The Global Framework on Chemicals Fund supports countries in implementing the Global Framework on Chemicals for the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste. The Fund aims to support implementation activities in developing countries and countries with economies in transition (CEIT), with particular attention to the needs of least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS). It does so by financing projects and programmes that promote transformative change to prevent, or where prevention is not feasible, minimize harm from chemicals and waste to protect the environment and human health, including vulnerable groups and workers. All funded activities must demonstrate clear, defined, measurable and sustainable impact.
The Fund was established during the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in September 2023 and is governed by an Executive Board, which is responsible for operational decisions and oversees the functioning of the Fund. The Fund remains open to receive additional contributions until September 2028, which is five years after its establishment. Funds may be disbursed for a maximum of seven years, which is September 2030.
The Fund provides financial support of USD 300,000 to 800,000 for projects with an implementation period of up to three years. Governments from developing countries, LDCs, SIDS, and CEIT may apply for funding. On an exceptional basis, civil society networks may also apply, provided they have an agreement with the respective government. The Fund encourages regional or multi-country applications. All funded activities must have clearly defined and measurable long-term impacts. When selecting projects for funding, the Executive Board places a strong emphasis on prioritizing those that can demonstrate lasting benefits beyond the project’s lifetime.
The Fund seeks to complement existing financial mechanisms, such as the Special Programme on Institutional Strengthening, the Specific International Programme under the Minamata Convention and the Global Environment Facility, and funds that support biodiversity and climate action, amongst others, to build on national projects or activities and generate sustainable project outputs nationally, regionally or globally. The purpose is to achieve substantial and visible impacts that promote the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste with measurable results.
The Global Framework on Chemicals Fund issues periodic calls for applications. The second round of applications will launch on 30 September 2025 with a closing date for concept notes on 15 December 2025.
For more information on the scope of the Fund, please read the guidance document. English | French | Spanish
Strategic priorities: What is a Fund project?
Strategically, the Fund will prioritise proposals that:
- Strengthen institutional capacities for implementing and mainstreaming the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste at the national level – either broadly or in relation to specific issues of concern. Projects that align with national plans and build long-term institutional ownership will be viewed favourably.
- Target high impact sectors along the value-chain – such as electronics, textiles, agriculture and construction – by promoting safe and sustainable practices for health, labour and/or the environment. Ultimately, policies must be implemented to transition these sectors towards being free of pollution. Projects that catalyse sustainable financing or unlock public and private resources are encouraged. Approaches that integrate financial and investment strategies, including from the private sector, are equally favoured for funding. Applicants may also submit proposals aimed at laying the foundations for large-scale initiatives in high impact sectors which could be supported through other funding mechanisms in the future. In such cases, GFC Fund resources may be used to establish the enabling conditions, such as baseline assessments, institutional arrangements, or pilot activities, thereby laying the groundwork for expanded future action.
- Have a positive impact for people and the environment, and that are implemented at a regional or global level, or with transboundary impacts. Proposals that create long-term cooperation between governments and other stakeholders, engage multiple sectors —such as health, labour, and industry— and offer high impact relative to investment will be prioritized. The Fund also values proposals that avoid duplication and demonstrate potential for scaling up or replication.
Who can apply for funding?
There are two possible types of applicants under the Fund:
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- Governments: Eligible governments include those listed as developing economies, LDCs, SIDS or CEIT in the annexes to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects Report, that have endorsed or given other appropriate formal recognition of and support for the Global Framework on Chemicals. As put forward in the Fund’s terms of reference, the approval of projects will consider geographic and sectoral balance and pay particular attention to urgent needs and the requirements of LDCs and SIDS. The official national Global Framework on Chemicals focal point is required to support the application on behalf of the Government through the provision of a letter accompanying the submission of the application. To foster cross-sectoral impact, supporting letters from other authorities and stakeholders relevant for implementing the project or its outcomes should be annexed.
- Civil society networks: On an exceptional basis, and with regard to the resources and administrative capacity available, representatives of civil society networks may apply to the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund subject to the agreement of the countries hosting the projects or programmes. For the purposes of the Fund, such agreement should be provided by the designated national focal point in the country concerned through an accompanying letter with the application.
Selection criteria
The Executive Board has identified a set of minimum requirements and prioritization criteria to assess the proposals for funding. These are set out below.
Minimum Requirements
The project must meet the following conditions to be considered for funding. Failure to meet these requirements may result in disqualification:
The project:
- Is well-conceptualized, complete and clearly aligned with the vision, strategic objectives, and targets of the Global Framework on Chemicals and its Fund, particularly the strategic priorities outlined above.
- Builds the long-term institutional capacity for the management of chemicals and waste nationally, regionally, or internationally.
- Demonstrates a plan for ensuring long-term sustainability (exit strategy), such as through the implementation of institutional policies, or a sustainable financing mechanism that extends beyond the GFC Fund support.
- Provides at least 25% co-financing, which may include financial as well as in-kind contributions (e.g. staff time, accommodation, office space or operational support).
- Does not duplicate projects or programmes already funded under other bilateral or multilateral funding mechanisms.
- Includes a clear approach to gender mainstreaming and complies with UNEP’s environmental and social safeguard standards.
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