Call for Proposals: GEF Small Grants Programme (Tonga, Tuvalu)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) is inviting civil society and community-based organizations in Tonga and Tuvalu to apply for funding for community-led environmental and sustainable development projects. The programme supports grassroots solutions that address environmental challenges, create tangible environmental benefits, and empower local communities. Grants ranging from US$10,000 to US$75,000 are available for selected projects addressing environmental conservation, sustainable livelihoods, climate action, food security, waste management, and other priority areas.

About the GEF Small Grants Programme

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme is implemented by UNDP and supports grassroots organizations developing locally led responses to environmental and sustainable development challenges. The programme recognizes the role of local communities and civil society organizations in protecting natural resources and developing sustainable solutions. This funding opportunity specifically targets organizations operating in Tonga and Tuvalu. What Does the Programme Support? Projects should deliver meaningful environmental benefits while strengthening the capacity and participation of local communities.

Priority areas include:

- Conservation of threatened ecosystems and species. - Sustainable fisheries. - Sustainable agriculture. - Food security. - Community-based low-carbon solutions. - Climate-smart initiatives. - Youth-led environmental initiatives. - Women-led climate and environmental initiatives. - Community-driven waste management. - Environmental entrepreneurship. Projects can combine environmental protection with sustainable development and community empowerment. Conservation of Ecosystems and Species Funding can support community-led efforts to conserve threatened ecosystems and species. Projects in this area should contribute to protecting biodiversity and strengthening local participation in environmental conservation. Sustainable Fisheries, Agriculture and Food Security The programme supports sustainable approaches to fisheries and agriculture that can contribute to local food security while reducing environmental pressures. Community organizations can develop solutions that promote sustainable resource use and strengthen environmentally responsible livelihoods. Low-Carbon and Climate-Smart Solutions Community-based low-carbon initiatives are another priority area. The programme also encourages climate-smart projects led by youth and women, creating opportunities for these groups to take leadership roles in developing local responses to climate and environmental challenges. Waste Management and Entrepreneurship Community-driven waste management projects are eligible for support. The programme also encourages environmental entrepreneurship, allowing communities to develop sustainable economic opportunities while addressing local environmental problems. Grant Amount Selected projects can receive grants ranging from:

- Minimum grant: US$10,000.

- Maximum grant: US$75,000.

Applicants should develop realistic project budgets that clearly connect proposed expenditures with the project’s environmental and community outcomes. Who Can Apply?

The call is open to:

- Civil society organizations. - Community-based organizations.

Eligible applicants must:

- Operate in Tonga or Tuvalu. - Focus on environmental solutions and sustainable development. - Propose projects that address relevant community and environmental challenges. - Demonstrate a community-led approach. Community-Led Approach The GEF Small Grants Programme places strong emphasis on grassroots and community participation. Projects should empower local stakeholders to participate in identifying environmental challenges and developing practical solutions. A strong community-led project should demonstrate: - Local participation. - Community ownership. - Meaningful environmental benefits. - Sustainable approaches. - Local stakeholder empowerment. - Practical and achievable activities. How to Prepare a Strong Proposal Applicants should clearly explain the environmental problem their project will address and how the proposed activities will create measurable benefits.

A strong proposal should:

- Clearly identify the environmental challenge. - Explain how the issue affects the local community. - Describe the proposed community-led solution. - Connect the project to one or more priority areas. - Explain the expected environmental benefits. - Demonstrate meaningful local participation. - Include a realistic implementation plan. - Provide a clear and justified budget. - Explain how project outcomes can be sustained beyond the grant period. Projects that combine environmental outcomes with community empowerment and sustainable development can demonstrate strong alignment with the programme. Why This Funding Matters Grassroots organizations often have direct knowledge of the environmental challenges affecting their communities. The GEF Small Grants Programme provides these organizations with financial support to develop locally appropriate solutions while strengthening community participation in environmental protection and sustainable development. The funding can help communities in Tonga and Tuvalu address issues such as biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use, climate change, food security and waste management through locally led initiatives. Frequently Asked Questions What is the GEF Small Grants Programme? The GEF Small Grants Programme is a UNDP-implemented funding programme supporting grassroots environmental and sustainable development initiatives led by civil society and community organizations. Who can apply for the Tonga and Tuvalu call? Civil society organizations and community-based organizations operating in Tonga or Tuvalu can apply. How much funding is available? Grants range from US$10,000 to US$75,000 per selected project. What projects are prioritized? Priority areas inc