Small Grants Program of the Global Environment Facility (GEF SGP) in Kazakhstan, working under the auspices of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), as part of the implementation of the seventh operational phase, it announces the acceptance of project applications for participation in the grant competition.

Applications are accepted only from registered Kazakhstani non-profit, non-governmental public organizations (NGOs). Project proposals from government agencies and enterprises, commercial structures (LLPs, etc.) and research organizations are not accepted for consideration.

Project proposals must be aimed at implementing activities in one of 2 thematic areas:

• Mitigation of climate change impacts;

• Reducing land degradation processes.

Project activities should be aimed at introducing measures that reduce the negative impact on steppe, semi-desert or desert ecosystems. Geographically, design work should be concentrated in rural and suburban areas of the following regions: Kostanay, Akmola, Karaganda, Ulytau, Kyzylorda, Almaty, Zhetysu, Turkestan, East Kazakhstan and Abay. Regional centers, as well as the cities of Shymkent, Astana and Almaty cannot be the location for the implementation of the declared projects.

Projects must include mechanisms and activities to improve the well-being of local communities (including groups such as women, youth, vulnerable groups) and their active involvement in project implementation. Projects based on network partnerships and joint implementation of project activities by several NGOs are welcomed.

Grant funding must not exceed US$50,000. Project implementation period: no more than 12 months.

Additional priorities when selecting projects*

When selecting projects within the framework of this competition, the following priority areas will be considered:

1. Innovation and comprehensiveness of the project: the degree of novelty of the project for the region, including the introduction of new technologies and resource organization methods, improvement of community interaction, as well as the creation of original products and services.

2. Sustainability of the project: the technologies and approaches proposed for the demonstration should be scalable.

3. Geographical scope: Projects implemented in Kostanay region.

4. Mitigation of climate change: Promotion of renewable energy sources, introduction of energy-saving technologies, thermal modernization, etc.

5. Partnerships and cooperation: Projects carried out in partnership with other donors, development organizations and programs, the private sector, etc.

6. Social inclusion: Projects aimed at women, youth and other socially vulnerable groups.

*Projects must comply with the terms of the Small Grants Program, with preference given to projects that meet additional priorities.

Duration of the grant competition: from November 26 to December 9, 2024.

Within the framework of the seventh operational phase of the GEF SGP, a component is provided for capacity building and advisory support for grant recipients. More detailed information can be found in Appendix 1.

For more information, you can contact the GEF Small Grants Program by email at sgp.kz@undp.org. 

Those wishing to participate in the competition must send their project proposals according to the attached format by email to sgp.kz@undp.org. 

More detailed information on training, project categories, possible types of activities within each topic, project selection criteria, project proposal format, and other materials related to this competition can be found in the appendices to this announcement:

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