The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) was established in 1992, coinciding with the Rio Earth Summit. It embodies the principle of “thinking globally and acting locally” by offering financial and technical support to initiatives aimed at environmental conservation while enhancing community livelihoods. SGP follows a decentralized approach, with country-level implementation managed by National Steering Committees and dedicated Country Program Teams. The programme is currently executed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the GEF partnership. By empowering local civil society and community-based organizations, including women, Indigenous Peoples, youth, and individuals with disabilities, SGP fosters grassroots efforts for sustainable development. Over the past two decades, SGP has funded more than 20,500 civil society projects worldwide. In India, it has been operational since 2000, supporting numerous environmental projects. The initiative enjoys strong backing from stakeholders, including governments, donors, and NGOs, making it a flagship programme of GEF. SGP India is currently in its Seventh Operational Phase, with a focus on climate change, biodiversity, and land degradation. The programme aims to build the capacity of local communities to undertake sustainable development actions that generate global environmental benefits while ensuring long-term socio-economic impact.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and UNDP, in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), are implementing the Seventh Operational Phase of the GEF Small Grants Programme in India. This phase focuses on “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Solutions,” aiming to strengthen local communities by promoting innovative sustainable energy solutions. Grants will be awarded to NGOs and CBOs to upscale renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) applications across three targeted landscapes. The project emphasizes community-driven approaches, particularly supporting women and marginalized groups. It seeks to implement RE and EE projects ranging from 150 to 250 KW, including solutions like solar cold rooms, solar dryers, energy-efficient irrigation systems, and solar-powered fish pond aerators. Additionally, the programme encourages the development of business models for proven technologies such as solar cookers and lighting systems. Successful applicants must create a regional strategy for RE and EE solutions, conduct baseline studies, engage multiple stakeholders, and replicate project activities to ensure sustainability. The initiative aligns with SGP’s goal of achieving 3 MW in renewable energy capacity while enhancing livelihood opportunities and fostering long-term environmental benefits.