We would like to share an exciting funding and support opportunity with our network: the GEF Small Grants Program (SGP) CSO Challenge Program, implemented by IUCN.
This competitive global program supports civil society organizations (CSOs) looking to scale or replicate impactful, community-centered environmental initiatives.
Key program highlights
Funding: Grants up to USD 300,000 to expand or replicate initiatives that deliver global environmental benefits and strengthen local communities.
Beyond funding: Selected CSOs will receive tailored technical assistance, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing support to help sustain long-term impact.
Regional application deadlines
Eastern Europe, Caucasus & Central Asia: Currently Open (Closes July 31, 2026)
Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America & the Caribbean: August 1 – September 15, 2026
How to apply & learn more
Full program details, eligibility guidelines, and application instructions are available directly on the CSO Challenge Program Website.
Please feel free to share this within your local networks, partner organizations, and community groups who might benefit!
Thank you for sharing this great opportunity! This is a fantastic program for restoration activity. We will definitely ensure this information is shared among our local partners and environmental civil society groups in Uzbekistan.
Thanks so much! I’m glad to hear it will be shared across your network in Uzbekistan. Wishing your local partners the best of luck with their applications!
I would like to kindly share a request from our potential partners in Uzbekistan regarding the deadline for the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) CSO Challenge Programme.
As there are only two days left before the deadline, we have received several calls from interested CSOs and environmental organizations who are willing to apply but mentioned that the timeframe is quite short to prepare and submit quality proposals.
Many of them have asked whether it would be possible to extend the deadline for at least 30 days to allow more organizations to participate.
We would highly appreciate it if this possibility could be considered. We believe that an extension would help ensure broader participation and stronger applications from Uzbekistan.
Thank you very much for your kind support and consideration.
Thank you for reaching out and for sharing this feedback from potential partners in Uzbekistan.
Please note that I only shared this funding opportunity through the ERIP Forum and am not directly involved in managing the application timeline. That said, I fully understand how challenging tight deadlines can be when preparing strong proposals.
I recommend contacting Justin Larson directly, as he seems to be the main contact for the program and best placed to advise on whether an extension or any flexibility may be possible.
I hope your local partners are able to submit, and that Justin can offer some flexibility. Wishing you and the teams in Uzbekistan all the best with this opportunity.
Thank you for your quick reply and for the clarification.
I really appreciate you sharing Justin’s contact details. I’ll reach out to him directly and see if there’s any possibility of flexibility with the deadline.
Thanks again for your support and for sharing this opportunity with the ERIP Forum.