GCBC Accelerator

We want to identify, celebrate and support the most impactful and highest potential sustainable finance capacity building initiatives in and for emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).

Apply Here

Alternatively, you can download the application form and email it to us at secretariat@capacity-building.org before the application deadline.

Application Deadline is August 15, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

Solution Areas

The 2026 GCBC Accelerator is looking for organizations that have practical, scalable solutions that can help emerging and developing economies design and implement effective country platforms.

We are especially interested in organizations that bring hands-on experience, strong local or regional knowledge, and tools or advisory models that can help emerging markets and developing economies move from ambition to investable action.

Strengthening enabling environments

Solutions that help EMDE governments and institutions build the institutional foundations for country platforms, including governance design, stakeholder management, cross-ministerial collaboration, and tools to assess and identify flow of capital.

Improving planning

Solutions that help EMDE governments and institutions translate long-term climate and development goals into near-term, investable strategies, including sectoral modelling, policy roadmaps, readiness assessments, and project pipeline development.

Overcoming financing hurdles

Solutions that help EMDEs access appropriate catalytic capital and mobilize private investment, including financial modeling, business case articulation, and early engagement with DFIs, donors, and private investors.

Supporting Implementation

Solutions that help move country priorities from pipeline to delivery, including project preparation, transaction advisory, investment readiness support, and capacity building for local government stakeholders.

Non-exhaustive list of potential solution areas

•Financial or energy modeling support
•Policy roadmap support and technical assistance
•Readiness assessments
•Macro-economic frameworks
•Project readiness and preparation facilities
•Transaction advisory services
•Technical assistance to governments on climate finance challenges

What will selected initiatives receive?

Selected initiatives will be invited to join a bespoke accelerator program offering a wide range of in-kind support that may include:

Tailored country platform support for delivery

Co-designing and co-delivery of capacity building work linked to emerging country platforms, in partnership with governments, platform secretariats, or implementing partners.

Product development and technical support

Strategy and technical product review and suggested refinement.

Network access

Access to GCBC’s global network of members – financial institutions, MDBs, DFIs, and peer organizations – to facilitate partnerships and learning.

Communications and visibility support

Communications audits, media training, and strategic positioning to increase organizational visibility and credibility with governments and partners.

Judges

Our 2026 judging panel is comprised of renowned global leaders in sustainability and capacity building who evaluated the shortlisted submissions to identify initiatives demonstrating excellence. The panel is chaired by GCBC Chair Mary Schapiro.

Mary L. Schapiro

Chair of the GCBC

Alain Beauvillard

Director, Department of Strategy, Policy, and Innovation, Green Climate Fund

Barbara Buchner

Chief Executive Officer, Climate Policy Initiative

Josue Tanaka

Senior Advisor, Country Platforms Hub

Marla Garin-Alvarez

Vice President & Head, Sustainability Office, Compliance Group, BDO Unibank

Nana Maidugu

Head, Sustainability and ESG, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)

Olga Cantillo

Executive President of Latinex

Pablo Vieira

Global Director of the NDC Partnership Support Unit, NDCP

Eligibility Criteria

The 2026 GCBC Accelerator is open to organizations, partnerships, and specific programs working on capacity building across emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). Applicants should be based in or have a very strong presence in EMDEs.

Applicants do not need to be working on a live country platform or program today to apply. If your work is relevant to how country platforms are designed, financed, or delivered, we want to hear from you.

This includes efforts linked to pipeline preparation facilities, transaction advisory services, technical advisory to governments and other enabling environment work that facilitates the flow of capital.

Note: GCBC members are eligible to apply. Founding and Observer Members may not apply individually, but are eligible to apply as part of partnerships.

Judging Criteria

Country Platform Fit

Does the applicant demonstrate a strong understanding of one or more key country platform bottlenecks that hinder mobilization of capital in EMDEs, and is either already supporting related activities or has clear potential and ambition to contribute meaningfully to development?

Demand-Driven Design

Is the work shaped by, and responsive to, what end-users actually need in terms of capacity building?

Track Record and Technical Expertise

Does the organization have the track record and technical expertise in sustainable finance capacity?

Finance Mobilization and Lasting Impact

Does this work mobilize sustainable finance and deliver change that outlasts the engagement?

Readiness for GCBC Support

Can this organization absorb, deploy, and amplify GCBC support modalities – particularly co-design of capacity building?

Submit Your Application

Apply Here

Alternatively, you can download the application form and email it to us at secretariat@capacity-building.org before the application deadline.

Application Deadline is August 15, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

2025 GCBC Accelerator Winners

Transforma

Transforma has pioneered climate risk disclosure in Colombia, Mexico, and Peru by tailoring global frameworks to local contexts.

Its training and technical assistance have helped nine financial institutions in Colombia, representing 34% of the country's GDP, strengthen climate-related reporting.

Supported by the GCBC Accelerator, Transforma aims to extend this model across new regions and sectors, embedding climate risk into decision-making throughout Latin America.

AfricaAdaptationInitiative

Africa is among the most climate-vulnerable regions, yet local institutions manage only a fraction of the finance flowing to the continent. Mandated by African Heads of State and Government, AAI builds the capacity of governments and financial professionals to access and deploy climate funds directly.

Its Adaptation Finance Academy combines training, peer exchange, and tailored support to guide institutions through the entire process, from project design to resource mobilization.

With the support of the GCBC Accelerator, AAI will expand this work to ensure climate finance in Africa is not just available – but led and managed by local institutions.

ClimateCompatibleGrowth

CCG’s Data-to-Deal (D2D) framework bridges the gap between national climate plans and investment-ready projects.

By embedding data-driven expertise within countries across Asia and Africa, CCG helps governments integrate climate and development goals while securing real financing.

With the support of the GCBC Accelerator, CCG aims to increase its support for country-owned, investment-ready strategies that deliver both decarbonization and social benefits such as healthcare, education, and rural electrification.