Deadline: 25-Jun-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is offering grants between $25,000 and $40,000 to South African community-based organizations for innovative projects in water, waste, and energy. Proposals must be submitted as a five-minute video showcasing the challenge, solution, beneficiaries, and sustainability plan.
Overview
UNDP is seeking applications from registered organizations in South Africa to implement community-driven projects that deliver innovative solutions in water, waste, and energy. The initiative emphasizes sustainability, climate resilience, empowerment of women and youth, and integrated approaches across multiple sectors.
Key Focus Areas
- Water Management: rainwater harvesting, purification, grey water reuse, water-saving technologies, indigenous knowledge systems, agricultural water-use monitoring
- Waste Solutions: recycling, composting, food waste reduction, circular economy initiatives, biodegradable materials, inclusion of informal waste pickers, value addition from plastics and rubber
- Energy Access: renewable energy systems, solar PV, clean cooking technologies, energy-efficient appliances, sustainable building materials, community-based clean energy enterprises
Funding Details
- Grant range: $25,000 – $40,000
- Final amount determined by the Committee
- Projects must be community-led and demonstrate environmental and socio-economic benefits
Who Is Eligible?
- South African registered:
- NGOs
- Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
- Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
- Cooperatives and Associations
- Research or academic institutions working with communities
- Proof of registration required
- Not eligible: private companies, individuals, government entities, single-event projects, organizations with outstanding reports or ongoing UNDP-funded projects
Application Requirements
- Video Proposal (max 5 minutes):
- Introduce the organization (background, mission, experience)
- Describe the community challenge and proposed solution
- Explain how funding will be used
- Show project site and existing technology (if applicable)
- Highlight innovation and expected results
- Identify direct beneficiaries (women, youth, vulnerable groups)
- Demonstrate community participation and sustainability beyond programme support
- Format: MP4 file or accessible online link
- Language: English or local language with English subtitles
Encouraged Approaches
- Integrated solutions across water, waste, and energy
- Co-financing and partnerships with government, private sector, and associations
- Strong emphasis on sustainability and long-term impact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete video proposals without subtitles or clear audio
- Proposing single-event activities instead of sustained interventions
- Failing to demonstrate community involvement or sustainability
- Ignoring proof of registration or financial accountability requirements
FAQ
- What is the funding range?
- $25,000 – $40,000 per project
- What format must proposals take?
- A five-minute video (MP4 or online link)
- Who can apply?
- Registered NGOs, CBOs, CSOs, cooperatives, associations, and academic institutions in South Africa
- Are individuals or private companies eligible?
- No, only registered organizations are eligible
- What languages are accepted?
- English or local languages with English subtitles
- Can projects focus on just one sector?
- Yes, but integrated approaches across water, waste, and energy are encouraged
- What types of projects are excluded?
- Single events, projects by ineligible entities, or organizations with outstanding reports
Conclusion
This UNDP call empowers South African communities to lead innovative projects in water, waste, and energy. By combining environmental stewardship with socio-economic empowerment, the programme aims to build climate resilience, create sustainable livelihoods, and strengthen community participation.
For more information, visit UNDP.