Deadline: 07-Aug-2026
The Global Environment Facility Small Projects Programme in Mongolia provides financial support for civil society organizations and community-based groups working on environmental sustainability and local development.
Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, the programme supports practical projects that address environmental challenges while strengthening community capacity.
The funding opportunity focuses on:
- Community-based biodiversity conservation
- Sustainable agriculture development
- Food security improvement
- Environmental awareness and knowledge sharing
- Communication of successful sustainability initiatives
Purpose of the GEF Small Projects Programme
The main goal of the programme is to support locally led solutions that contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development.
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen community involvement in conservation
- Protect biodiversity and ecosystems
- Promote sustainable food production systems
- Improve resilience of local communities
- Share knowledge and lessons from successful projects
The initiative recognizes that local organizations and communities play an important role in addressing environmental challenges.
Why Community-Led Sustainability Projects Matter
Local communities often directly experience environmental challenges such as:
- Biodiversity loss
- Climate impacts
- Agricultural pressures
- Food insecurity
- Natural resource degradation
Community-led projects can provide practical solutions by combining local knowledge with sustainable practices.
These initiatives help:
- Protect natural ecosystems
- Improve livelihoods
- Strengthen environmental awareness
- Encourage long-term resource management
- Build community resilience
Priority Areas of Support
The programme supports projects aligned with specific environmental and sustainability priorities.
Community-Based Biodiversity Conservation
Projects may focus on:
- Protecting local ecosystems
- Conserving endangered species and habitats
- Supporting community conservation initiatives
- Promoting sustainable use of natural resources
- Increasing local participation in biodiversity protection
Community involvement is expected to be a central part of conservation efforts.
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
Projects may support:
- Environmentally sustainable farming practices
- Improved agricultural methods
- Local food production systems
- Climate-resilient agriculture
- Community food security initiatives
The goal is to strengthen sustainable food systems while protecting environmental resources.
Knowledge Products and Impact Communication
Supported projects are also expected to create content and knowledge products that communicate programme achievements.
Examples include:
- Case studies
- Reports
- Educational materials
- Digital content
- Community success stories
- Awareness resources
These materials should help broader audiences understand the impact of Small Projects Programme initiatives.
Who Is Eligible?
The funding opportunity is open to civil society organizations working in Mongolia.
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Civil society organizations
- Local community organizations
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience implementing community-focused projects
- Commitment to sustainability goals
- Ability to manage project activities
- Capacity to engage local communities
Funding Amount and Project Duration
The programme provides financial support for selected sustainability projects.
Key funding details include:
- Maximum grant amount: USD 50,000
- Implementation period: Up to 18 months
- Eligible applicants: Civil society and community organizations in Mongolia
Projects should demonstrate clear environmental benefits and alignment with programme priorities.
How the Programme Works
The funding process supports organizations through project development and implementation.
The general process includes:
- Identify a sustainability challenge
Organizations should identify a local environmental or community development issue related to biodiversity, agriculture, or food security.
- Develop a project proposal
The proposal should explain:
- Project objectives
- Planned activities
- Expected environmental outcomes
- Community involvement
- Implementation timeline
- Budget requirements
- Submit the application
Eligible organizations submit proposals according to the official application process.
- Proposal review
Applications are assessed based on:
- Alignment with programme priorities
- Environmental impact
- Community participation
- Project feasibility
- Sustainability outcomes
- Implement the approved project
Selected organizations carry out activities within the approved 18-month period.
How to Prepare a Strong Proposal
Applicants can improve their proposals by:
- Clearly defining the environmental challenge
- Demonstrating community participation
- Explaining measurable outcomes
- Connecting activities with biodiversity or sustainability goals
- Providing a realistic budget
- Including plans for knowledge sharing
- Showing long-term benefits beyond the funding period
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Proposing projects unrelated to programme priorities
- Failing to involve local communities
- Providing unclear project objectives
- Submitting unrealistic timelines
- Ignoring sustainability after project completion
- Not explaining how project results will be communicated
Mongolia’s Climate Policy Context
The funding opportunity supports Mongolia’s broader efforts to strengthen environmental protection and climate action.
On July 2, 2026, Mongolia approved its first Climate Change Law during a plenary session of the State Great Khural.
The law establishes a national framework focused on:
- Climate change mitigation
- Greenhouse gas emission reduction
- Cross-sector climate policy coordination
- Green sustainable finance and investment
- Development of a carbon-neutral economy
The policy framework reflects Mongolia’s increasing focus on climate resilience, sustainability, and environmental governance.
Benefits of Participating in the Programme
Selected organizations can use the funding opportunity to:
- Implement community-driven environmental projects
- Strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts
- Improve sustainable agriculture practices
- Increase food security
- Develop environmental knowledge resources
- Build partnerships with local communities
- Contribute to Mongolia’s sustainability goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Global Environment Facility Small Projects Programme?
The Global Environment Facility Small Projects Programme is a funding initiative implemented by UNDP that supports community-based sustainability projects led by civil society organizations.
Who can apply for funding in Mongolia?
Non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and local community groups in Mongolia can apply if they meet programme requirements.
How much funding can applicants request?
Eligible organizations can request grants of up to USD 50,000.
How long can funded projects last?
Selected projects can be implemented for up to 18 months.
What types of projects are supported?
The programme supports projects related to biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental knowledge sharing.
Are applicants required to create communication materials?
Yes. Supported projects are expected to develop content and knowledge products that communicate project impacts and achievements to wider audiences.
Why does the programme focus on community-based projects?
Community-led initiatives help ensure that environmental solutions reflect local needs, knowledge, and long-term sustainability goals.
Conclusion
The Global Environment Facility Small Projects Programme Mongolia provides an important opportunity for civil society organizations and communities to develop practical sustainability solutions. By supporting biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental communication, the programme helps strengthen local action for long-term environmental protection.
Eligible organizations can use this funding opportunity to create impactful projects that support Mongolia’s sustainability goals while empowering communities to participate in environmental conservation and climate resilience efforts.
For more information, visit UNDP.