What does GCF mean in UNITED NATIONS

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a global fund launched by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to assist countries in developing nations to respond to climate change by investing in low-emission and climate-resilient development. GCF aims to mobilize US$100 billion annually by 2020 from developed countries for mitigation and adaptation projects in vulnerable countries.

The Green Climate Fund is managed by the Board of 24 members representing both developed and developing countries, with equal representation. The Board carries out its responsibilities under the guidance of the UNFCCC parties, particularly those related to financial assistance for developing countries. It also engages with organizations such as civil society, nonprofit organizations, local governments and the private sector.

The funding for the Green Climate Fund comes from public donors such as governments, international institutions, philanthropic organizations and corporate entities. Donors are encouraged to make voluntary commitments when their contributions go beyond existing legally binding commitments for financing climate change mitigation and adaptation activities in developing countries.

The Green Climate Fund supports a wide range of projects including renewable energy generation, energy efficiency measures, integrated water resource management systems, sustainable agriculture practices, improved forestry management systems, coastal protection infrastructure and green transport solutions such as electric vehicles.

Projects that apply for grants from GCF must meet several criteria including contributing significantly to increasing resilience against climate impacts; showing clear additionality over business-as-usual investments; reducing emissions or removals of greenhouse gases; involving new actors or initiatives that expand on existing ones; providing significant benefits at an appropriate scale; providing policy coherence at regional or global level; leveraging private investment and enhancing technology development & transfer.

Eligible applicants must be legally established public sector entities or internationally recognized accredited non-governmental organizations that are unable to access financing through commercial sources due to high risks associated with investments in developing countries related to climate change related activities. Developing country Parties can also directly access funds through GCF's Readiness Programme which provides support for capacity building programmes activities.

While attending workshops or seminars is not mandatory for applicants seeking funding through GCF, it may be beneficial by providing additional insight on accessing resources available through GCF as well as advice on preparing viable project proposals. Additionally workshops provide an opportunity for networking and collaboration amongst peers who have similar interests or objectives regarding addressing climate change challenges in their respective locations.

The required documents vary depending on application type but typically include a project proposal containing details about costs involved and expected outcomes & impacts, supporting documents such as photographs & drawings illustrating potential project sites & proposed activities etc., letter(s) of support from relevant authorities where applicable and indication of source(s) of co-financing including sources other than GCF if applicable.