GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) - Plastics and Solid Waste Management

Expired multilateral · Found: 2026-03-10 17:38

UNDP/GEF grants up to $75,000 per project (3 years) for community-led plastics and waste management initiatives. Requires 1:1 co-financing. Eligible: CSOs, NGOs, CBOs, research institutions, academic bodies. No individuals or private companies.

Source: https://undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2025-10/call_for_proposals-plastics_and_waste_management_programme.pdf

Funding Details

Funder

GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) / UNDP Zimbabwe

Funding Goal

Finance community-led initiatives addressing plastics and solid waste management through zero waste management systems, policy development, awareness raising, and waste collection/recycling activities. Supports projects in Zimbabwe promoting reduction, reuse, and recycling of plastic waste.

Funding Amount

Up to USD 75,000 per project over 3 years; 1:1 co-financing mandatory (up to 75.000 €)

Deadline

2025-11-10 (Fixed)

How to Apply

Submit proposal using GEF SGP proposal template (max 30 pages) plus budget in Excel using GEF SGP budget template. Submit to GEFSGP Zimbabwe office. Call opened 20 October 2025, deadline 10 November 2025.

Target Region

Zimbabwe

Contact

GEFSGP Zimbabwe National Coordinator: Tsitsi Wutawunashe. DRR-P: Challa Getachew, UNDP Zimbabwe.

Last Checked

2026-03-15 14:05

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Applicant must be a CSO, NGO, CBO, research institution, or academic body (no individuals or companies)
• Project must be based in and implemented in Zimbabwe

Project Scope

• All four components must be addressed: baseline analysis, zero waste systems, policy development, and awareness raising
• Pure awareness-raising projects not eligible; must include reduction, demonstration and policy measures

Required Documents

• Submit full proposal (max 30 pages) using GEF SGP proposal template
• Submit detailed budget in Excel using GEF SGP budget template

Constraints

• Mandatory co-financing at 1:1 ratio (cash and/or in-kind) must be demonstrated
• Project budget must not exceed USD 75,000 over 3-year project duration
• 70% of budget must be allocated to procurement of equipment/materials

Summary

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by UNDP on behalf of the GEF Partnership, issued this call for proposals specifically for plastics and solid waste management initiatives in Zimbabwe. The programme was launched in 1992 and finances community-led initiatives to address critical global environmental threats. The thematic scope covers plastics pollution and solid waste management, with priority areas including: baseline analysis of current waste management practices; development and implementation of community-based zero waste management systems; policy development and advocacy on land-based pollution; awareness raising and public participation. All four components must be addressed by applicants. Eligible activities include waste collection and management, strategies and innovations to prevent, reduce, reuse, and recycle waste, support for avoiding open burning of solid waste, consumer behaviour change campaigns, elimination of toxic chemicals in production, and promotion of renewable energy. Projects should align with the Zimbabwe Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan. Geographic scope is limited to Zimbabwe. Projects in growth points and rural service centres are specifically encouraged. The programme is guided by local policy frameworks. Eligible applicants are CSOs, NGOs, CBOs, research institutions, and academic bodies. No individuals or private companies. Organizations working with women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Grants are up to USD 75,000 per project over a 3-year period. Mandatory co-financing at a 1:1 ratio is required (cash and/or in-kind). Budget allocation: 70% for procurement/equipment, 10% for administration, 5% for M&E, 5% for training, 5% for contingency, 5% for baseline survey. Staff salaries, office rent, and indirect costs are not covered.

Historical Context

GEF Small Grants Programme launched in 1992, implemented by UNDP on behalf of GEF Partnership. This is a Zimbabwe-specific call under the Chemicals Thematic Area focusing on Plastics and Solid Waste Management, issued October 2025.

Why it was added

Accessible small grants for community-based organizations working on plastic waste - ideal for smaller marine conservation NGOs and community groups

Sources

• https://undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2025-10/call_for_proposals-plastics_and_waste_management_programme.pdf

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