UNEP Special Programme and Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) Fund

Enriched UN / Multilateral · Found: 2026-03-11 11:10

Offers project funding for institutional strengthening under Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm, Minamata Conventions and SAICM including plastics-related chemicals. GFC Fund provides grants up to USD 800,000 for innovative solutions to prevent harm from chemicals related to plastic production and pollution.

Source: https://unep.org/global-framework-chemicals/gfc-fund/applying-funding

Funding Details

Funder

UNEP – UN Environment Programme (Global Framework on Chemicals Fund)

Funding Goal

To strengthen institutional capacities for the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste at national, regional, and international levels — including chemicals related to plastic production and pollution — through grants aligned with the Global Framework on Chemicals and related conventions (Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm, Minamata, SAICM).

Funding Amount

Up to USD 800,000 per project; at least 25% co-financing required (up to 800.000 €)

Deadline

2025-12-15 (Stage 1 concept note); Stage 2 full proposals due mid-June 2026 (shortlisted applicants only) (Fixed)

How to Apply

Two-stage process: (1) Submit concept note in Word and PDF to unep-gfc.fund@un.org by deadline (Stage 1 closed 15 Dec 2025). Executive Board reviews and shortlists. (2) Shortlisted applicants invited to submit full proposal package including application form, logframe, budget, co-financing letters, partner letters, and national focal point endorsement. Final decisions in October 2026.

Target Region

Global (priority to developing economies, LDCs, SIDS, CEIT)

Contact

unep-gfc.fund@un.org

Last Checked

2026-03-11 16:24

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Applicant must be a government of a developing economy, LDC, SIDS, or CEIT — OR a civil society network applying on an exceptional basis with national focal point approval
• Government's official GFC national focal point must endorse the application with a signed letter
• Project must NOT be a for-profit enterprise, commercial venture, or startup — purely non-commercial activity required

Project Scope

• Project scope must align with GFC vision and strengthen institutional capacity for chemicals and waste management nationally, regionally, or internationally

Required Documents

• Stage 2 submission requires: application form, logframe, budget form, signed co-financing letters, partner commitment letters, and focal point endorsement letters from each participating country

Constraints

• Provide at least 25% co-financing (financial or in-kind, e.g., staff time, office space, accommodation)
• Demonstrate a clear exit strategy showing how project benefits continue after GFC Fund support ends
• Project must not duplicate activities already funded by GEF, Minamata SIP, Special Programme, or other bilateral/multilateral mechanisms

Summary

The Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) Fund is a UNEP-administered grant program that supports projects strengthening national and regional institutional capacities for chemicals and waste management. The Fund prioritizes proposals that align with the Global Framework on Chemicals, target high-impact sectors (electronics, textiles, agriculture, construction), and have transboundary or regional relevance. Grants of up to USD 800,000 are available, with a mandatory 25% co-financing requirement. The Fund operates through periodic calls for applications in two stages: a concept note stage followed by a full proposal stage for shortlisted applicants. The second round launched on 30 September 2025 and closed for concept notes on 15 December 2025. Shortlisted applicants will receive feedback in April 2026 and are invited to submit full proposals by mid-June 2026, with final decisions expected in October 2026. Primary applicants are governments of developing economies, LDCs, SIDS, and CEIT that have endorsed the Global Framework on Chemicals. Civil society networks may apply on an exceptional basis, subject to formal approval from the national focal point of each host country. Applications must include gender mainstreaming plans, exit strategies, and demonstrate that the project is not duplicating existing funded initiatives under other mechanisms such as GEF, Minamata SIP, or the Special Programme. The Fund explicitly excludes for-profit enterprises, commercial ventures, and start-ups. Projects primarily focused on purchasing equipment or conducting scientific research without a clear implementation path will not be prioritized. While plastics-related chemicals fall within scope, the Fund's emphasis is on institutional and policy reform rather than direct recycling infrastructure or circular economy value chains.

Historical Context

The second round of GFC Fund applications was launched on 30 September 2025. This implies at least one earlier round preceded it. The Fund issues periodic calls, suggesting it is an ongoing mechanism with multiple future cycles anticipated.

Why it was added

UNEP/UN plastic pollution/CE program

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