Project-specific Assessment Approach (PSAA) Grant

About this grant

The Project-specific Assessment Approach (PSAA) is a Green Climate Fund pilot modality for accrediting an entity to implement one specific climate project or programme. It is one of two routes to GCF accreditation, approved through updates to the Accreditation Framework under decision B.31/06. The entity's capacity is assessed against GCF accreditation standards for that single project, and the proposal appraisal runs in parallel with the accreditation assessment, which the page says shortens the time to GCF funding. The PSAA aims to broaden access to climate finance by working with new partners, countries, and technologies that the existing Accredited Entity network has underserved. Projects are assessed for alignment with GCF investment criteria and Board decisions, including the Updated Strategic Plan (USP-2), complementarity with country programming and GCF pipelines, and the value they add to the Accredited Entity network. The GCF will review up to ten proposals per year. Entities must apply to the PSAA via a Concept Note and PSAA Supporting Information submitted through the GCF Partner Portal. The page states that the pilot is under review, with the Board to decide whether to continue, institutionalise, or discontinue it. New proposals may still be submitted if they are mature enough to reach the Board in 2027. Entities that prove to be long-term partners may later pursue institutional accreditation. The page reports 145 total applicants, 24 in the active pipeline, and 12 approved proposals as of 1 September 2026.

Eligibility

The PSAA is open to entities seeking GCF accreditation to implement one specific climate project or programme. Applicants must be invited and submit a Concept Note with PSAA Supporting Information through the GCF Partner Portal. The pilot particularly targets new partners, countries, and technologies that have been underserved by the existing Accredited Entity network. Entities must meet GCF accreditation standards for the duration of the project. Detailed eligibility conditions are not reproduced in the text available on this page and should be checked with the GCF Secretariat at [email protected].

How it's scored

Proposals are assessed for alignment with GCF investment criteria and key Board decisions, including the Updated Strategic Plan (USP-2). Reviewers also consider complementarity with existing country programming and GCF climate pipelines, and the value-addition to the network of Accredited Entities. The accreditation assessment and proposal appraisal run in parallel. No numerical weightings or panel composition are stated on this page.

Key requirements

• ✓Institution must not be GCF-accredited (PSAA is designed for non-accredited entities)
• ✓Proposal must be for a single, specific project (not a portfolio or programme)
• ✓Project must align with GCF's climate mitigation or adaptation mandate
• ✓Applicant must meet GCF fiduciary standards and environmental/social safeguards

Recent past awardees

Knowing who's won the last rounds tells you whether you're in the strike zone.

• Catalyzing a Climate Risk Protection Shield for Zambian Smallholder Farmers
• EcoEnterprises Partners IV
• Responsible Commodities Facility - Deforestation and Conversion Free: Finance for soy production in the Cerrado, Brazil (RCF-DCF Project)
• CC Asia Climate Fund (CC-ACF)
• Navis Decarbonization Fund I
• Food Securities Fund Accountable Cocoa and Coffee Tranche (FSF ACCT)
• Novastar Ventures Africa People and Planet Fund III
• Mandala Capital SSEA Food Programme (MCSSEAFP)

Funder contact

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

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Project-specific Assessment Approach (PSAA)?

Eligibility covers organisations in GLOBAL; nonprofit, research-institution, local-authority, university, consultancy, engineering-contractor. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.