Deadline: 15-Dec-2025
The Global Framework on Chemicals Fund (GFC Fund) offers an important opportunity for governments and civil society networks to access financial support for projects that promote the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste.
The Fund prioritizes initiatives that can deliver long-term institutional, environmental, and social impact, especially those that align with national plans and target high-impact sectors.
One of the Fund’s key priorities is to support projects that strengthen national institutional capacities. Proposals that embed chemical and waste management into broader government strategies, with long-term ownership and alignment to national action plans, are considered highly favourable. These projects are expected to contribute to mainstreaming safer practices across government and public policy frameworks.
Another major focus is on transforming high-impact sectors such as electronics, textiles, agriculture, and construction. The Fund encourages proposals that introduce safe and sustainable practices to improve health, labour conditions, and environmental protection in these industries. Projects that catalyse investment, mobilize public and private financing, or create financial mechanisms for long-term change are especially welcomed. The Fund may also support early-stage initiatives that lay the groundwork for larger future projects, by financing enabling activities such as baseline studies, institutional frameworks, and pilot programs.
The GFC Fund also seeks proposals with regional or global reach, or those with significant transboundary impacts. Preference will be given to initiatives that foster collaboration among governments, industries, and sectors — particularly health, labour, and environment — and that demonstrate strong potential for scale, replication, and sustainability. Avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring coordination with existing frameworks are essential components of successful proposals.
Two types of applicants may request funding: eligible governments and, in exceptional cases, civil society networks. Governments from developing economies, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), or countries with economies in transition are eligible, provided they have formally endorsed the Global Framework on Chemicals. Applications must be submitted with an official letter of support from the national focal point. Additional letters from other relevant government bodies or stakeholders are encouraged to highlight cross-sector collaboration.
Civil society networks may also apply, but only with the formal agreement of the host country, confirmed through a letter from the national focal point. This ensures local ownership and alignment with national priorities.
By strategically targeting critical sectors, promoting institutional capacity, and encouraging collaborative, scalable approaches, the GFC Fund is positioning itself as a catalyst for sustainable transformation in global chemicals and waste management.
For more information, visit United Nations Environment Programme.