Simplified Approval Process (SAP) Review Tool for concept notes and funding proposals

The GCF SAP Review Tool is a guide designed to streamline the appraisal of climate finance proposals for developing countries. It establishes minimum standards for 'quality at entry' through two detailed checklists—one for concept notes and one for funding proposals—covering climate rationale, investment criteria, financing structures, and environmental and social safeguards. The tool aims to increase review consistency, reduce the number of review rounds, and provide predictability for Accredited Entities and National Designated Authorities.

• The Simplified Approval Process (SAP) is designed to accelerate climate finance access for specific vulnerable groups, including Least Developed Countries, African States, and Small Island Developing States.
• The review tool is intended to define the minimum standards for 'quality at entry' for SAP projects, though it does not replace the professional judgment of specialists.
• For a funding proposal to be eligible under the SAP, the requested GCF financing must be less than USD 25 million.
• The tool requires a rigorous climate rationale for both adaptation and mitigation projects, including the use of scientific references and the demonstration that adaptation actions will not lead to maladaptation.
• Funding proposals must be evaluated against GCF investment criteria, specifically focusing on impact potential, paradigm shift potential, sustainable development, and the needs of the recipient.
• The review process mandates a comprehensive risk assessment covering political, market, technology, and financial domains, as well as specific checks for money laundering, terrorist financing, and prohibited practices.
• The tool emphasizes gender mainstreaming, requiring a gender assessment and action plan that includes sex-disaggregated data and financial resources to comply with the GCF Gender Policy.

APA

Green Climate Fund (2022). Simplified Approval Process (SAP) Review Tool for concept notes and funding proposals. https://www.greenclimate.fund/sites/default/files/document/20221124-sap-review-toolkit.pdf

Chicago

Green Climate Fund. Simplified Approval Process (SAP) Review Tool for concept notes and funding proposals. 2022. https://www.greenclimate.fund/sites/default/files/document/20221124-sap-review-toolkit.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Green Climate Fund |title=Simplified Approval Process (SAP) Review Tool for concept notes and funding proposals |date=November 2022 |url=https://www.greenclimate.fund/sites/default/files/document/20221124-sap-review-toolkit.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{greenclimatefund2022simplified, author = {{Green Climate Fund}}, title = {{Simplified Approval Process (SAP) Review Tool for concept notes and funding proposals}}, institution = {Green Climate Fund}, year = {2022}, month = nov, url = {https://www.greenclimate.fund/sites/default/files/document/20221124-sap-review-toolkit.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }