SGP CSO Innovation Challenge Program

The SGP CSO Innovation Challenge Program is a global funding initiative supported by the Global Environment Facility and led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in partnership with RTI International. The program is designed to identify, support, and scale high-impact environmental solutions developed by civil society organizations. It builds on the long-standing Small Grants Programme model but shifts toward larger grant sizes and a stronger emphasis on scaling proven approaches. The initiative targets projects that can generate measurable global environmental benefits while strengthening collaboration, innovation, and inclusion among stakeholders. The primary purpose of this program is to support civil society organizations that have already demonstrated successful environmental solutions and are ready to replicate or expand them. The program specifically focuses on scaling existing models, adapting proven interventions to new contexts, and testing approaches that enable broader adoption. It seeks to foster innovation across multiple dimensions, including technology, policy, finance, and partnerships, while prioritizing solutions that can deliver long-term environmental impact and sustainability. Funding is available in the form of grants of up to 300,000 USD per project, with a maximum project duration of 24 months. In addition to financial support, selected organizations receive tailored technical assistance, capacity building, and opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Eligible costs include personnel, travel, equipment, subcontracting, and programmatic activities necessary to implement scaling strategies. The program encourages co-financing but does not require it, and emphasizes that funded activities must directly contribute to the replication or expansion of proven solutions rather than early-stage research or untested pilots. Eligibility is limited to civil society organizations that have legal status and maintain a bank account in the organization’s name. Applicants must be based in GEF-eligible recipient countries, and projects must be implemented within those countries. Eligible applicants include local, national, regional, and international CSOs, provided they work closely with local stakeholders and communities. Governments may participate as partners but are not eligible to receive funding directly. The program strongly encourages participation and leadership from women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples, and prioritizes projects that demonstrate inclusive engagement and community-based approaches. Applications must be submitted through the official online grants portal and may be completed in English, French, or Spanish. The application process begins with a concept note submission, which serves as an initial screening stage. Applicants must demonstrate a proven solution, a clear environmental outcome, and a feasible plan for scaling. Successful concept notes are invited to submit full proposals, which undergo further evaluation. Required application materials include organizational documentation, project descriptions, budgets, and supporting evidence of prior success and capacity. The evaluation process consists of multiple stages, including eligibility screening, concept note review, and full proposal assessment by a multi-stakeholder selection committee. Reviewers assess proposals based on alignment with priority areas, impact potential, scalability, feasibility, and inclusion. A shortlist of applicants is invited to submit full proposals, and final selections are made through a structured review process, ultimately resulting in a limited number of funded projects. The review and award process typically takes approximately three months following the application deadline. For the current call in the Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia region, applications are due on July 20, 2026. Selected applicants are expected to finalize agreements by December 2026, with project implementation beginning in early 2027. The program is not described as recurring in a fixed annual cycle, as calls for proposals are issued regionally and announced individually. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the program website for updates, deadlines, and guidance documents, and may contact program administrators through the official contact channels for clarification and support.

Focus on proven solutions with clear evidence of impact; demonstrate scalability and realistic implementation plan; align clearly with one priority area; emphasize inclusion of women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples