Call for Applications: GEF Small Grants Programme (Togo)

Deadline: 14-Aug-2026

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), implemented by UNDP in Togo, provides grants of up to USD 75,000 to support community-led environmental and sustainable development projects. The programme funds innovative initiatives that promote biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, sustainable natural resource management, and inclusive community development, with a focus on women, youth, and people with disabilities.

Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) – Togo Overview

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) supports community-based projects that protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and strengthen the socio-economic resilience of local communities in Togo.

Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the programme demonstrates how local actions can contribute to global environmental goals while promoting sustainable development, community participation, and long-term environmental resilience.

Purpose of the Programme

The programme aims to:

Support innovative community-based environmental initiatives.
Protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Promote sustainable management of natural resources.
Strengthen community resilience to environmental challenges.
Encourage knowledge sharing and replication of successful community practices.
Build partnerships among NGOs, community organizations, research institutions, government agencies, and development partners.
Improve livelihoods through environmentally sustainable solutions.

Focus Areas

Projects should align with one or more of the following thematic areas:

Biological Diversity

Biodiversity conservation.
Protection of natural habitats.
Ecosystem restoration.
Conservation of endangered species.

Climate Change

Climate change mitigation.
Climate adaptation.
Community resilience.
Low-carbon development initiatives.

International Waters

Sustainable management of water resources.
Watershed conservation.
Protection of aquatic ecosystems.

Land Degradation and Desertification

Land restoration.
Sustainable land management.
Soil conservation.
Prevention of desertification.

Sustainable Forest Management

Community forestry.
Forest restoration.
Sustainable forest resource management.
Protection of sacred forests.

Chemicals and Waste

Waste reduction.
Safe chemical management.
Pollution prevention.
Sustainable waste management practices.

Priority Intervention Areas

During the GEF-8 Operational Phase (until June 2028), priority support will focus on:

Bombouaka Cuesta in the Savannah Region.
Kara River Watershed in the Kara Region.
Fluvio-complex Coastal Lagoon in the Maritime Region.

Projects within these landscapes should contribute to:

Ecosystem restoration.
Community forest conservation.
Sustainable agriculture.
Sustainable fisheries.
Sustainable forestry.
Livelihood improvement.
Capacity building.
Community empowerment.

Funding Information

The programme provides financial assistance for eligible community projects.

Maximum grant: USD 75,000 per project.
Funding covers up to 75% of the total project cost.
Applicants must contribute the remaining project costs through financial, material, or in-kind contributions.
Maximum project duration: 24 months.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be legally established organizations in Togo.

Applicants may include:

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Non-profit development associations.
Youth organizations.
Women-led organizations.
Village Development Committees.
Cantonal Development Committees.
Research institutions.
Community-based organizations.
Other eligible civil society organizations.

Applicants must also:

Be legally registered in Togo.
Submit community-based projects.
Demonstrate local participation.
Present innovative and replicable solutions.
Complete projects within 24 months.

How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization:

Is legally established in Togo.
Meets programme eligibility requirements.
Proposes an eligible environmental project.

Step 2: Identify a Community Need

Develop a project that addresses:

Environmental protection.
Sustainable resource management.
Climate resilience.
Community development.

Step 3: Design an Innovative Project

Projects should:

Demonstrate local innovation.
Produce measurable environmental benefits.
Be adaptable and replicable.
Promote community ownership.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Include:

Total project cost.
Requested GEF SGP funding.
Co-financing contribution.
Financial, material, or in-kind contributions.

Step 5: Submit the Proposal

Submit a complete project proposal with all required supporting documentation.

Step 6: Project Evaluation

Applications are assessed based on:

Environmental impact.
Innovation.
Community participation.
Sustainability.
Replication potential.
Alignment with GEF thematic priorities.

Step 7: Project Implementation

Successful applicants receive grant funding to implement approved projects while monitoring outcomes and sharing best practices.

Why This Programme Matters

The GEF Small Grants Programme helps:

Protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
Improve climate resilience.
Restore degraded landscapes.
Promote sustainable agriculture and forestry.
Strengthen local livelihoods.
Empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Build community capacity for environmental management.
Contribute to global environmental goals through local action.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting projects outside the programme’s thematic priorities.
Failing to demonstrate community participation.
Not including required co-financing contributions.
Proposing projects without clear environmental outcomes.
Submitting unrealistic budgets or timelines.
Providing insufficient evidence of innovation or sustainability.
Omitting required supporting documents.

Tips for a Strong Application

Clearly explain the environmental problem your project addresses.
Demonstrate strong community ownership and participation.
Align the proposal with GEF priority themes.
Include measurable environmental and social outcomes.
Present a realistic implementation plan and budget.
Highlight innovation and potential for replication.
Explain long-term sustainability beyond the grant period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP)?

It is a community-based grant programme implemented by UNDP that supports projects focused on environmental protection, sustainable development, and community resilience in Togo.

2. What is the maximum grant amount?

Eligible projects can receive up to USD 75,000, covering up to 75% of the total project cost.

3. Which environmental themes are supported?

The programme supports biodiversity, climate change, sustainable forest management, land degradation, international waters, and chemicals and waste management.

4. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include legally registered NGOs, community organizations, research institutions, youth groups, women-led organizations, and other civil society organizations in Togo.

5. Is co-financing required?

Yes. Applicants must contribute the remaining project costs through financial, material, or in-kind contributions.

6. How long can projects last?

Projects must have an implementation period of no more than 24 months.

7. What makes a strong proposal?

Successful proposals demonstrate innovation, community ownership, environmental impact, sustainability, measurable results, and alignment with GEF priorities.

Conclusion

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) in Togo provides significant support for community-led environmental initiatives that protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and improve sustainable livelihoods. By funding innovative, inclusive, and locally driven projects, the programme enables communities to contribute to global environmental objectives while promoting long-term sustainable development and socio-economic resilience.

For more information, visit UNDP.