Chemicals: Supports community projects addressing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and ozone layer depletion,… Grant

About this grant

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) Chemicals focal area consolidates the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and ozone layer depletion focal areas under the GEF-5 strategy for chemicals. The programme provides financial and technical support to community-based projects that address harmful chemical pollutants, supporting local action to reduce or eliminate the use and release of persistent organic pollutants and other hazardous substances that threaten human health and environmental integrity. Established in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, the GEF Small Grants Programme embodies the principle of 'thinking globally, acting locally.' The Chemicals focal area enables communities, NGOs, and civil society organisations to take direct action on chemical pollution issues at the local level, while contributing to global environmental goals under international chemical conventions. The SGP operates across more than 125 countries worldwide and supports projects that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people's well-being and livelihoods. The Chemicals thematic area is one of several focal areas supported by the programme, alongside Biodiversity, Climate Change, Land Degradation, Sustainable Forest Management, and International Waters.

Eligibility

Applicants must be community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, or other civil society entities operating at the local or community level. The programme operates in over 125 eligible countries spanning Africa, Europe and the CIS, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Projects must align with the Chemicals focal area objectives around persistent organic pollutants or ozone layer depletion. Specific eligibility details, including any restrictions on prior recipients or minimum organisational requirements, are managed at the country level through national SGP coordinators.

How it's scored

Applications are assessed based on their alignment with the GEF SGP Chemicals focal area strategy, particularly regarding reduction or elimination of persistent organic pollutants and ozone-depleting substances. Projects are evaluated on community participation, environmental impact, contribution to livelihoods and well-being, and potential for replication and scaling up. Country-level SGP committees typically conduct evaluations, with oversight from UNDP and GEF. Specific scoring criteria and panel composition are determined at the national programme level.

Key requirements

• ✓Community-based project addressing POPs or ozone-layer depletion
• ✓Alignment with GEF-5 chemicals strategy
• ✓Eligible organization type (nonprofit, community group, or local authority preferred)
• ✓Project must demonstrate environmental and social benefit in developing regions

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does GEF Small Grants Programme offer?

Chemicals: Supports community projects addressing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and ozone layer depletion,… offers $50K.

Who can apply for Chemicals: Supports community projects addressing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and ozone layer depletion,…?

Eligibility covers organisations in GLOBAL-SOUTH, GLOBAL; nonprofit, community-group, local-authority, indigenous-community. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Air quality funding covers monitoring networks, emission controls, clean transport zones and cleaner heating and cooking. Public authorities buy monitoring and abatement through tenders, while research and health programmes fund studies and pilots. Applicants are usually asked to set out baseline measurements and how improvements will be verified.