The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), implemented with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uzbekistan, announces a new call for proposals for local environmental initiatives in Uzbekistan.
The Programme provides grants to non-governmental non-profit organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations to implement innovative, practical, and locally-driven initiatives aimed at addressing environmental challenges, enhancing community resilience, and promoting sustainable natural resource management at the local level.
The call is open to eligible non-governmental non-profit organizations across Uzbekistan.
Project proposals must align with one or more of the following priority areas: biodiversity conservation; sustainable land and water management; climate change mitigation and adaptation; restoration of degraded ecosystems; sustainable agriculture and agroforestry; waste and chemical management; environmental education and capacity building; and the introduction of efficient low-carbon and resource-saving solutions, including renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient approaches aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing environmental sustainability.
Applications can be submitted by registered non-governmental non-profit organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (mahallas), associations, foundations, scientific and educational institutions for non-profit initiatives, and other relevant civil society organizations.
Applicant organizations must demonstrate that their statutory activities and organizational-operational mandate align with the theme of the proposed project and the environmental goals of the Programme.
Government agencies, state organizations, commercial entities, and profit-oriented organizations are not eligible to participate in this call.
The Programme does not fund commercial or profit-oriented activities, political or religious projects, funding for already completed activities, or initiatives implemented directly by government bodies. Projects focused solely on construction or infrastructure without a clear environmental innovative component, community participation, and sustainability elements are also generally not considered.
Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate active community participation and engagement, practical and innovative environmental solutions, measurable environmental outcomes, sustainability and scaling potential, support for vulnerable populations, and co-financing or in-kind contributions from applicants and partners. Special attention will be given to projects that ensure an inclusive approach and the active participation of women and youth in project planning, implementation, and decision-making.
Applicants must provide a reasonable amount of co-financing and/or in-kind contribution to support project implementation. Co-financing may include financial contributions, equipment, materials, volunteer labor, land plots, premises, technical expertise, or other relevant support from the applicant organization, local communities, partners, or other stakeholders.
The maximum grant amount for a standard project is generally up to USD 50,000. In exceptional cases, strategic grants may be considered in accordance with the Programme's priorities and procedures.
Applicants are invited to submit a project concept/application form, a preliminary budget, supporting organizational documents, and other relevant annexes and technical materials. Project proposals must clearly demonstrate environmental relevance, feasibility, expected results, implementation capacity, sustainability of outcomes, and alignment with GEF SGP priorities.
Applications will undergo administrative and technical evaluation, after which they will be reviewed by the National Steering Committee in accordance with GEF SGP procedures and priorities.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully follow all instructions and requirements for filling out and submitting applications. Incomplete applications, applications with errors, and applications from organizations that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
The deadline for application submission is June 5, 2026.
Please note that due to the expected high volume of applications, only shortlisted organizations will receive notification and further feedback from the Programme.
Detailed materials, application forms, and additional information are available on the GEF SGP website in Uzbekistan:Project development
