Call for Proposals: UNDP GEF Small Grants Program (Palau)

Deadline: 23-Oct-2026

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme in Palau provides funding to local NGOs, community-based organizations, youth groups, and organizations involving persons with disabilities for community-led environmental projects. Regular Grants provide up to US$75,000 for projects lasting one to two years, while Strategic Grants offer up to US$150,000 for larger projects that replicate and scale successful approaches across multiple communities.

About the GEF Small Grants Programme

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) is a global initiative implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that supports local communities in developing countries to address environmental and sustainable development challenges. The Palau call focuses on strengthening community participation in environmental protection and supporting locally driven solutions to issues covered by the Global Environment Facility’s focal areas. The programme gives local organizations an opportunity to develop projects that respond to environmental priorities while strengthening community capacity and participation. What Does the Programme Support? Projects can address a range of GEF focal areas and environmental priorities, including: - Community-based conservation. - Biodiversity protection. - Climate change mitigation and adaptation. - Sustainable land management. - Sustainable forest management. - Low-carbon energy solutions. - Chemicals and waste management. - International waters. - Sustainable urban solutions. - Sustainable agriculture. - Sustainable fisheries. - Food security. Applicants should develop projects that demonstrate a clear connection between community action and the relevant GEF focal area. Funding Available The programme offers two categories of grants. Regular Grants Regular Grants provide up to US$75,000. Projects supported under this category are expected to last between one and two years and should address relevant environmental priorities through community-based approaches. Strategic Grants Strategic Grants provide up to US$150,000. These grants are intended for larger-scale projects that can replicate, expand, or scale successful approaches across multiple communities. Strategic projects should therefore demonstrate potential for broader impact beyond a single community or intervention. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants must be based in Palau and can include: - Local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). - Community-based organizations, including cheldebechel. - Youth groups. - Organizations involving persons with disabilities. - Groups actively involving persons with disabilities. The programme emphasizes locally led action, making community participation an important element of eligible projects. What Makes a Strong Project? A strong proposal should clearly connect the proposed activities with an identified environmental challenge and the relevant GEF focal area.

Applicants should explain:

- The environmental problem being addressed. - The communities that will benefit. - The proposed solution and activities. - How local people will participate. - The expected environmental outcomes. - How the project will contribute to sustainable development. - How results will be monitored. - How successful approaches could be continued, replicated, or expanded where relevant. Projects should demonstrate practical community involvement rather than relying only on activities led by external organizations. Community-Based Environmental Action The GEF Small Grants Programme places local communities at the center of environmental action. Projects may combine environmental protection with livelihoods, food security, sustainable resource management, climate resilience, or other community priorities. This approach can help communities develop locally appropriate solutions while contributing to broader environmental goals. Regular Grant Project Duration Regular Grant projects are expected to have a duration of one to two years. Applicants should develop realistic timelines that connect project activities with measurable outcomes. The proposed budget and implementation schedule should be appropriate for the scale and duration of the project. Strategic Grant Opportunities Strategic Grants are designed for projects with the potential to achieve broader impact. Applicants seeking up to US$150,000 should demonstrate how their approach can be replicated or expanded across multiple communities. A Strategic Grant proposal should therefore provide evidence that the proposed model can generate results beyond the initial project location. Why Is the Programme Important? Environmental challenges often directly affect local communities, natural resources, food systems, livelihoods, and long-term resilience. By providing funding directly to local organizations and community groups, the GEF Small Grants Programme supports community participation in addressing these challenges. In Palau, the programme provides opportunities for local organizations, youth, and groups involving persons with disabilities to participate in environmental solutions connected to global GEF priorities. Tips for Preparing a Strong Application Applicants should consider the following when developing their proposals: - Clearly identify the environmental issue. - Select the GEF focal area that best matches the project. - Explain the community need and expected benefits. - Define specific and measurable project outcomes. - Provide a realistic implementation timeline. - Prepare a budget that directly supports proposed activities. - Demonstrate meaningful community participation. - Explain how environmental results will be sustained after the grant. - For Strategic Grants, clearly explain how the approach can be replicated or scaled. Key Facts

- Programme: GEF Small Grants Programme

- Implementing Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

- Country: Palau

- Regular Grant: Up to US$75,000

- Regular Grant