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Grants and Resources for Sustainability

You are here: Home / Civil Society Development / United Nations Democracy Fund Grants 2016: Applications for grants of up to $300,000

United Nations Democracy Fund Grants 2016: Applications for grants of up to $300,000

Deadline: 31 December 2015

The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) invites civil society organizations to apply for funding for projects to advance and support democracy during the annual proposal window. Grants are open to: Civil Society Organizations, NGOs, Independent and Constitutional Bodies, Global and Regional inter-government bodies.

The United Nations Democracy Fund  was established by the UN Secretary-General in 2005 as a United Nations General Trust Fund to support democratization efforts around the world. UNDEF supports projects that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. The large majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organizations — both in the transition and consolidation phases of democratization.

Grants Range

UNDEF projects are two years long with project grants ranging from $100,000 to $300,000.

Focus Areas

Proposals are subject to a highly rigorous and competitive selection process, with fewer than two per cent chosen for funding. Projects fall under one or more of seven main areas:

  1. Community Activism
  2. Rule of Law and Human Rights
  3. Tools for Knowledge
  4. Women’s Empowerment
  5. Youth Engagement
  6. Media and Freedom of Information
  7. Strengthening Interaction with Government

Eligibility Criteria

The following institutions are eligible for UNDEF grant funding:

  • Civil Society Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations, engaged in promoting democracy. These are anticipated to receive the bulk of the funding.
  • Independent and Constitutional Bodies, including Election Commissions, Ombudsman Institutions, National Human Rights Institutions and other independent governance bodies, for project proposals facilitating the inclusion of the voice of civil society.
  • Global and Regional inter-government bodies, organizations and associations other than the United Nations, for project proposals which strengthen the voice of civil society.

Please visit next page for information regarding application procedure and more.

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