Project approval process - Project cycle - 3. Concept note submission and screening
Project approval process
- Overview
- 1. Country engagement
- 2. Targeted project generation
- 3. Concept note submission and screening
- 4. Funding proposal development
- 5. Funding proposal appraisal
- 6. Board approval
- 7. Legal arrangements
- 8. Monitoring for performance and compliance
- 9. Adaptive management
- 10. Evaluation, learning and project closure
Stage 3. Concept note submission and screening
Actors: NDA, AE, GCF Secretariat
Stage 3 outlines the development, submission, and screening of concept notes (CNs). CNs present a summary of a proposed project/programme and offer an opportunity for the Secretariat to review and provide feedback on initial project/programme concepts.
Though voluntary*, it is highly encouraged for Accredited Entities (AEs) and National Designated Authorities (NDAs) to submit CNs to reduce review time and lower the transaction costs for all stakeholders. CNs can also lead to higher "quality at entry" for funding proposals.
The development of CNs should be done in close coordination between AEs and NDAs/focal points to ensure that the proposed activities align with country priorities. The AE will represent the NDA to the GCF Secretariat when submitting a CN. In turn, the Secretariat will notify the NDA/focal point that a CN has been submitted.
All CNs and related documents submitted to the Secretariat are available on the GCF website.
The Secretariat is committed to complete our reviews of Concept Notes (stage 3) and Funding Proposals (stage 5) in nine months or less.
* Note: For a Project Preparation Facility (PPF) request, the submission of CNs is mandatory.