Simplified Approval Process (SAP) Grant

About this grant

The Simplified Approval Process (SAP) is a streamlined application route of the Green Climate Fund for projects or programmes expected to have significant climate impact potential. SAP proposals should be ready for scaling up and have potential for transformation and promoting a paradigm shift towards low-emission and climate-resilient development. The route is intended for smaller scale, low-risk projects that require a GCF contribution of up to USD 25 million and where environmental and social risks and impacts are minimal. The SAP substantially reduces the process and documentation required to take innovative climate solutions from concept to implementation. Key documents are simplified and presented in a single up-front list, total proposal length should not exceed 20 pages or 10,000 words, and forms use simpler questions with concise response guidelines. Accredited Entities, National Designated Authorities (NDAs) or Focal Points may submit concept notes under the SAP, and the GCF specifically encourages Direct Access Entities to use it. Partners are encouraged to coordinate with NDAs and Accredited Entities when submitting concept notes or to contact GCF for more information. The page also describes Project Preparation Facility (PPF) support, through which Accredited Entities may obtain financial and technical assistance to prepare a SAP funding proposal, including pre-feasibility studies, Environmental and Social Action Plans, stakeholder consultation and other appraisals. In-depth safeguard studies are not required for SAP proposals, and a proposal may build on a recently implemented project by reusing its technical studies and consultations.

Eligibility

Concept notes may be submitted by Accredited Entities, National Designated Authorities or Focal Points. Partners may participate by coordinating with NDAs and Accredited Entities. Projects must require a GCF contribution of up to USD 25 million and must have minimal or no environmental and social risks and impacts. Direct Access Entities are specifically encouraged to apply.

Key requirements

• ✓Project must be smaller-scale and lower-risk to qualify for SAP route
• ✓Faster review and approval timeline compared to standard GCF process
• ✓Alignment with GCF's climate mitigation and adaptation priorities

Recent past awardees

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

• WATER-RES - Enhancing the ability to address the risks of water scarcity in areas most affected by climate change and water shortage in Syria
• Building Climate Resilience of Forest Dependent Communities through Enhanced Livelihood Opportunities and Local Capacity in Karnali Province, Nepal (SAP072)
• Building Flood Resilient Community through Adaptive Livelihood and Runoff Management in Petanglong Area of Central Java Province of Indonesia (BRAVE) (SAP071)
• Strengthening Community Resilience to the Adverse Effects of Climate Change with an Emphasis on Food Security and Gender Considerations in Priority Areas of Ecuador - FORECCSA+ (SAP070)

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Green Climate Fund (GCF) offer?

Simplified Approval Process (SAP) offers $25M.

Who can apply for Simplified Approval Process (SAP)?

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

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Climate adaptation funding helps communities, infrastructure and businesses prepare for heat, flooding, drought and sea level rise. Most of it is public and multilateral money, often targeted at vulnerable regions and delivered with local government. Calls usually ask for a climate risk assessment and evidence that local people shaped the plan.