The GEF (Global Environmental Facility) Small Grants programme (SGP), implemented by UNDP, has recently granted the women's group 'Solar Women of Totogalpa', a partner in the 2008 SEED winning initiative 'Lighting up Hope and Communities', funding for the construction of their solar restaurant.

This is a big step in the development of the Solar Center and the realisation of the women's dreams.  It is the first grant awarded directly to the Solar Women.

The Solar Center is on the Pan-American Highway in Totogalpa so the women are hoping that that will provide them with a good supply of customers and help to consolidate and grow the Center further. 

In 2008 SGP also provided support to the 2007 SEED Winner 'Nueva Vida' offering networking opportunities and knowledge exchange with other communities undertaking similar initiatives, as well as the chance to increase its capacity to promote and sell its products.

GEF/SGP supports activities of non-governmental and community-based organisations in developing countries towards climate change abatement biodiversity conservation, protection of international waters, prevention of land degradation and elimination of persistent organic pollutants. The SGP is implemented by UNDP, a founding partner of SEED.