GEF Small Grants Programme (7th Operational Phase) Jamaica – APPLY NOW

March 26, 2024

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is a flagship programme that channels financial and technical support to civil society and community-based organizations in developing countries to pursue innovative projects that address global environmental challenges.

GEF Small Grants Programme (7th Operational Phase) Jamaica

As it enters its 7th operational phase, the programme continues to make strides in fostering sustainable development across the globe, including in Jamaica.

Objective and Overview

The GEF Small Grants Programme aims to support community-led initiatives that promote biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, protection of international waters, reduction of the impact of persistent organic pollutants, and prevention of land degradation.

These initiatives empower local communities to play an active role in environmental conservation and sustainable development efforts.

Eligible Countries

The programme operates in over 125 countries, including Jamaica, and targets areas with high biodiversity and significant environmental challenges.

Eligible People

Civil society organizations, community-based organizations, and other grassroots entities are eligible to apply for funding under the GEF Small Grants Programme. These organizations should demonstrate a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development principles.

Deadline

The deadline for submission of project proposals varies and is announced periodically by the implementing agency in Jamaica(5 April 2024). Interested applicants should regularly check the official website or contact the national focal point for updates on application deadlines.

Funding Amount

Selected projects receive financial support ranging from USD 50,000 to USD 250,000, depending on the scale and scope of the proposed activities.
SGP funds “small grants” up to a maximum of US$50,000.

Benefit

The GEF Small Grants Programme in Jamaica, particularly in its 7th operational phase, offers several benefits, including:

Community Empowerment: It empowers local communities by providing them with resources and support to implement sustainable development projects tailored to their specific needs and priorities.
Environmental Conservation: It promotes conservation efforts through initiatives focused on biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, climate change adaptation, and the protection of ecosystems and natural resources.
Capacity Building: The programme facilitates capacity building among local stakeholders, including community groups, NGOs, and government agencies, enhancing their skills and knowledge in environmental management and sustainable development practices.
Innovation and Technology: It fosters innovation and the adoption of appropriate technologies for sustainable development, encouraging the use of renewable energy, eco-friendly practices, and green technologies.
Partnerships and Collaboration: The programme encourages partnerships and collaboration among various stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector, fostering collective action and shared responsibility for environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Poverty Alleviation: By promoting sustainable livelihoods and income-generating activities, the programme contributes to poverty alleviation and socio-economic development in local communities.
Replication and Scaling Up: Successful projects supported by the programme can serve as models for replication and scaling up in other communities, thereby amplifying their impact and contributing to broader environmental and socio-economic objectives at the national and regional levels.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for funding, project proposals must meet certain criteria, including:

Alignment with the objectives and thematic priorities of the GEF Small Grants Programme.
Demonstrated community participation and ownership of the proposed activities.
Potential for sustainability and scalability beyond the project duration.
Contribution to the achievement of national and global environmental goals.
Compliance with relevant environmental and social safeguards.

Ineligibility

The following types of activities are generally not eligible for funding under the GEF Small Grants Programme:
Large-scale infrastructure projects.
Commercial ventures or for-profit activities.
Projects that promote activities harmful to the environment or human health.
Initiatives that do not involve meaningful community participation or benefit.

How to Apply

Interested organizations can apply for funding by following these steps:

Visit the official website of the GEF Small Grants Programme or contact the national focal point in Jamaica for detailed guidelines and application forms.https://www.undp.org/jamaica/call-project-concepts-gef-small-grants-programme
Develop a project proposal that aligns with the programme’s objectives and thematic priorities.
Complete the required documentation, including a project concept note, budget, work plan, and monitoring and evaluation framework.
Submit the application to the designated implementing agency or focal point by the specified deadline.

Documentation Requirements

Applicants are typically required to submit the following documents as part of their project proposals:

Project Concept Note: A concise summary of the proposed activities, objectives, and expected outcomes.
Detailed Budget: An itemized breakdown of project costs, including personnel, equipment, and other expenses.
Work Plan: A timeline outlining the implementation schedule and key milestones.
Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: A plan for tracking progress, assessing impacts, and ensuring accountability.

Tips for Successful Application

To increase the likelihood of a successful application, consider the following tips:

Clearly articulate the environmental problem or challenge your project aims to address and demonstrate the relevance of your proposed activities.
Engage local communities and stakeholders from the outset to ensure their active participation and support throughout the project cycle.
Develop a realistic budget and work plan that reflects the scope and scale of your project activities.
Highlight the potential co-benefits of your project, such as improved livelihoods, enhanced resilience, or knowledge sharing.
Provide evidence of past experience, partnerships, and capacity to implement similar projects successfully.

Conclusion

The GEF Small Grants Programme plays a crucial role in supporting community-led environmental initiatives in Jamaica and around the world. By providing funding, technical assistance, and capacity-building opportunities, the programme empowers local communities to address pressing environmental challenges and contribute to global sustainability efforts.

Interested organizations are encouraged to explore the eligibility criteria, application process, and tips for successful application outlined above and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment and society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for funding under the GEF Small Grants Programme?

Civil society organizations, community-based organizations, and grassroots entities are eligible to apply.

What types of projects are eligible for funding?

Projects that address biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, international waters protection, persistent organic pollutants, and land degradation are eligible.

What is the maximum amount of funding available for projects?

Funding for projects typically ranges from USD 50,000 to USD 250,000, depending on the scale and scope of activities.

How can I stay updated on upcoming application deadlines?

Interested applicants should regularly check the official website of the GEF Small Grants Programme or contact the national focal point in Jamaica for updates on application deadlines.

Is there any specific format for project proposals?

Yes, detailed guidelines and application forms are available on the official website of the programme or through the national focal point.

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