Call to Civil Society Organizations to Apply for Funding - UNDEF 2016

The United Nations Democracy Fund invites civil society organizations to apply for project funding. Project proposals may be submitted on-line between 18 November 2016 and 18 December 2016 at www.un.org/democracyfund. You can find guidelines, FAQs and lessons learned for applicants at http://www.un.org/democracyfund/application-materials.

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. 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 Eleventh Round to be launched by UNDEF, which provides grants of up to US$300,000 per project. UNDEF has supported almost 700 projects in over 100 countries at a total amount of almost US$170 million. Proposals are subject to a highly rigorous selection process, with fewer than two per cent of proposals chosen for funding. All projects are two years long.

UNDEF invites project proposals covering one or more of seven main areas:

• Women’s rights and empowerment / Gender equality
• Community activism
• Rule of law and human rights
• Youth engagement
• Strengthening civil society capacity for interaction with Government
• Media and freedom of information
• Tools for knowledge

In this Round, UNDEF particularly welcomes projects promoting pluralism, diversity, and inclusion.