Project-specific Assessment Approach - Process - 2. Concept note and questionnaire supporting information screening

Project-specific Assessment Approach

2. Concept note and questionnaire supporting information screening

  1. The entity submits the Concept Note and PSAA Questionnaire Supporting Information to the GCF Partner Portal (GPP).

  2. The GCF Secretariat verifies that the appropriate documents have been submitted. Documents include:

    1. PSAA questionnaire
    2. PSAA supporting documents (legal status, financial management, track record)
    3. Concept note

    The project team conducts an initial review of the Concept note (CN), PSAA questionnaire supporting documents to assess whether the quality is sufficient for further review.

  3. The Secretariat screens the CN according to its procedures, along with the PSAA questionnaire supporting information, with a focus on the following questions: 

    • Does this proposed project/programme have the potential to fully meet GCF investment criteria?
    • Does this entity have the potential to contribute to the mandate of GCF?
    • Does this proposed project/programme or partnership pose any reputational risks for GCF?
    • Does this entity have the potential to meet GCF’s fiduciary standards and principles in the context of this project/programme?
    • Does this entity have the potential to manage relevant environmental and social (ESS) risks (including sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment) and gender risks in line with GCF policies and standards and the scaled risk-based approach in the context of this project/programme?

    The Secretariat decides whether the proposal is aligned with GCF investment criteria and PSAA eligibility criteria and merits further development (including Project Preparation Facility - PPF if requested), return the proposal to the entity for revision and resubmission, or not recommend the proposal/entity partnership. In the case where Project Preparation Facility (PPF) resources will be requested, the NDA is required to provide a no-objection letter before the PPF application is approved.

  4. Following CN confirmation, the Secretariat sends the entity a PSAA Accreditation Application that is customized to the type of project, including specialized fiduciary standards required, and the ESS category. The Secretariat will provide guidance on the estimated total fees for the PSAA Application based on the size of project and any applicable specialized fiduciary criteria. Fees are only payable after the Secretariat recommends the proposed project/programme for iTAP consideration.

    Note: The entity will submit the full funding proposal package and a PSAA accreditation application via the GPP.