CFPs: GEF Small Grants Programme – Operational Phase 8 (Rwanda)

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) in Rwanda, implemented by UNDP, offers up to USD 75,000 per project to support community-driven initiatives that address environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development, social inclusion, and climate resilience. Eligible civil society organizations, cooperatives, and grassroots groups must ensure meaningful participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Overview

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) empowers local communities to implement innovative solutions addressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. The programme promotes sustainable natural resource management, climate-smart practices, ecosystem conservation, and inclusive community engagement.

Key Objectives

• Align projects with Operational Phase 8 (OP8) strategic priorities to deliver measurable environmental and socio-economic benefits.

• Enhance community resilience and livelihoods through sustainable practices.

• Foster equity and inclusivity, engaging women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in leadership and decision-making roles.

• Encourage knowledge generation, documentation, and replication of successful community-based solutions.

• Promote partnerships and community ownership, strengthening collaboration among local stakeholders, authorities, and civil society organizations.

Grant Details

• Maximum Grant Amount: USD 75,000 per project

• Project Duration: 12–24 months

• Co-financing Requirement: 50% of total project budget (cash or in-kind)

• Implementation Approach: Landscape-based solutions, emphasizing integrated environmental and socio-economic interventions

Priority Landscapes

• Rweru Sector, Bugesera District: Selected due to ecological sensitivity, socio-economic vulnerability, and potential transboundary impact.

• Additional Areas: Interventions outside Rweru should support ecosystem-based restoration of the Nyungwe-Ruhango corridor, contributing to national environmental and development objectives.

Strategic Thematic Areas

Projects may focus on one or more of the following:

1. Community-Based Conservation: Protect threatened ecosystems and species.

2. Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security: Promote climate-smart farming practices.

3. Low-Carbon Energy Access: Support renewable energy initiatives and co-benefits.

4. Social Inclusion & Gender Equality: Ensure equitable participation and benefits for women, youth, and PWDs.

5. Knowledge & Results Management: Facilitate monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge sharing for scalable impact.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be legally registered as CSOs, CBOs, cooperatives, or community-based groups in Rwanda.

• Proven experience in environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, or community development.

• Projects must be based in or actively engage communities in Rweru Sector or nearby areas.

• Demonstrated ability to mobilize co-financing of at least 50% of the total budget.

• Commitment to transparent management practices and collaboration with local authorities and the SGP team.

• Inclusive participation of women, youth, and PWDs in project design and implementation is mandatory.

How to Apply

1. Prepare a Proposal: Outline project objectives, methodology, expected environmental and socio-economic outcomes, and inclusion strategies.

2. Co-Financing Plan: Detail cash or in-kind contributions totaling at least 50% of the project budget.

3. Supporting Documents: Include legal registration, prior project experience, and evidence of community engagement.

4. Submission: Submit proposals following UNDP SGP Rwanda guidelines by the specified deadline.

Why It Matters

• Strengthens local capacity to address environmental and climate challenges.

• Enhances livelihoods and community resilience through sustainable practices.

• Promotes inclusive and equitable participation in environmental governance.

• Supports replicable and scalable community-driven solutions aligned with Rwanda’s national development goals.

Common Tips for Applicants

• Ensure the project directly addresses OP8 priorities and measurable outcomes.

• Engage local communities meaningfully in planning and implementation.

• Provide realistic co-financing strategies to strengthen proposal credibility.

• Clearly link project activities to environmental and socio-economic benefits.

• Include robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track results and facilitate knowledge sharing.

FAQ

1. Who can apply? Registered CSOs, CBOs, cooperatives, and grassroots organizations operating in Rwanda.

2. What is the maximum funding per project? USD 75,000.

3. What is the required co-financing? At least 50% of the total project budget, in cash or in-kind.

4. How long can a project last? 12–24 months.

5. Where must projects be implemented? Priority is Rweru Sector; nearby areas contributing to national environmental goals are eligible.

6. Who must participate in project activities? Women, youth, and persons with disabilities must have meaningful participation.

7. What types of projects are supported? Environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and inclusive community development initiatives.

Conclusion

The GEF SGP Rwanda provides substantial financial and technical support to empower communities to tackle pressing environmental challenges. By fostering inclusive, sustainable, and replicable solutions, the programme strengthens community resilience, enhances livelihoods, and contributes to Rwanda’s national environmental and socio-economic development goals.