Launched in 1992, the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the GEF Partnership, is a GEF Corporate Programme that finances community-led initiatives to address global environmental and sustainable development issues. SGP was specifically designed to generate innovative and impactful local actions by empowering civil society organizations and community-based organizations with a strong focus on social inclusion, including Indigenous Peoples, youth, women and girls, and persons with disabilities. The Operational Guidelines are intended to provide guidance on SGP implementation to SGP National Coordinators (NCs), Programme Assistants (PAs), National Steering Committee (NSC) members, GEF Operational Focal Points and other country level partners, UNDP Country Offices, National Host Institutions (NHI), and the SGP Central Programme Management Team (CPMT). The Operational Guidelines are based on the experience and knowledge gained at the country and global levels over 30 years of SGP programme implementation. The Guidelines provide the basic policy framework for all SGP operations, including the structure, implementation, reporting lines, and governance of the programme. They also address the project cycle, eligibility requirements, and grant disbursement. The Guidelines are meant to apply to all SGP Country Programmes. It is recognized that different contexts and situations may require different responses and adaptations. Any questions about the application of particular provisions of the guidelines should be referred to the SGP Central Programme Management Team.