Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If your city is invited to submit a proposal, please visit the GCF Application Page to access the Proposal Form and Budget Template. The deadline for submission is 5:00PM ET on Friday, May 1, 2026.  

We do not anticipate making extensions. However, city applicants can reach out to fund@mayorsmigrationcouncil.org to share any issues leading to unexpected delays. 

Yes, cities can also access the Proposal Template in Portuguese, French, and Spanish by visiting our GCF Application Page.  

Proposals may be submitted in French, Portuguese, or Spanish for translation into English by the MMC. All materials will be reviewed in English and, for selected grantees, all contracting will occur in English. Should additional translation support be required, please inquire with the MMC at fund@mayorsmigrationcouncil.org. 

Proposals will be evaluated by the MMC and an independent Steering Committee based on the criteria included in the GCF 2026 Overview (also available on the GCF Application Page). These include a set of “critical criteria” required for consideration, and a few “additional criteria” which are not a requirement but will help improve the competitiveness of a proposal. 

The MMC intends for cities to benefit from the GCF application process, irrespective of application outcome. To that end, all cities will be invited to participate in a virtual Proposal Development Workshop to receive guidance on developing their proposal.

We encourage all cities to review the feedback on their concept notes (shared with cities individually) as they develop their proposals. In addition, please feel free to explore the following resources for inspiration and best practices from trusted sources and fellow cities: 

CLIMATE

• C40-MMC Climate and Migration Task Force 2021-2024 Impact Report: This report demonstrates that when mayors unite, act and speak with one voice, they have the capacity to set the agenda for others to follow. Mayors can critically contribute with pragmatic solutions to complex policy issues: building resilience in the face of climate risks, welcoming and protecting those who are forced to move due to climate change, and fostering migrants’ and refugees’ economic inclusion, through a green and just transition.  
• Future Urban Landscapes: Climate Migration Projections in Cities: This report provides insights into climate migration in cities around the world, helping to support city leaders, policymakers, NGOs, and researchers committed to building resilient and inclusive urban futures.
• A Compendium on Climate Mobility: This Compendium from the Climate Migration Council is both a resource and a practical toolkit to advance more concerted efforts on mobility within the context of the climate crisis.
• Example GCF Projects: Amman (Jordan),  Accra (Ghana),  Arua (Uganda), Beira (Mozambique), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). Hargeisa (Somaliland), Monrovia (Liberia), Nairobi (Kenya), Nyamagabe District (Rwanda)

ECONOMIC INCLUSION

• Good Green Jobs and Labour Migration: Opportunities for Urban Leaders and From Shortages to Solutions: Good Green Jobs and Labour Migration in Cities: This policy brief and report explore the intersection between the green transition and labor migration, with a local perspective on good green jobs creation.  
• Re:BUiLD Learning Briefs: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the IKEA Foundation share lessons learned and best practices from five years of implementing the Re:BUiLD (Refugees in East Africa: Boosting Urban Innovations for Livelihoods Development) program.
• Example GCF Projects: Barranquilla (Colombia), Boston (United States), Cali (Colombia), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Kanifing (The Gambia), Koboko (Uganda), Manta (Ecuador), Mexico City (Mexico),  Quezon City (Philippines), Turin (Italy),

SPORT

• Cities, Sport and Inclusion: A Policy Plan to Support Displaced Communities: This policy brief offers practical guidance on how cities can best enable displaced young people and local residents to benefit from engaging with sport, resulting in better outcomes for the whole community.
• Building Communities on the Playing Field: How Sports Are Used for Integration: This article from the Migration Policy Instituteprovides an overview of government- and community-led sports programs as tools for migrant integration.
• Example GCF Projects: Ramallah (Palestine)

Once proposals are submitted, the MMC and an independent Steering Committee will review individual submissions and advance applications based on the selection criteria identified in the GCF 2026 Overview. A shortlist of cities will be notified in early June and advanced to the finalist interview stage.  

The MMC regularly issues grants through the GCF. While we have limited funding for the 2026 cohort, we will consider strong proposals for future funding rounds of the GCF.  

The proposal is an opportunity for cities to refine their ideas, review budget needs, and build out impact, implementation, sustainability, and financing approaches in greater detail. This will help us understand the viability and potential impact of your project.

Cities should submit a proposal for grants between $200,000 and $500,000 USD.  

The MMC reserves the right to request budget amendments from potential grantees.  

The grant term will be 24 months, with anticipated grant dates from September 2026 – August 2028.  

Grant funds may be used to cover expenses for a range of purposes, including: 

• Design and/or program operations of a new initiative. 

• Expansion or replication of an existing initiative with proven impact. 

• Direct costs, such as tools, equipment or cash assistance. 

• Specialized staff implementing or coordinating the project. 

• Outreach and communications, including translation into multiple languages. 

• Research, monitoring and evaluation to assess impact and improve implementation. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have further questions about whether a particular cost would be eligible for coverage. 

Grant recipients will be expected to engage in: 

Progress and Financial Reporting 

• Submit a high-level project plan one month into the grant to reflect any changes to timelines, milestones, metrics, partners, or other major activities mentioned in the application submission. 

• Share a midterm report around March 2027 that outlines progress to date, including progress on identified metrics and any other impact updates, as well as a financial report. 

• Share a final report around two months after the end of the grant term, that provides a high-level description of activities and impact highlights, including progress on identified metrics, testimonials from beneficiaries, and a financial report. 

• Allow visit(s) from the MMC and our strategic partners to monitor progress, as feasible. 

• Maintain detailed records of financial expenses in the event of a project audit. 

Communications 

• Secure city leadership engagement in public awareness and communications activities for the public announcement of the grant in September 2026. 

• Acknowledge support from the Mayors Migration Council and the donor in public materials related to the initiative. 

• Mobilize city leadership in multilateral international forums related to migration and displacement governance, as feasible. 

Knowledge Sharing 

• Join regular peer learning calls in with other selected cities to share lessons and progress. 
• Participate in global advocacy and communications events highlighting the GCF and its city grantees.