Deadline: 12-Jun-2026
The GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) supports community-led environmental action in Suriname.
It funds projects that address global environmental challenges while improving local livelihoods and promoting sustainable development.
The programme emphasizes grassroots participation and long-term environmental sustainability.
Funding Details
- Grant size: USD 5,000 – USD 50,000
- Programme phase: 8th Operational Phase (2025–2028)
- Focus: Community-based environmental and sustainable development projects
Key Focus Areas
The programme supports initiatives in:
- Conservation of threatened ecosystems and species
- Sustainable forest management with indigenous and tribal communities
- Agro-ecotourism and community capacity building
- Sustainable agriculture and fisheries
- Food security and livelihood diversification
- Restoration of degraded land and ecosystems
- Reduction of deforestation in supply chains
- Chemicals and waste management
- Mercury-free alternatives in small-scale gold mining
- Plastic and solid waste reduction
- Circular economy initiatives
- Renewable energy solutions (solar, biogas, off-grid systems)
- Improved cookstoves and clean cooking technologies
- Gender equality and social inclusion initiatives
Country Strategy Alignment (2025–2028)
Projects must align with Suriname’s GEF-SGP Country Programme Strategy, which prioritizes:
- Ecosystem and biodiversity protection
- Climate resilience and adaptation
- Sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction
- Community-based natural resource management
- Gender and social inclusion
Indigenous and Community Requirements
Special requirements include:
- Active participation of indigenous and tribal communities where applicable
- Compliance with Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles
- Evidence of meaningful community engagement
- Strong collaboration with local community organizations
Co-Financing and Collaboration
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- Co-financing arrangements for project sustainability
- Partnerships with community-based organizations
- Strong local stakeholder involvement
- Clear implementation and management structures
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Community-based organizations (CBOs)
- Non-profit organizations with legal status
- Organizations with an active governing board
- Groups working at the community level in Suriname
Who is NOT Eligible?
Generally not eligible:
- For-profit companies
- Informal groups without legal status
- Organizations without community-based environmental focus
- Entities without proper governance structures
Project Requirements
Proposals must demonstrate:
- Alignment with GEF-SGP Phase 8 strategy
- Clear environmental and social impact
- Strong project management capacity
- Contribution to local livelihoods and poverty reduction
- Gender inclusion, especially for women, youth, and persons with disabilities
- Sustainable and scalable outcomes
Evaluation Priorities
Projects will be assessed based on:
- Environmental impact and relevance
- Community participation and ownership
- Inclusion of indigenous and vulnerable groups
- Financial feasibility and co-financing strength
- Long-term sustainability
- Capacity of implementing organization
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative supports community-driven environmental solutions in Suriname by linking global environmental priorities with local development needs.
It helps:
- Protect biodiversity and ecosystems
- Improve rural livelihoods and food security
- Reduce pollution and environmental degradation
- Strengthen climate resilience at the community level
- Promote inclusive and sustainable development
Conclusion
The GEF Small Grants Programme in Suriname provides USD 5,000 to USD 50,000 in funding for community-based environmental projects aligned with national and global sustainability goals. By prioritizing inclusion, biodiversity protection, and sustainable livelihoods, the programme empowers local organizations to drive meaningful environmental change at the grassroots level.
For more information, visit UNDP.
