The Special Programme issues periodic calls for applications for funding of projects aimed at institutional strengthening for the sound management of chemicals and waste.
The eighth round of applications is now OPEN.
The eighth round of funding under the Special Programme launched on 24 April 2024 with a closing date of 23 August 2024. Funding is offered for projects of up to USD 275,000 (exceptionally, and subject to additional appraisal criteria, up to USD 500,000) with a co-financing requirement of at least 25% of the amount requested, which can be provided in kind.
Project proposals should adopt a cross-cutting approach that seeks to enhance implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, the Minamata Convention and the Global Framework on Chemicals.
Please scroll down to view the eligibility criteria, application forms and further information on how to apply for funding.
Fourth round of funding launched under the Specific International Programme of the Minamata Convention
In parallel with the eighth round of funding under the Special Programme, the Specific International Programme (SIP) under the Minamata Convention has launched its fourth round of funding.
The SIP supports parties to the Minamata Convention in the implementation of the Convention, offering funding for projects ranging from USD 50,000 to USD 250,000.
Applications to the Specific International Programme are due by July 31, 2024, with no applicant contribution required. This funding stream is intended to help countries meet their obligations under the Minamata Convention, focusing on addressing mercury pollution and protecting human health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury.
The graphic below provides some guidance on which funding mechanism is better suited to your needs as an applicant. For further information please see below, or else go to the SIP Launch webpage.
DECISION TREE
Decision tree to apply for the UN Environment Programme Special Programme and the Specific International Programme (SIP) of the Minamata Convention on Mercury calls for funding.
Special Programme Eligibility for funding
In approving the arrangements for the launch of the seventh round of funding, the Executive Board revised the eligibility criteria for funding under the Special Programme. The Board decided that "Countries should refer to paragraph 6 of the Terms of Reference for eligibility which states that ‘Support from the Special Programme will be available for developing countries, taking into account the special needs of least developed countries and small island developing States, and for countries with economies in transition (1), with priority given to those with least capacity’.
Note that a number of donors have strict policies of funding only applications that meet the eligibility requirements of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list of Official Development Assistance (ODA) (2) at the time of application".
Application forms and process
Governments interested in submitting an application are invited to prepare their project application in consultation with ministries and stakeholders to identify national priorities, gaps and challenges to facilitate and enable the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, the Minamata Convention and the Global Framework on Chemicals.
Consultation with additional sources, such as the Secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, the Minamata Convention, Global Framework on Chemicals and GEF, including consultation with the GEF focal point, LIRA guidance, Guidance on Chemicals Control and guidance on Gender mainstreaming is also encouraged.
Additional information is detailed in the updated Guidance on the scope of the Special Programme (Will be available in Arabic, French, Russian and Spanish soon) which provides information on eligibility and the types of projects that may be funded.
In addition, the updated Special Programme Application Guidelines (Will be available in Arabic, French, Russian and Spanish soon) outlines the project application process and step by step information on how to fill in the application forms.
Applications must include:
- The duly signed Project application form
- A Project budget form
- Endorsement letter from the Official focal point
- Letters of support from the project partners confirming its/their role(s)
- Projects with an implementing organization/institution, a letter from the organization/institution confirming its role (if relevant)
- Annexes providing any relevant additional information regarding the measures and activities to be funded
Applications must be submitted in English only.
Complete application packages should be sent electronically in Word and PDF versions to: unepchemicalsspecialprogramme@un.org
Original signed forms and supporting documents may also be submitted to the Secretariat by post to the following address:
Special Programme Secretariat,
UN Environment, Economy Division,
Chemicals and Health Branch,
Avenue de la Paix 8-14,
1211 Genève, Switzerland
Detailed information on the projects that have been funded to date, can be found in our Project Database.
Please contact the Secretariat of the Special Programme at unepchemicalsspecialprogramme@un.org for more information.
Support to applicants
The Special Programme e-Learning Platform is available to assist Governments with the process of completing a Special Programme application based on the project application guidelines. We invite you to visit the platform and take the course.
The Special Programme held a series of online workshops for prospective applicants under the seventh round of funding on 23 and 24 May 2023. If you missed the webinar, you can find the recordings and presentations here. The webinars for this next round will be held in June 2024. Stay tuned!
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[1] See United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects Report available at https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/WESP_2024_Web.pdf.
[2] https://www.oecd.org/dac/financing-sustainable-development/development-finance-standards/daclist.htm
