Deadline: 20-Jul-2026
The Special Programme has opened its ninth funding round to support projects focused on institutional strengthening for the sound management of chemicals and waste.
The programme supports legislative reform, sustainable financing mechanisms, and improved implementation of international chemicals and waste conventions, particularly in developing countries and small island developing States.
Focus Areas
The funding round supports projects related to:
- Legislative and regulatory reform
- Chemicals and waste management systems
- Sustainable domestic financing mechanisms
- Compliance with international conventions
- Institutional strengthening
- National implementation of chemicals and waste policies
Projects are expected to strengthen implementation of:
- Basel Convention
- Rotterdam Convention
- Stockholm Convention
- Minamata Convention
- Global Framework on Chemicals
Funding Support
The Special Programme Trust Fund provides:
- Minimum funding: USD 50,000
- Maximum funding: USD 200,000
Project duration:
- Up to 21 months
Applicants must provide:
- At least 25% co-financing or beneficiary contribution
Example:
- A USD 200,000 funding request requires at least USD 50,000 in co-financing.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Developing countries
- Countries with economies in transition
- Least developed countries
- Small island developing States
Priority is given to countries with limited institutional and technical capacity.
Only:
- Single-country applications are eligible under Round 9
Project Requirements
Projects should:
- Address national chemicals and waste management gaps
- Include measurable and realistic objectives
- Strengthen legal and institutional frameworks
- Support convention implementation and compliance
- Clearly identify beneficiaries and expected outcomes
Governments are encouraged to:
- Consult ministries and stakeholders
- Coordinate with convention secretariats
- Engage Global Environment Facility focal points
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Identify national institutional and policy gaps
- Develop measurable project objectives
- Prepare co-financing commitments
- Coordinate with relevant national and international stakeholders
- Submit a complete and signed application
Incomplete or unsigned applications will be automatically rejected.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Failing to meet co-financing requirements
- Proposing unclear project objectives
- Ignoring convention implementation priorities
- Submitting multi-country proposals
FAQ
- What is the maximum grant amount?
- Projects can receive up to USD 200,000.
- What is the minimum co-financing requirement?
- Applicants must provide at least 25% co-financing.
- Who can apply?
- Developing countries, least developed countries, economies in transition, and small island developing States.
- Are multi-country projects eligible?
- No, only single-country applications are eligible in Round 9.
- What is the maximum project duration?
- Projects can run for up to 21 months.
Conclusion
The Special Programme funding round supports countries in strengthening national systems for chemicals and waste management through legal reform, institutional capacity building, and improved compliance with international environmental conventions. The programme aims to promote sustainable and effective management practices while supporting long-term environmental and public health outcomes.
For more information, visit UNEP.