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Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF)

In 2001, Parties to the UNFCCC established the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) to support adaptation and technology transfer projects and programs that: are country-driven, cost-effective and integrated into national sustainable development and poverty-reduction strategies. They also take into account National Communications or National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs) and other relevant studies and information provided by the Party.

The GEF Programming Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change for the LDCF and the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) (July 2018-June 2022) serves as a basis for programming resources under the SCCF. The goal of the strategy is to strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate change in developing countries, and support their efforts to enhance adaptive capacity. To achieve this goal, the strategy emphasizes three strategic objectives for the SCCF:

Objective 1: Reduce vulnerability and increase resilience through innovation and technology transfer for climate change adaptation;
Objective 2: Mainstream climate change adaptation and resilience for systemic impact; and
Objective 3: Foster enabling conditions for effective and integrated climate change adaptation.

The fund is managed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and follows the GEF-7 Adaptation Strategy.

Purpose of support

Project and program implementation

Eligible countries and regions

Non-Annex I Parties to the UNFCCC. The Fund gives priority to the most vulnerable countries to climate change. A list of eligible countries can be found here.

Eligibility criteria

Since the SCCF is administrated by the GEF, countries seeking SCCF funding work with a GEF Partner Agency to submit project proposals. GEF Partners Agencies (GEF Agencies) are the only institutions that access GEF funding directly on behalf of an eligible recipient (government) for the design and implementation of GEF-financed projects. There are currently 18 GEF Agencies including UN agencies, multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, and NGOs. Projects can be executed on the ground by any organization, including private sector, civil society, government and non-governmental organizations.

Projects must be driven by the country (rather than by an external partner) and be consistent with national priorities that support sustainable development. SCCF is mainly available to projects that are endorsed by governments in eligible countries.

Financial instruments

Grants

Decision-making information

The GEF’s operational policies, procedures and governance structure are applied to the fund, unless COP guidance and the LDCF/SCCF Council decide otherwise. Its governing structure is composed of: the Assembly, the Council, the Secretariat, 18 Agencies, a Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP), and the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO).

The GEF Assembly is the governing body of the GEF in which representatives of all member countries participate. It meets every three to four years and is responsible for reviewing and evaluating general policies, the operation, and its membership; and for considering and approving proposed amendments to the GEF Instrument.

The LDCF/SCCF Council is the main governing body of the SCCF. It functions as decision-making organ with primary responsibility for developing, adopting, and evaluating SCCF policies and programs.

The GEF Secretariat coordinates the overall implementation of GEF activities, including day-to-day management of the SCCF. It services and reports to the Assembly and the Council.

The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) provides independent advice. Its members are appointed by the Executive Director of UNEP, in consultation with the GEF’s CEO, the Administrator of UNDP, and the President of the World Bank.

The Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) informs decision-making on amendments and improvements; and promotes accountability for the effective use of resources while supporting knowledge management and learning.

The Trustee is the World Bank.

Monitoring and reporting procedures

During the course of the implementation, the Agency has the responsibility to submit Project Implementation Reports (PIRs) on an annual basis. For Full-sized Projects only, a mid-term review is required as well. This report is normally more detailed than a PIR. The Agency is also required to submit a Terminal Evaluation to the GEF Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) within 12 months following the operational completion of the project.

Information on how to...

Understand steps to access

Partner with a GEF Agency

Submit a funding proposal

Climate objective

Adaptation, Mitigation

Sectors and themes

Agriculture, Disaster risk reduction, Economic Recovery, Health, Industry and Infrastructure, Jobs, Nature-based Solutions and Ecosystem Services, Oceans and Coasts, Renewable Energy, Rural Development, Waste Management, Water

Type of support provider

Multilateral

Type of recipient

Public entity at the national level, Public entity at the sub-national level, Public entity at the regional level, International organization, Non-profit or civil society organization, Private sector

Fund size

Since its inception, the SCCF has invested USD 355 million in 87 projects

Co-financing required

Trustee or administrator

World Bank

Contact information

https://www.thegef.org/topics/special-climate-change-fund-sccf

LDCFandSCCF@thegef.org

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Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF)

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