Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) Grant

About this grant

The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) is a trust fund established in response to decisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity at COP15. It scales up financing for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Its strategic focus is strengthening national-level biodiversity management, planning, policy, governance and finance, so that countries can reach the Framework's goals and targets. The fund was launched at the Seventh GEF Assembly in Vancouver in August 2023 and has been ratified by 186 countries. As of June 2025, $386 million had been pledged by 12 sovereign and subnational contributors. The page reports over $288 million in projects approved since 2024, and a further $73 million in new project approvals announced in March 2026. Funding is allocated through country-driven selection rounds. Requests are submitted through a Letter of Endorsement and a Project Preparation Grant request, followed by a CEO Endorsement Request once a project is selected or its PPG approved. The fund's programming directions, project cycle policy, resource allocation policy and Indigenous Peoples and local communities guidelines are published as key documents. The Indigenous Peoples and local communities guidelines describe how projects should be designed, quantified and reported. The page does not state a single grant size range. Country maximum dollar values for selection rounds are published as separate documents.

Eligibility

Access is channelled through countries and implementing agencies rather than open to individual organisations. The first call (August to September 2025) was open only to Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries and/or proposals from international financial institutions. The second round (October to December 2025) was open to all countries and agencies. Applications require a Letter of Endorsement from the country's GEF operational focal point and, where applicable, a Project Preparation Grant request. Enquiries go to [email protected].

How it's scored

The page does not describe the scoring criteria, weightings or panel composition. It refers to the Fund's resource allocation system and selection criteria, which are set out in the agreed arrangements and programming documents, and to briefings on those criteria given to operational focal points.

Key requirements

• ✓Alignment with Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework implementation priorities
• ✓Minimum 20% of funding directed to Indigenous Peoples and local community-led action
• ✓Blended finance structure leveraging private sector capital alongside public funds
• ✓Eligible applicants must include Indigenous Peoples organizations and/or local communities as primary beneficiaries or co-implementers

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)?

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

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Biodiversity funding backs habitat restoration, species protection, protected areas and nature-positive business. It comes from environment agencies, multilateral nature funds and conservation philanthropy, often through competitive calls with defined regions. Applicants are usually asked for baseline surveys, local partners and indicators that show ecological change.