Deadline: 17-Oct-2025
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by UNDP with FAO and Conservation International as co-implementers, continues to provide critical financial and technical support to community-based and civil society organizations in Suriname.
Since 1997, more than 150 projects have been supported, with a strong emphasis on empowering Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and other marginalized groups to create locally driven solutions to global environmental challenges.
Grants under the programme range from USD 5,000 to 50,000 per project, offering accessible funding that allows grassroots organizations to design and implement practical, community-centered initiatives. For the 2025–2028 period, the SGP in Suriname has outlined new strategic priorities that focus on conservation, sustainable resource management, and improved livelihoods.
One priority area is the community-based conservation of threatened ecosystems and species. This includes strengthening the capacity of Indigenous and tribal communities to engage in sustainable forest management and (agro)ecotourism, while advancing local initiatives to protect fragile ecosystems and biodiversity. Another focus is on sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and food security. Projects in this area aim to boost food production efficiency, strengthen value chains in vulnerable ecosystems, diversify local livelihoods, and support restoration of degraded lands while eliminating deforestation from supply chains.
Eligibility criteria require projects to align with the OP8 Country Programme Strategy and demonstrate clear co-financing and partnerships with community-based organizations. Proposals must show strong project management capacity, inclusive participation of Indigenous and tribal communities, and measurable cross-cutting impacts such as poverty reduction, capacity development, gender inclusion, and livelihood improvement. Only legally registered, non-profit organizations with an active board are eligible to apply.
By supporting these locally grounded initiatives, the GEF Small Grants Programme in Suriname aims to build stronger, more resilient communities while contributing to global efforts in conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
For more information, visit UNDP.