GCERF supports impactful, community-driven projects by funding and providing targeted support to civil society organisations (CSOs), either to individual CSOs or through Principal Recipients (PRs), who are often larger CSOs leading consortia of partner organisations. PRs must show strong community involvement and a clear plan to support and build the capacity of their partners known as Sub-recipients (SRs) to receive funding.

SRs are smaller, grassroots organisations with deep local knowledge and expertise. GCERF provides funding directly to grantees or PRs, who may then distribute funds to SRs as part of their programme. 

GCERF does not fund national governments, or for profit organisations. To be eligible, applicants should have the appropriate legal registration and must commit to abide by GCERF’s Code of Conduct.