Project approval process - Resources

• Connect to the GCF Partner Portal

For funding proposal development

For legal arrangements

For monitoring for performance and compliance

For adaptive management

For evaluation, learning and project closure

Transition to the digital Funding proposal module

• When should I start using the new digital funding proposal module?

  All funding proposals targeting Board consideration from B.47 (April 2027) onwards must be prepared using the updated FP format and submitted through the digital FP module in the GCF Partner Portal (GPP).

• What happens if I am already preparing a funding proposal using the previous FP format?

  Funding proposals targeting B.47 onwards that are currently being developed in the previous format will need to be transferred by the entity to the new digital FP module. Entities are therefore encouraged to transition to the new format at the earliest opportunity.

  For further information on the transition to the digital FP module, please refer to the Launch of the GCF digitised funding proposal template webinar and related materials available on the GCF website.

• What happens to a proposal currently targeting B.46 if it is deferred to B.47?

  The same transition requirements apply. If a proposal currently targeting B.46 is subsequently deferred to B.47, it will need to be transferred to the new digital FP module.

• Are ongoing PPF-supported funding proposals required to use the new funding proposal templates and annexes?

  Yes. Funding proposals being prepared with support from an approved PPF grant are required to use the new GCF funding proposal templates and applicable annexes. This applies to PPF support provided directly to Accredited Entities and PSAA Applicants, as well as PPF assignments delivered through GCF-contracted PPF service firms.

  Where a PPF-supported funding proposal is already under preparation using the previous templates, the final funding proposal package submitted to GCF should be prepared using the new templates and applicable annexes, in accordance with the applicable transition arrangements and submission requirements.

• Can I continue preparing my proposal using the Word FP template?

  Yes. The Word version of the updated FP template (v4.0) is available for reference and offline preparation. However, the official FP submission should be made through the digital FP module in GPP.

Templates and annexes

• Where can I find the latest FP templates, annexes and guidance?

  The latest templates, annexes, and available guidance documents can be accessed through the PAP and SAP resources pages on the GCF website.

  The updated resources can be accessed through the following pages:

  • PAP resources
  • SAP resources

• Have any new FP annex templates and guidance documents been introduced as part of the update?

  Yes. In addition to the renumbering and alignment of existing FP annexes, GCF has released a number of new and updated templates and guidance documents to support the preparation of funding proposals. These include:

  • Legal guidance on Sections C.4 and C.5 of the FP (Project Description and Implementation Arrangements)
  • Annex 4 – Legal due diligence template
  • Annex 16 – Term Sheet templates
    • Standard Conditions
    • AMA
    • PSAA
    • Standard covenants
  • Commercial terms annex templates
    • Loans
    • Equity
  • Annex 7 – Indicative outline for Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP)
  • Annex 11 – Economic and Financial Analyses templates
  • Annex 17 – Tax analysis template

  Accredited Entities are encouraged to refer to the PAP and SAP resources pages for the latest available templates and guidance, as additional resources may be made available over time.
   

• Why have the FP annex numbers changed?

  As part of the FP update, annexes have been renumbered and, where possible, aligned across PAP and SAP to provide a more consistent documentation package.

• Are the PAP and SAP annexes now the same?

  The annex structures have been aligned where the nature and requirements of the documents are the same. However, some requirements remain specific to PAP or SAP, and some annexes are optional for SAP. Entities should refer to the relevant PAP or SAP resources page when preparing their proposal.

Completing the FP template and annexes

• Can additional budget categories be added to the budget template?

  Yes. The list of budget categories provided in the template is not exhaustive. Additional categories may be added, as needed, under the “List of Budget Category” in the “Title Lists” tab.

• Is a term sheet required for a grant-only funding proposal?

  Yes. A term sheet is required for all funding proposals, regardless of the financial instrument.

• Should the tax analysis be submitted as part of the legal due diligence annex or as a separate annex?

  The tax analysis should be submitted as a separate annex, namely Annex 17. The relevant template is available on the GCF website.

• What is the process for submitting the Certificate of Internal Approvals?

  A draft Certificate of Internal Approvals should first be shared with GCF in Word format for review before it is finalized and signed.

• What should be included in Annex 8 – Environmental and social due diligence?

  Accredited Entities are required to undertake first level of environmental and social due diligence commensurate with the nature, scale, context, and risk profile of the proposed activity, and present the findings in an appropriate format that includes the following information. The due diligence should demonstrate that all material environmental and social risks and impacts have been appropriately identified, assessed, and addressed, including risks related to affected communities, vulnerable groups, gender, Indigenous Peoples, biodiversity, labour, and sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH).

  The due diligence should provide evidence that relevant stakeholders have been informed and consulted, that information has been disclosed as appropriate, and that measures are in place to avoid, minimize, mitigate, and manage adverse impacts throughout project implementation. It should also demonstrate that suitable monitoring arrangements, grievance mechanisms, and institutional capacities are established including for Executing Entities, or will be established within agreed timelines, to support the effective implementation of environmental and social commitments.

  Funding proposals are required to comply with the GCF's applicable policies and standards, including the Environmental and Social Policy, Environmental and Social Safeguards Standards, Indigenous Peoples Policy, Updated Gender Policy, and other relevant GCF requirements. Accredited Entities are expected to provide sufficient environmental and social due diligence to demonstrate such compliance, including evidence that appropriate measures are in place to identify, avoid, minimize, mitigate, manage, monitor, and report on environmental and social risks and impacts throughout the project lifecycle. The Fund will assess the adequacy of the due diligence and the proposal's compliance with applicable GCF requirements as part of its review process.

• What should be submitted as Annex 13 for GHG accounting?

  For mitigation and cross-cutting projects, GCF would typically recommend submitting:

  • A narrative document describing the methodology and approach; and
  • A spreadsheet containing the underlying calculations.

• What guidance should be followed for estimating mitigation impact potential and GHG emission reductions?

  Please refer to the mitigation guidelines.

• Is it mandatory to use EFA template(s)?

  No, using the official EFA template is optional. If the AE has its own EFA template, you may use it, provided that all indicators from the standard template are fully addressed in your analysis.

Using the digital module

• Does the digital FP module follow the same structure as the word template?

  Yes. The updated word template reflects the structure of the digital FP module and can be used as a reference for offline preparation. Some information in GPP may also be populated or managed directly through the system.

• Do I need to prepare all annexes before I can submit an FP?

  Annex requirements depend on the proposal and applicable process. Annexes that are not applicable or are optional for a particular proposal do not need to be attached for the purpose of submission. Entities should nevertheless ensure that all applicable required documentation is provided. The Secretariat will conduct a completeness check on each FP received and promptly inform the AE if any required annexes are missing. Incomplete proposals will not advance until all required documents have been received.

• What should I do if I encounter a technical issue with the digital FP module or have questions about the updated FP package?

  For technical issues with GPP or the digital FP module, entities should contact CIO.FO@gcfund.org. Entities may also use this channel for questions regarding the updated FP templates, annexes, or transition to the digital submission process.