Deadline: 05-Mar-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting proposals under its GEF Programme to support innovative, community-led environmental and sustainable development initiatives in Ghana. Grants of up to $30,000 are available for civil society and community-based organisations working in the Black Volta Basin, particularly in selected districts across the Upper West, Bono, and Savannah regions.
Overview
The United Nations Development Programme is seeking proposals through its Global Environment Facility (GEF) Programme to strengthen community-driven environmental action in Ghana.
The initiative aims to empower local civil society organisations and community-based groups to implement innovative solutions that address environmental degradation while promoting sustainable development and social inclusion.
The programme specifically focuses on communities within the Black Volta Basin, encouraging grassroots interventions that deliver both local and global environmental benefits.
Funding Details
- Grants of up to $30,000 will be awarded to selected Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-Based Groups.
- In addition to financial support, the programme will provide strategic capacity-building services to strengthen institutional, technical, and financial management systems. It will also support networking, partnership development, and resource mobilisation to help scale successful initiatives.
Strategic Focus Areas
Proposals should align with one or more of the following thematic areas:
- Community-based conservation of threatened ecosystems and species
- Sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and food security
- Low-carbon energy access with environmental co-benefits
- Chemicals and waste management through local-to-global coalitions
- Sustainable urban solutions through CSO–Government–Private Sector policy and planning dialogue platforms
- These focus areas aim to integrate environmental protection with economic resilience and inclusive community development.
Geographic Priority Areas
The call prioritises communities located along the Black Volta Basin, particularly in:
- Wa West District in the Upper West Region
- Banda District in the Bono Region
- Bole District and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District in the Savannah Region
- Central Gonja Municipal in the Savannah Region
Applicants must be based in or already have an active operational presence within the Black Volta Basin landscape.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- Local non-governmental or non-profit organisations operating in Ghana with valid Registrar General’s Department and Social Welfare certificates
- Community groups, community-based organisations, and social enterprises recognised by relevant District Assemblies and the Environmental Protection Authority of Ghana
- Applicants must have at least two years of relevant experience and a proven track record of working with communities in environmental, forestry, or agriculture-related activities.
- Organisations must demonstrate capacity to implement projects within the target geographic areas.
Expected Impact
- The programme seeks to catalyse sustainable environmental solutions at the community level, strengthen local institutions, and promote inclusive development.
- By combining financial support with technical assistance and partnership-building, the initiative aims to create scalable models that contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and improved natural resource management in the Black Volta Basin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for this grant?
Local NGOs, non-profit organisations, community-based groups, and social enterprises operating in Ghana and recognised by relevant authorities. - What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to $30,000 per selected initiative. - Where must projects be implemented?
Projects must be implemented within the Black Volta Basin, particularly in the identified priority districts. - Is prior experience required?
Yes. Applicants must have at least two years of relevant experience in environmental, forestry, or agricultural activities. - Does the programme provide support beyond funding?
Yes. The programme offers institutional strengthening, networking opportunities, and support for scaling and resource mobilisation.
Conclusion
The UNDP GEF Programme presents a valuable opportunity for community-based and civil society organisations in Ghana to lead innovative environmental and sustainable development initiatives.
With grants of up to $30,000 and additional capacity-building support, the programme strengthens grassroots solutions that address ecosystem conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
For organisations operating within the Black Volta Basin, this call provides a strategic pathway to drive locally rooted, environmentally sustainable change while contributing to broader national and global development goals.
For more information, visit UNDP.
