Simplified Approval Process (SAP) funding proposal preparation guidelines

The guidelines detail the requirements for SAP funding proposals, which are designed for projects with minimal environmental and social risks and a maximum GCF funding request of USD 25 million. The document outlines a five-section proposal structure covering project summaries, detailed design, financing, investment criteria performance, and mandatory annexes. It emphasizes the need for a clear theory of change, a strong climate rationale, and evidence of country ownership and paradigm shift potential. The manual also specifies the roles of accredited entities (AEs) and executing entities (EEs), the necessity of no-objection letters from national designated authorities, and the requirement for detailed budget plans and risk assessments.

• The Simplified Approval Process (SAP) is specifically for funding proposals where the GCF provides a maximum of USD 25 million.
• SAP proposals are intended for projects or programmes that are considered to have minimal environmental and social risks.
• The GCF recommends that the body of a SAP funding proposal should not exceed 20 pages in length.
• Funding proposals must demonstrate a 'paradigm shift potential' by explaining how the project removes barriers to climate resilience and green growth and how it can be scaled up or replicated.
• A mandatory requirement for the start of the review process is the submission of a signed no-objection letter (NOL) from the national designated authority of each participating country.
• The GCF requires a specific justification for concessionality, considering factors such as the country's economic status, its classification as a priority group (e.g., Africa, small island developing States, or least developed countries), and the nature of the public goods provided.
• Accredited Entities (AEs) must provide a detailed breakdown of expenses by component and output, and the requested budget must be net of AE fees.
• Proposals must include a comprehensive risk assessment covering political, climatic/environmental, financial, institutional, and capacity risks, with corresponding mitigation measures.
• The guidelines require the use of a Theory of Change (TOC) to illustrate the cause-effect relationships between project activities, outputs, and the intended climate outcomes.

APA

Green Climate Fund (2022). Simplified Approval Process (SAP) funding proposal preparation guidelines. https://www.greenclimate.fund/sites/default/files/document/sap-fp-guidelines-final-jan-2023.pdf

Chicago

Green Climate Fund. Simplified Approval Process (SAP) funding proposal preparation guidelines. 2022. https://www.greenclimate.fund/sites/default/files/document/sap-fp-guidelines-final-jan-2023.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Green Climate Fund |title=Simplified Approval Process (SAP) funding proposal preparation guidelines |date=December 2022 |url=https://www.greenclimate.fund/sites/default/files/document/sap-fp-guidelines-final-jan-2023.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{greenclimatefund2022simplified, author = {{Green Climate Fund}}, title = {{Simplified Approval Process (SAP) funding proposal preparation guidelines}}, institution = {Green Climate Fund}, year = {2022}, month = dec, url = {https://www.greenclimate.fund/sites/default/files/document/sap-fp-guidelines-final-jan-2023.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }