The Joint GEF-UNDP Evaluation of the Small Grants Programme

2021

This joint evaluation aimed to report on the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the SGP at both global and local levels. The evaluation provides an overview of key results achieved since the second Joint Evaluation, and an analysis of the key factors of success, as well as an assessment of challenges in the period. The evaluation found that the SGP continues to be highly relevant to the GEF Partnership, UNDP, and local partners. As a global programme that channels GEF and non-GEF resources to civil society and community-based organizations, it is unique and the only window through which small-scale, local organizations can access GEF resources. It has been consistent in contributing to social and environmental benefits in all the countries where it is present.

2015

The Small Grants Programme aims to develop community strategies and technologies for reducing threats to the global environment while addressing livelihood challenges. In July 2015 the 2nd Joint GEF-UNDP Evaluation of the SGP was completed. It discusses the SGP’s current role and results in achieving global environmental benefits while addressing livelihoods, poverty, and gender equality; broader adoption of grant-level results; the SGP’s strategic positioning; and M&E.

2008

The purpose of the Joint Evaluation of the SGP was to assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and cost effectiveness of the SGP in relation to the overall mandate of the GEF. In addition, the evaluation assessed the results of the SGP, the factors that affect these results, and the program’s monitoring and evaluation systems.

Overall, the joint evaluation found that the SGP is a cost-effective way for the GEF to generate global environmental benefits while addressing country priorities and responding to the needs of local populations. It also found that the current management model has reached its limits and is not suitable for a new phase of growth and that SGP governance and audit procedures need to be strengthened.