Call for Applications: UNDEF funding for Civil Society Organizations

The UN Democracy Fund invites civil society organizations to apply for project funding. Project proposals may be submitted on-line in English or French, the two working languages of the UN, between 4 November 2021 and 6 December 2021 at www.un.org/democracyfund. You can find guidelines, FAQs and lessons learned for applicants HERE.

UNDEF supports projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. Most UNDEF funding goes to local civil society organizations. In this way, UNDEF plays a distinct role in complementing the UN's other work -- the work with Governments -- to strengthen democratic governance around the world. This is the Sixteenth Round to be launched by UNDEF, which provides grants of up to US$300,000 per two-year project.

Since 2006, UNDEF has supported more than 800 two-year projects in over 100 countries at a total amount of over US$200 million. Proposals are subject to a highly rigorous selection process, with fewer than two per cent of proposals chosen for funding.

For this Round, UNDEF invites project proposals covering one or more of any of its eight thematic areas:

• Women’s Empowerment
• Community activism
• Rule of law and human rights
• Youth engagement
• Strengthening civil society interaction with Government
• Media and freedom of information
• Tools for knowledge
• Electoral processes

Click here to view a sample of what the UNDEF proposal form will require.

The UNDEF is a Trust Fund established through voluntary contributions from Member States, under the authority of the Secretary-General. UNDEF is guided by its Advisory Board, which includes representatives of Member States, eminent academics and global civil society leaders. Thus, participation in the activities of UNDEF bestows prestige to all its stakeholders and signifies for its beneficiaries a high level of political commitment to democratic values.