Call for EOIs: Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme (Timor-Leste)

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by UNDP Timor-Leste, is accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from local NGOs and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) for Operational Phase 8 (OP8). The program provides grants of up to $50,000 to support community-led projects in biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and chemicals and waste management across Timor-Leste.

GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) OP8 in Timor-Leste

About the Program

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is a global initiative implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that supports community-led environmental conservation and sustainable development projects.

Under Operational Phase 8 (OP8) in Timor-Leste, the program invites local civil society organizations and community groups to implement projects that protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, promote sustainable livelihoods, expand access to clean energy, and improve environmental management. The initiative prioritizes locally driven solutions that generate lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits for vulnerable communities.

Funding Summary

Funding Organization: Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Implementing Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Timor-Leste
Program: GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) – Operational Phase 8 (OP8)
Grant for Local NGOs (New Projects): Up to US$25,000
Grant for Local NGOs (Scaling-up Projects): Up to US$50,000
Grant for CBOs (New Projects): Up to US$10,000
Grant for CBOs (Scaling-up Projects): Up to US$20,000
Project Duration: One year (October 2026 – October 2027)
Application Type: Expression of Interest (EOI)

About the Program Priorities

The program supports community-led initiatives under four major thematic areas.

Community-Based Conservation of Ecosystems and Species

Projects may focus on:

Biodiversity conservation.
Protection of threatened ecosystems.
Habitat restoration.
Ecosystem rehabilitation.
Community-led conservation initiatives.
Species protection.
Nature-based solutions.

Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security

Eligible activities include:

Climate-smart agriculture.
Drought-resistant food production.
Sustainable livestock systems.
Sustainable fisheries.
Aquaculture.
Food security initiatives.
El Niño preparedness.
Long-term community resilience.

Low-Carbon Energy Access

Projects may support:

Small-scale solar water pump systems.
Solar-powered irrigation systems.
Renewable energy access.
Affordable clean energy solutions.
Energy access for remote communities.
Low-carbon rural development.

Chemicals and Waste Management

Supported activities include:

Community wastewater management.
Green waste recycling.
Organic fertilizer production.
Community waste reduction.
Pollution prevention.
Environmentally sound waste management.
Reducing environmental and public health risks.

Funding Categories

Local NGOs

Up to US$25,000 for new projects.
Up to US$50,000 for scaling-up existing initiatives.

Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

Up to US$10,000 for new projects.
Up to US$20,000 for scaling-up projects.

Eligible Project Locations

Projects may be implemented in:

Aileu
Ainaro
Ataúro
Baucau
Bobonaro
Covalima
Dili
Ermera
Lautem
Liquica
Manatuto
Manufahi
Oecusse
Viqueque

Priority will be given to projects serving the most vulnerable communities and locations.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Registered local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
Registered Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).
Other eligible community organizations that meet the program requirements.

Applicants must submit the required Expression of Interest (EOI) using the official application form (Annex I).

Eligible Activities

The program supports projects that:

Protect biodiversity.
Restore degraded ecosystems.
Improve community resilience.
Promote sustainable agriculture.
Strengthen food security.
Support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
Expand renewable energy access.
Improve wastewater management.
Promote recycling and organic waste management.
Reduce pollution and environmental risks.
Build community capacity for sustainable development.

Why This Program Matters

Community organizations play a critical role in protecting ecosystems while improving local livelihoods. Through small grants and community leadership, the GEF Small Grants Programme helps local organizations implement practical environmental solutions that strengthen biodiversity, climate resilience, food security, and sustainable resource management.

The program also contributes to global environmental objectives while addressing local development challenges across Timor-Leste.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit an application:

Review the eligibility requirements and priority themes.
Develop a project aligned with one of the four thematic areas.
Complete the official Expression of Interest (EOI) form (Annex I).
Prepare all required supporting information.
Submit the EOI by email before the deadline.
Use the email subject line:
“Submission of EOI GEF SGP OP8 – [Name of NGO/CBO]”
Send the application to:
- smallgrants.tl@undp.org
- Copy: joao.dorosariopereira@undp.org
Submit the application no later than 11 August 2026.

Tips for Applicants

Clearly demonstrate community leadership and participation.
Align the project with one of the four priority themes.
Explain the environmental and community benefits.
Focus on practical, sustainable, and scalable solutions.
Show how the project will strengthen long-term resilience.
Target vulnerable communities where possible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting an incomplete Expression of Interest.
Applying without using the official EOI form.
Proposing activities outside the program priorities.
Failing to demonstrate community involvement.
Missing the submission deadline.
Using an incorrect email subject line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP)?

The GEF Small Grants Programme supports community-led environmental conservation and sustainable development initiatives through grants to local organizations.

Who can apply?

Registered local NGOs and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in Timor-Leste are eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

Funding varies by applicant type:

Local NGOs: Up to US$25,000 for new projects and US$50,000 for scaling-up projects.
CBOs: Up to US$10,000 for new projects and US$20,000 for scaling-up projects.

Which sectors are supported?

Projects in biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, food security, renewable energy, and chemicals and waste management are eligible.

How long can projects run?

Approved projects will be implemented over one year, from October 2026 to October 2027.

What is the application deadline?

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 11 August 2026.

How should applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted by email using the official Expression of Interest form and the required email subject line.

Conclusion

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) Operational Phase 8 provides an important opportunity for local NGOs and community organizations in Timor-Leste to secure funding for environmental conservation, sustainable livelihoods, renewable energy, and climate resilience initiatives. By supporting locally led solutions, the program helps strengthen ecosystems, improve community well-being, and advance sustainable development across the country’s most vulnerable regions.