Addressing the GCF investment criteria

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the biggest global climate fund in existence that supports developing countries to address climate change. It aims to help countries achieve a paradigm shift towards low emission and climate resilient development, taking into account the needs and priorities of those countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Proposals submitted to the GCF can focus on either mitigation, adaptation or be crosscutting, and both private and public sector entities can submit proposals. Funding from the GCF can be in the form of grants, loans, equity or guarantees.

Accessing the fund requires project proponents to submit a GCF project proposal that meets GCF requirements, which includes a response to the six GCF investment criteria that form the basis of the approval process that enables the Board to make funding decisions regarding project and programme funding proposals. Those criteria are: 

1. Impact potential; 
2. paradigm shift potential; 
3. sustainable development potential; 
4. needs of the recipient; 
5. country ownership; and
6. efficiency and effectiveness.