil Society Organizations may apply. Where a consortium submits an application, one CSO must act as the lead entity. The lead organization should be capable of coordinating project implementation, financial management, reporting, and partnership arrangements. Who Is Not Eligible? The following are not eligible to apply: - Companies. - Private sector entities. - Individua