GEF Small Grants Programme Malawi 2026: Call for Project Proposals (Up to $75,000)
Grants of US$5,000 to US$75,000 for Malawi-registered non-profits working on biodiversity, climate change, land, waste and community livelihoods. Run by UNDP under the GEF Small Grants Programme. Apply by October 30, 2026.
What is the GEF Small Grants Programme?
The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and run by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It supports community-led projects that protect the environment while also improving people's lives and livelihoods.
UNDP Malawi is now inviting eligible non-profit organisations to submit project proposals under the programme's current phase. Projects must align with SGP Malawi's Country Programme Strategy.
Important dates
- Deadline for clarification questions: October 20, 2026
- Application deadline: October 30, 2026
- Late submissions will not be accepted.
Grant amount and duration
- Grant size: US$5,000 to US$75,000 per project
- Project length: up to 24 months
Focus areas
Projects should address one or more of these areas:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Reducing land degradation
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Chemicals and waste management
- Improving livelihoods
- Social inclusion and gender equality
- Sustainable urban solutions (in selected cities)
Priority locations
- Priority districts: Mzimba, Rumphi and Nkhata Bay
- Urban solutions projects can also target Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe and Mzuzu
Who can apply?
- Non-profit organisations registered in Malawi, such as NGOs and community-based organisations
Documents you'll need
Download these from the official UNDP Malawi page:
- The Call for Project Proposals
- The GEF SGP Generic Proposal Template
- The Country Programme Strategy (OP8, 2025)
- The SGP Budget Template
How to apply
- Download and read the call for proposals and the Country Programme Strategy.
- Choose a focus area and location that match your organisation's work.
- Write your proposal using the official GEF SGP proposal template.
- Prepare your budget using the SGP budget template.
- Email your completed proposal to smallgrants.mw@undp.org before October 30, 2026.
Simple tips
- Read the Country Programme Strategy carefully. Your project must clearly fit its priorities.
- Focus on the priority districts where you can, since they're the main geographic focus.
- Show community impact. Explain how your project benefits both the environment and local livelihoods.
- Include women and marginalised groups. Social inclusion and gender equality are part of the programme's focus.
- Ask questions early. The deadline for clarification requests is October 20.
- Keep your budget realistic and within the $5,000 to $75,000 range.
Apply here
Download the call for proposals, templates, and strategy documents from the official UNDP Malawi page: https://www.undp.org/malawi/publications/call-project-proposals-gef-small-grants-programme-malawi
Submit your completed proposal by email to: smallgrants.mw@undp.org
World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by UNDP or the Global Environment Facility. Always verify details on the official website before applying.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Organization | UNDP Malawi (GEF Small Grants Programme) |
| Region / Country | Malawi |
| Deadline | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Level | Malawi-registered non-profit organisations |
| Funding | US$5,000 – US$75,000 per project (up to 24 months) |
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by UNDP Malawi (GEF Small Grants Programme). Always verify details on the official website before applying.