CFPs: Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (Mauritania)

Deadline: 09-Feb-2026

The UNDP Small Grants Programme funds innovative, inclusive, community-led initiatives that promote environmental protection and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Grants of up to USD 75,000 are available for civil society and community-based organizations, with co-financing required. Eligible projects must demonstrate measurable environmental and socio-economic benefits, prioritize community involvement, and address challenges like biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and sustainable urban solutions.

Overview

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is accepting applications for small grants aimed at supporting community-based environmental initiatives that align with the SDGs.

The programme empowers local communities to:

• Address environmental degradation and biodiversity loss

• Promote sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and urban solutions

• Strengthen social inclusion and youth employment

• Generate measurable socio-economic benefits while protecting ecosystems

Focus Areas

Eligible projects should address one or more of the following:

• Conservation of ecosystems and endangered species

• Sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and urban solutions

• Mitigation of biodiversity loss, land degradation, and deforestation

• Climate change adaptation and mitigation

• Pollution reduction and environmental restoration

• Inclusive, community-led solutions with measurable outcomes

Who Can Apply?

Eligible organizations include:

• Grassroots community-based organizations (CBOs)

• Civil society organizations (CSOs)

• Legally recognized institutions

• University research institutions proposing relevant R&D projects

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Must hold an account with a top-tier bank

• Must be established in or able to operate within the project area

• Must demonstrate sufficient technical and managerial capacity

• Organizations that failed to submit previous reports under OP7 are not eligible

Encouraged Partnerships

• Consortia and partnerships are encouraged

• Especially beneficial if emerging organizations partner with experienced CSOs

• Projects supporting youth employment are prioritized

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: USD 75,000

• Co-financing requirement: Equal to the requested grant amount, in cash or in-kind

• Funds are intended to support innovative and inclusive environmental initiatives

Project Requirements

Selected projects must:

• Be community-led and inclusive

• Demonstrate innovation and practical solutions

• Generate measurable environmental and socio-economic benefits

• Align with UNDP’s national-level environmental and community strategies

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Confirm Eligibility

   • Ensure your organization meets all technical, legal, and financial requirements

2. Design Your Project

   • Focus on community-led solutions with measurable impact

   • Clearly describe expected environmental and socio-economic benefits

3. Develop Co-Financing Plan

   • Match the requested grant amount with cash or in-kind contributions

4. Prepare Application Materials

   • Organizational documents, project description, budget, and co-financing plan

   • Include letters of partnership if applying as a consortium

5. Submit Online

   • Follow the UNDP portal submission instructions carefully

   • Ensure all required documents are attached

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Requesting funding above USD 75,000

• Submitting projects without community involvement or measurable outcomes

• Failing to provide co-financing documentation

• Ignoring eligibility requirements (bank account, operational capacity, prior reporting compliance)

• Excluding consortium or partnership opportunities when applicable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can multiple organizations apply together?

   • Yes, consortia are encouraged, especially partnerships between emerging and experienced CSOs.

2. Is co-financing mandatory?

   • Yes, projects must match the requested grant amount in cash or in-kind contributions.

3. Are university research institutions eligible?

   • Yes, if they propose relevant research and development projects that align with community initiatives.

4. Can projects focus solely on advocacy?

   • No, projects must generate measurable environmental and socio-economic outcomes.

5. What types of community engagement are required?

   • Projects should demonstrate inclusive participation from local communities in planning and implementation.

6. Are previously funded organizations eligible?

   • Only if they submitted complete reports for prior grants under OP7.

7. Is youth employment supported?

   • Yes, projects contributing to youth employment are prioritized.

Why This Programme Matters

The UNDP Small Grants Programme enables local communities to take direct action on environmental challenges, promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. By combining community knowledge, technical capacity, and co-financing, the programme ensures long-term benefits for both people and the environment.

Conclusion

For civil society and community-based organizations, this grant offers a unique opportunity to implement innovative, inclusive, and environmentally impactful projects with support from UNDP. By leveraging community participation, co-financing, and measurable outcomes, funded projects can make a lasting contribution to environmental protection and the SDGs.

For more information, visit UNDP.