GEF Small Grants Programme Call for Project Proposals – Second Round (Cambodia)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2026

The UNDP Cambodia Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme provides funding of up to USD 75,000 for community-led projects that promote environmental conservation, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and ecosystem restoration across Cambodia. The program supports local NGOs, community-based organizations, and Indigenous Peoples’ organizations implementing innovative solutions in biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, land restoration, sustainable resource management, and community development.

Overview

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Cambodia, supports grassroots initiatives that address environmental challenges while improving community livelihoods and resilience.

Since 2005, the program has worked directly with local organizations and Indigenous communities to promote sustainable development through community-driven environmental action. The initiative combines grant funding with technical support to help communities conserve biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, restore ecosystems, and improve natural resource management.

The program prioritizes locally led solutions that generate both environmental and socioeconomic benefits while contributing to Cambodia’s sustainable development and environmental commitments.

Funding Information

• Maximum grant amount: Up to USD 75,000 per project
• Funding type: Competitive grant funding
• Geographic focus: Cambodia
• Eligible applicants: Local NGOs, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and Indigenous Peoples’ organizations

Funding is intended to support innovative community-led projects that contribute to environmental sustainability, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and improved livelihoods.

Program Objectives

The program seeks to:

• Protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems
• Strengthen climate change adaptation and resilience
• Improve community livelihoods
• Promote sustainable management of natural resources
• Address land degradation and ecosystem loss
• Support environmental education and awareness
• Strengthen community participation in environmental governance
• Encourage sustainable economic opportunities linked to conservation
• Empower women, youth, and Indigenous communities in environmental action

Priority Focus Areas

Projects may address one or more of the following themes:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Climate change adaptation
• Environmental sustainability
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Natural resource management
• Land degradation prevention
• Water resource management
• Hazardous chemicals and waste management
• Community-based conservation
• Climate-resilient agriculture
• Sustainable forest management
• Sustainable land management
• Watershed restoration
• Wetland restoration
• Renewable energy solutions
• Energy efficiency initiatives
• Waste management systems
• Circular economy approaches
• Eco-tourism development
• Cultural heritage protection
• Youth leadership in environmental action
• Women’s empowerment initiatives
• Environmental education
• Knowledge sharing and capacity building
• Multi-stakeholder environmental governance

Operational Phase 8 (OP8) Funding Priorities

Under Operational Phase 8 (OP8), the program supports projects that strengthen environmental sustainability and community resilience through:

• Community-based biodiversity conservation
• Climate-resilient agriculture and food systems
• Sustainable forest and landscape management
• Watershed and wetland restoration
• Renewable energy and energy efficiency projects
• Circular economy and waste reduction initiatives
• Eco-tourism linked to conservation outcomes
• Protection of cultural and natural heritage
• Youth and women’s participation in environmental leadership
• Environmental awareness and knowledge-sharing programs
• Collaborative governance mechanisms involving multiple stakeholders

Projects should demonstrate measurable environmental benefits while supporting local development needs.

Geographic Priority Areas

Stung Siem Reap Watershed Landscape

One of the program’s key priority landscapes is the Stung Siem Reap Watershed in Siem Reap Province.

Key characteristics include:

• Approximately 3,619 square kilometers in area
• Extends from Phnom Kulen to Tonle Sap Lake
• Supports rich biodiversity and ecosystem services
• Contains significant cultural and historical resources
• Provides important water and livelihood resources for local communities

Key environmental challenges include:

• Deforestation
• Land degradation
• Climate change impacts
• Ecosystem fragmentation
• Unsustainable resource use

Projects operating within this landscape are strongly encouraged.

Biodiversity Hotspot Areas

Additional priority support is available for biodiversity hotspot regions across Cambodia.

These areas are identified based on:

• High species richness
• Presence of endemic species
• Habitat diversity
• Ecological significance
• Environmental threats
• Cultural importance
• Socioeconomic value
• National and international conservation recognition

Projects should demonstrate how activities contribute to biodiversity protection and ecosystem resilience.

Indigenous Peoples’ Areas

The program places special emphasis on communities with significant Indigenous populations.

Priority is given to projects that:

• Strengthen Indigenous stewardship of natural resources
• Protect traditional ecological knowledge
• Improve sustainable livelihoods
• Support community-led conservation approaches
• Enhance climate resilience in Indigenous territories

GEF STAR-LD Land Degradation Window (2025–2028)

The nationwide GEF STAR-LD funding window focuses specifically on combating land degradation between 2025 and 2028.

Supported activities may include:

• Farmland restoration
• Sustainable agricultural practices
• Reforestation and forest conservation
• Soil conservation measures
• Watershed protection
• Community-based land restoration
• Sustainable rural livelihood development

Projects are expected to contribute to Cambodia’s commitments under:

• United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• National environmental and land restoration strategies

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Local non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
• Indigenous Peoples’ organizations

Organizations may operate at:

• Village level
• Commune level
• District level
• Provincial level

Applicants should have demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Environmental conservation
• Climate adaptation
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Community development
• Natural resource management
• Ecosystem restoration

Projects must be community-led and implemented within Cambodia.

Why This Grant Matters

Cambodia faces growing environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, land degradation, climate change impacts, and pressure on natural resources.

This program helps communities address these challenges by:

• Supporting locally driven environmental solutions
• Building climate resilience
• Improving rural livelihoods
• Conserving critical ecosystems
• Protecting biodiversity
• Strengthening environmental governance
• Empowering Indigenous communities
• Creating sustainable economic opportunities

By investing directly in local organizations and communities, the program promotes long-term environmental sustainability and inclusive development.

How to Apply

Organizations interested in applying should:

• Confirm organizational eligibility.
• Identify a project aligned with one or more program priorities.
• Develop a community-led project concept.
• Define environmental and socioeconomic outcomes.
• Prepare a realistic budget and implementation plan.
• Demonstrate community participation and stakeholder engagement.
• Submit the proposal through the designated application process.

Applicants should clearly explain:

• The environmental challenge being addressed
• Proposed activities and methodology
• Expected environmental benefits
• Community participation approach
• Sustainability of project outcomes
• Monitoring and evaluation plans

Projects demonstrating strong local ownership and measurable impact are likely to be more competitive.

Tips for a Strong Application

Successful proposals typically:

• Address a clearly defined environmental challenge
• Demonstrate strong community involvement
• Present practical and sustainable solutions
• Show measurable environmental benefits
• Include realistic implementation plans
• Integrate livelihood improvement opportunities
• Promote gender equality and youth participation
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability beyond grant funding

Projects that combine environmental conservation with socioeconomic benefits are particularly encouraged.

Common Application Mistakes

Common issues include:

• Weak community participation
• Unclear environmental outcomes
• Limited sustainability planning
• Poor alignment with program priorities
• Unrealistic budgets or timelines
• Insufficient stakeholder engagement
• Lack of measurable indicators
• Inadequate explanation of long-term impact

Applicants should ensure their proposals clearly demonstrate both environmental and community benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum funding available?

Projects may receive grants of up to USD 75,000.

Who can apply?

Local NGOs, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and Indigenous Peoples’ organizations operating in Cambodia are eligible to apply.

What types of projects are supported?

The program supports projects focused on biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, sustainable livelihoods, ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, waste management, environmental education, and related environmental priorities.

Are projects outside priority landscapes eligible?

Yes. Projects throughout Cambodia may apply, although special emphasis is placed on priority landscapes such as the Stung Siem Reap Watershed, biodiversity hotspots, and Indigenous Peoples’ areas.

What is the GEF STAR-LD funding window?

GEF STAR-LD is a dedicated funding stream focused on addressing land degradation and supporting restoration activities between 2025 and 2028.

Are livelihood activities eligible?

Yes. Sustainable livelihood initiatives are eligible when they contribute to environmental conservation and community resilience.

Does the program support Indigenous communities?

Yes. The program specifically encourages projects led by Indigenous Peoples’ organizations and initiatives that strengthen Indigenous stewardship of natural resources.

Conclusion

The UNDP Cambodia GEF Small Grants Programme provides important funding opportunities for community-led environmental and sustainable development initiatives across Cambodia. With grants of up to USD 75,000, the program supports local organizations working to conserve biodiversity, restore ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable natural resource management. By empowering communities, Indigenous groups, and local organizations, the program contributes to long-term environmental sustainability and inclusive socioeconomic development throughout Cambodia.

For more information, visit UNDP.