Open Call for GEF Small Grants Programme (Mongolia)

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is inviting non-governmental organizations to strengthen communication, visibility, and knowledge management for environmental initiatives in Mongolia. The selected organization will produce impact stories, videos, knowledge products, and communication materials over an 18-month period. The project offers funding of USD 50,000 to enhance public awareness, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge sharing for community-led environmental action.

Program Overview: Environmental Communication and Knowledge Management

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) supports civil society organizations and local communities in addressing environmental challenges while improving livelihoods and community resilience.

This project aims to strengthen the communication, visibility, and documentation of environmental initiatives in Mongolia through high-quality storytelling, multimedia content, and knowledge products.

Key Objectives of the Project

• Improve communication of environmental initiatives in Mongolia
• Increase visibility of community-based conservation projects
• Document environmental impacts and success stories
• Strengthen knowledge management and information sharing
• Promote biodiversity conservation and climate action
• Support stakeholder engagement through effective communication
• Encourage learning and replication of successful environmental practices

Priority Focus Areas

Environmental Communication

• Public awareness campaigns
• Storytelling and impact communication
• Environmental advocacy
• Social media engagement

Knowledge Management

• Documentation of project outcomes
• Knowledge product development
• Digital archiving
• Information dissemination

Environmental Themes

• Biodiversity conservation
• Climate action
• Sustainable land management
• Community development
• Environmental resilience

Funding Structure

Grant Amount

• USD 50,000

Project Duration

• 18 months

Expected Deliverables

The selected organization will produce:

Impact Stories

• Four evidence-based impact stories
• 600–900 words each
• Supporting professional photography

Knowledge Products

• Two communication products
• Approximately four pages each
• Examples include brochures and policy briefs

Communication Coverage

• Coverage of up to five events or field visits
• Event photography
• Social media content drafts

Video Production

• One short video (60–90 seconds)
• One documentary-style video (7–9 minutes)

UNCCD COP17 Documentation

• Photo and video documentation
• Coverage for up to 10 working days

Digital Archive

• Organized archive of:
  • Final communication materials
  • Raw photographs and videos
  • Consent forms where required

Field Work Requirements

The assignment may include travel to SGP project sites in:

• Zavkhan
• Uvurkhangai
• Arkhangai
• Khentii
• Selenge

Language and Branding Requirements

All outputs must:

• Be produced in Mongolian and English where applicable
• Follow UNDP branding guidelines
• Comply with GEF SGP visibility standards
• Meet ethical communication requirements

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Organizations with communication and knowledge management expertise
• Organizations experienced in environmental projects
• Teams capable of multimedia production and field documentation

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Organizational experience
• Technical capacity
• Qualified personnel
• Experience in environmental communication

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Project proposal
• Detailed work plan
• Timeline covering 2026–2027
• Detailed project budget
• Organizational profile
• Team composition and key personnel
• Quality assurance approach
• Implementation methodology

How the Project Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Proposal

Develop:

• Communication strategy
• Work plan
• Timeline
• Budget

Step 2: Submit Application

Provide all required technical and organizational documentation.

Step 3: Proposal Evaluation

Applications are assessed based on:

• Organizational experience
• Technical expertise
• Project methodology
• Capacity to deliver outputs

Step 4: Project Implementation

Selected organization carries out:

• Field documentation
• Multimedia production
• Knowledge product development
• Event communication

Step 5: Monitoring and Quality Assurance

Ensure compliance with:

• UNDP communication standards
• GEF SGP branding requirements
• Ethical communication practices

Step 6: Final Delivery

Submit all communication products and digital archive.

Importance of the Project (Why It Matters)

This initiative contributes to:

• Greater visibility of environmental projects
• Improved public understanding of conservation efforts
• Better knowledge sharing among stakeholders
• Stronger community engagement
• Documentation of environmental best practices
• Increased impact of biodiversity and climate initiatives
• Long-term learning and replication of successful projects

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete proposals
• Weak communication strategy
• Insufficient multimedia production capacity
• Missing implementation timeline
• Ignoring UNDP branding requirements
• Inadequate budget justification
• Lack of quality assurance measures

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate experience in environmental communication
• Include examples of previous multimedia work
• Develop a realistic implementation schedule
• Present a detailed quality control process
• Highlight expertise in storytelling and impact documentation
• Ensure bilingual communication capacity
• Clearly explain knowledge management methods

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is implementing this project?

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP).

2. What is the total funding available?

USD 50,000.

3. How long is the project?

18 months.

4. Who can apply?

Qualified non-governmental organizations with relevant communication and environmental expertise.

5. What are the main deliverables?

Impact stories, knowledge products, videos, event coverage, and a digital communication archive.

6. Is field travel required?

Yes. Travel may be required to project locations in Zavkhan, Uvurkhangai, Arkhangai, Khentii, and Selenge.

7. What languages must be used?

Outputs should be produced in Mongolian and English where applicable.

Conclusion

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) Environmental Communication and Knowledge Management Project offers NGOs an opportunity to strengthen the visibility and impact of community-led environmental initiatives across Mongolia. Through strategic storytelling, multimedia production, and knowledge management, the project will enhance awareness, promote environmental learning, and support the long-term success of biodiversity conservation, climate action, and sustainable development initiatives.