2nd Call for Proposals – Community-Led Conservation under ICCA-GSI Phase II 2026: Grants of Up to US$50,000 in Ghana
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Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) & UNDP Ghana – ICCA-GSI Phase II – Ghana
Complete guide to eligibility, benefits, responsibilities, and application process
Quick Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) / UNDP Ghana |
| Programme | ICCA-GSI Phase II 2026 – 2nd Call for Proposals |
| Location | Ghana (Black Volta Basin priority areas) |
| Grant Size | Up to US$50,000 |
| Eligibility | Local NGOs, CSOs, CBOs, community groups, eligible social enterprises |
| Focus | Community-based conservation, sustainable agriculture, low-carbon energy, chemicals & waste management, sustainable urban solutions |
| Benefits | Grant funding, capacity strengthening, community impact |
| Application Deadline | 3 October 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Official Website |
Opportunity Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) / UNDP Ghana |
| Opportunity Category | Grant / Call for Proposals |
| Location | Ghana (Black Volta Basin priority areas) |
| Application Mode | Email submission |
| Official Language | English |
About the ICCA-GSI Phase II Programme
The Global Support Initiative on Territories and Areas Conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (ICCA-GSI) is a flagship initiative under the GEF Small Grants Programme, implemented by UNDP .
The initiative focuses on strengthening the contribution of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, ecosystem protection, community governance, and sustainable natural-resource management .
The programme is based on the recognition that communities living in and around important ecosystems can play a central role in protecting biodiversity and managing natural resources sustainably. ICCAs cover nearly one-third of the world's land and make significant contributions to biodiversity conservation and community wellbeing .
The initiative is funded by the Government of Germany through its Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). It also contributes to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), particularly Targets 3, 21, 22 and 23 .
What Is the 2026 Call for Proposals About?
The 2026 call is described as a two-in-one Call for Proposals. It provides opportunities for organizations to undertake different types of work under the ICCA-GSI Phase II programme. There are two separate assignments:
1. Catalytic NGO – Monitoring and Evaluation
The first opportunity is intended for a Catalytic NGO that will support monitoring and evaluation activities based on the ICCA-GSI methodology and tools. This component focuses on strengthening the monitoring, evaluation and learning processes associated with ICCA-GSI interventions .
Applicants interested in this assignment should use the designated Catalytic NGO proposal template provided by UNDP Ghana.
2. Community-Based NGOs/CSOs – Regular Project Grants
The second opportunity provides regular project grants for community-based NGOs and civil society organizations. These organizations are expected to implement community-led projects that contribute to the achievement of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and align with the objectives of the ICCA programme .
Applicants for this component should use the designated Regular Projects Grants proposal template.
Priority Geographic Areas
The call prioritizes communities along the Black Volta Basin, particularly communities located in the following districts and municipality :
| Region | District/Municipality |
|---|---|
| Upper West Region | Wa-West District |
| Bono Region | Banda District |
| Savannah Region | Bole District |
| Savannah Region | Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District |
| Savannah Region | Central Gonja Municipality |
Organizations planning to apply should carefully consider the geographic eligibility requirements.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is primarily intended for organizations and community groups operating in Ghana that meet the eligibility requirements established by UNDP Ghana .
Eligible applicants include:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Local NGOs | Non-governmental organizations |
| Non-Profit Organizations | Registered non-profits |
| Civil Society Organizations | CSOs operating in Ghana |
| Community-Based Organizations | CBOs |
| Community Groups | Recognized community groups |
| Social Enterprises | Eligible social enterprise organizations |
Organizational Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Local NGOs | Valid Registrar General's Department certification and Social Welfare certification |
| Community Groups | Appropriately recognized by relevant authorities |
| Social Enterprises | Recognized by relevant District Assemblies and Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana |
What Types of Projects Are Relevant?
The strongest alignment will come from projects that connect community leadership with environmental and development outcomes :
| Focus Area | Project Concepts |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity | Threatened species, ecosystem conservation, habitat protection, biodiversity restoration, community conservation |
| Climate Resilience | Climate-resilient livelihoods, community adaptation, ecosystem-based resilience, sustainable resource management |
| Sustainable Livelihoods | Sustainable agriculture, sustainable fisheries, community enterprises, food security |
| Environmental Management | Waste management, chemicals management, pollution reduction, sustainable resource use |
| Energy | Low-carbon energy, renewable energy access, community energy solutions |
| Urban Sustainability | Sustainable urban planning, CSO-Government-Private Sector collaboration, environmental policy dialogue |
Alignment With the Global Biodiversity Framework
A significant component of the regular project grants is alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The call particularly references GBF Targets :
| Target | Description |
|---|---|
| Target 3 | Ensure and enable that by 2030 at least 30% of terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas are effectively conserved and managed |
| Target 21 | Ensure that best available data, information and knowledge are accessible to guide effective and equitable governance of biodiversity |
| Target 22 | Ensure full, equitable, inclusive, effective and gender-responsive representation and participation in decision-making |
| Target 23 | Ensure gender equality in the implementation of the framework |
Key Dates at a Glance
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Call Opens | 16 September 2026 |
| Virtual Proposal Workshop | 22 September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 3 October 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Maximum Grant | US$50,000 |
How to Apply
Eligible organizations should prepare their applications using the appropriate proposal template. There are separate templates for the two assignments:
| Assignment | Template |
|---|---|
| Catalytic NGO | Designated Catalytic NGO proposal template |
| Regular Project Grants | Designated Regular Projects Grants proposal template |
Applications should be submitted electronically to the email address provided in the official call document.
Important Links
| Description | URL |
|---|---|
| UNDP Ghana Official Announcement | |
| UNDP Ghana Official Website | |
| CareerFlora |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. What is the opportunity? | ICCA-GSI Phase II 2026 Call for Proposals in Ghana. |
| Q2. Where is it located? | Ghana (Black Volta Basin priority areas). |
| Q3. Who can apply? | Local NGOs, CSOs, CBOs, community groups, eligible social enterprises. |
| Q4. How much is the grant? | Up to US$50,000. |
| Q5. What are the benefits? | Grant funding, capacity strengthening, community impact. |
| Q6. What are the focus areas? | Conservation, sustainable agriculture, low-carbon energy, waste management, urban solutions. |
| Q7. Is there a workshop? | Yes, a virtual proposal workshop on 22 September 2026. |
| Q8. What is the deadline? | 3 October 2026, 5:00 PM. |
| Q9. How to apply? | Email submission using the designated proposal template. |
| Q10. When do projects start? | As per programme timeline. |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The ICCA-GSI Phase II 2026 Call for Proposals offers a significant opportunity for eligible organizations in Ghana to secure funding for community-led conservation and sustainable development initiatives. The programme's emphasis on Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience provides organizations with meaningful support to implement locally driven solutions.
The grants of up to US$50,000, combined with the alignment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, ensure that successful applicants receive high-quality funding to contribute to global environmental goals while strengthening local communities.
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Local NGOs | Yes |
| Civil Society Organizations | Yes |
| Community-Based Organizations | Yes |
| Community Groups | Yes |
| Social Enterprises | Yes |
| Conservation Organizations | Yes |
| Environmental Organizations | Yes |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Competition | High |
| Selection Difficulty | Competitive |
| Application Complexity | Medium |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Value | Excellent |
| Career Growth | Very High |
| Application Difficulty | Medium |
| Apply Early | Strongly Recommended |
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for ICCA-GSI Phase II 2026 Call for Proposals before 3 October 2026, 5:00 PM.
Visit the UNDP Ghana official announcement: https://www.undp.org/ghana/news/2nd-call-proposals-community-led-conservation-under-icca-gsi-phase-ii-2026
Review eligibility requirements
Download the appropriate proposal template
Prepare your application and submit electronically
Submit before 3 October 2026, 5:00 PM
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