Small Grants Programme: 25 Years of Engagement with Indigenous Peoples

s one of the early pioneers working with indigenous peoples, the experience of the Small Grants Programme (SGP), funded mainly by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has been repeatedly recognized as one of the “primary modalities of engagement” (IEO 2017) for indigenous peoples with the GEF.

This publication provides an account of GEF SGP’s experience working with indigenous peoples over the last 25 years. It also celebrates past achievements and advances critical lessons that can be used in forging new partnerships with indigenous peoples in future programming cycles, including opportunities to employ blended finance solutions.