The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was established in 2010 with the aim that it would become the primary global fund for climate change finance in developing countries. This paper outlines analysis of the allocation systems of 15 funds with a range of thematic focuses in order to understand how their allocation process might inform the GCF. Two essential elements of all allocation decisions are identified which the authors believe are important: a defined decision making process, and criteria and indicators that support decision-making. It concludes that allocation outcomes must be carried out in an open and transparent manner and that the governing bodies of funds will need to play an active role in deliberating and ultimately making final decisions.