The Small Grants Programme of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF SGP) in Kazakhstan, operating under the auspices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is now accepting project applications for the grant competition as part of its seventh operational phase.

Eligibility

Applications are invited exclusively from registered Kazakhstani non-profit, non-governmental public organizations (NGOs). Proposals from government agencies, enterprises, commercial entities (LLPs, etc.), and research organizations are not eligible for consideration.

Thematic Areas

Project proposals should focus on one of the following thematic areas:

1. Mitigation of Climate Change Impacts

2. Reducing Land Degradation Processes

Geographic Focus

Project activities should target measures to reduce negative impacts on steppe, semi-desert, or desert ecosystems. Eligible geographic areas include rural and suburban regions of Kostanay, Akmola, Karaganda, Ulytau, Kyzylorda, Almaty, Zhetysu, Turkestan, East Kazakhstan, and Abay. Projects cannot be implemented in regional centers or the cities of Shymkent, Astana, and Almaty.

Community Impact

Projects must incorporate mechanisms and activities to enhance the well-being of local communities, including women, youth, and vulnerable groups, and actively involve them in project implementation. Collaborative projects involving network partnerships with multiple NGOs are encouraged.

Grant Details

• Maximum Funding: USD 50,000

• Project Duration: Up to 15 months

Selection Priorities

Priority will be given to projects that:

1. Geographical Scope: Focus on the Kostanay, Ulytau, Abay, and Zhetysu regions.

2. Climate Change Mitigation: Promote renewable energy, energy-saving technologies, and thermal modernization.

3. Partnerships and Cooperation: Involve collaborations with other donors, development organizations, programs, and the private sector.

4. Social Inclusion: Target women, youth, and other socially vulnerable groups.

Competition Duration

The grant competition runs from July 19 to August 18, 2024.

Capacity Building and Support

As part of the seventh operational phase, capacity-building and advisory support are available for grant recipients. More detailed information can be found in Appendix 1.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit their project proposals using the attached format via email to sgp.kz@undp.org. For additional details on training, project categories, eligible activities, selection criteria, and proposal format, refer to the appendices:

1. Appendix 1: Online Training and Consultation Support

2. Appendix 2: Possible Types of Activities and Project Selection Criteria

3. Appendix 3: Project Proposal Format

For further information, please contact the GEF Small Grants Program at sgp.kz@undp.org.