Civil society organisations (CSO) invited to apply for funding to scale innovative conservation solutions The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Civil Society Organization (CSO) Challenge Program, offering grants of up to US$300,000 to support high-impact conservation initiatives around the world. Supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the global programme aims to help civil society organisations expand and replicate innovative environmental solutions that generate lasting benefits for both people and the planet. Eligible organisations with proven conservation impact and strong potential for scaling are encouraged to submit applications. About the CSO Challenge Program The GEF SGP CSO Challenge Program is designed to strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations working to address global environmental challenges through innovative, community-driven approaches. The initiative supports projects that have already demonstrated success and are ready to be expanded, replicated or adapted to reach more communities and ecosystems. By investing in scalable conservation solutions, the programme seeks to contribute to biodiversity protection, climate resilience, sustainable natural resource management and broader environmental sustainability. ALSO CHECK: Milken-Motsepe Prize Launches $2 Million Circular Economy Competition for African Businesses Funding opportunities Successful applicants may receive grants of up to: US$300,000 to scale and replicate proven conservation initiatives. The funding is intended to help organisations expand successful projects that can deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes at a larger scale. Additional support for selected organisations Beyond financial assistance, participating organisations will benefit from a range of capacity-building opportunities, including: Technical assistance from conservation experts. Organisational capacity development. Knowledge-sharing with global partners and practitioners. Opportunities to build strategic partnerships. Access to international learning and collaboration networks. These resources are intended to strengthen the long-term sustainability and impact of funded projects. ALSO SEE: iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE Invites Global Applications for 2026 Funding and International Recognition Who should apply? The programme is open to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that: Have demonstrated success in implementing conservation or environmental initiatives. Can show measurable impact from previous projects. Have innovative solutions with strong potential for scaling or replication. Are committed to delivering global environmental benefits while supporting local communities. Organisations working in areas such as biodiversity conservation, climate action, ecosystem restoration, sustainable livelihoods and natural resource management are particularly encouraged to apply. Programme objectives The CSO Challenge Program aims to: Scale innovative conservation solutions. Strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations. Promote collaboration among environmental stakeholders. Support community-led environmental action. Deliver measurable global environmental benefits. Foster sustainable development that benefits both people and nature. APPLY ALSO: COSPE Launches Regional Grant Call to Strengthen Youth-Led Civil Society Networks Across Africa, Asia, MENA and Latin America – Apply by 13 July 2026 Why the programme matters Civil society organisations play a critical role in protecting ecosystems, promoting sustainable development and advancing climate resilience at the local and global levels. Through this challenge programme, the GEF Small Grants Programme and IUCN seek to accelerate proven conservation models by providing financial resources, technical expertise and international networking opportunities that enable organisations to increase their impact. Applications now open Applications for the 2026 GEF Small Grants Programme Civil Society Organization Challenge Program are now open. Eligible civil society organisations with scalable conservation initiatives are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to access funding of up to US$300,000, technical support and international partnership opportunities that can help expand their environmental impact worldwide. LEARN MORE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW See This Channel For Daily Jobs in South Africa