Governance & Accountability Program

Governance & Accountability Program is a grant from Democracy Fund supporting civil society organizations, NGOs, and independent governance bodies working to strengthen democratic processes and accountability worldwide. The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) accepts proposals during an annual window and prioritizes local civil society organizations in both the transition and consolidation phases of democratization.

Eligible projects must strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage broad participation in democratic governance. The large majority of UNDEF funding goes directly to local NGOs rather than international organizations.

When to Apply and Who Can Apply | Democracy Fund Welcome to the United Nations UN SG Note on Democracy (PDF) Creation of UNDEF - The 2005 World Summit Outcome (PDF) Middle East and North Africa Latin America and the Caribbean Information for Implementing Partners When to Apply and Who Can Apply When to Apply and Who Can Apply When is the next call for proposals?

UNDEF accepts on-line proposals during an annual window, which will open from the 1st of February 2025 to 28th February 2025. There will be no extension to the deadline (11:59pm Eastern Time on 28th February 2025). Those who plan to apply are strongly encouraged to visit the UNDEF website as soon as possible to familiarize themselves with what is required.

Who can submit project proposals to UNDEF? The following institutions are eligible for UNDEF grant funding: (i) Civil Society Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations, engaged in promoting democracy. These are anticipated to receive the bulk of the funding.

(ii) 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. (iii) Global and Regional inter-government bodies, organizations and associations other than the United Nations, for project proposals which strengthen the voice of civil society.

UNDEF’s priority is Civil Society Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations and the large majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organizations; both in the transition and consolidation phases of democratization. The organization must be legally constituted. What kind of project does UNDEF support?

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. 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 eight main areas: Women's Leadership and Gender Equality; Community Activism; Rule of Law and Human Rights; Youth Engagement; Strengthening Civil Society Interaction with Government; Media and Freedom of Information; Electoral Processes Do applicants need to be accredited by the UN to apply for funding? No, UN accreditation is not a prerequisite to apply for UNDEF funding.

However, applicants have to comply with certain guidelines. Please see UNDEF Project Proposal Guidelines. A project from my organization has already been funded in a previous UNDEF funding round.

Can I submit a project proposal? Yes, but it must be in the context of a new project, since UNDEF does not provide continuous funding. Are networks (of local NGOs) eligible for UNDEF funding?

Formal networks can apply. Informal networks without an administrative and accounting structure available for monitoring and reporting purposes cannot apply. However, one NGO of an informal network can be the applicant with all or some of the network members registered as project partners in the proposal, but only with the clarification that they compose an informal network.

Note: prime responsibility for reporting will fall on the applicant NGO. Can an organization submit multiple proposals undef an UNDEF round of funding? In principle, there is no limit to the number of proposals.

However, applicants are advised to be strategic as it is highly unlikely that UNDEF will fund more than one proposal per organization. Is an organization based in a high-income economy eligible for funding? Proposals from all countries as well as regional and global initiatives will be considered; there are no limitations in this regard.

However, strong preference will be given to applicants from countries and regions that are in the transition and consolidation phases of democratization, in particular countries emerging from conflict, new and restored democracies, least developed countries and low or middle-income countries. What is the normal duration of an UNDEF project? UNDEF grants will be allocated for projects with a default duration of two years.

However, it is fully acceptable to UNDEF if a successful applicant completes a project in less than two years. What are the low-priority types of expenditures and activities? 1.

Initiatives which do not promote democracy 2. Initiatives filling a funding gap for ongoing activities 3. Activities that can more appropriately be funded by other funding sources (e.g. Thematic Trust 4.

Funds or the Peacebuilding Commission’s Fund) 5. Projects focused primarily on research 6. Projects focused exclusively on training activities Are research activities funded by UNDEF?

UNDEF aims at funding action oriented projects. Proposals focusing only on research related activities are not one of our core priorities. Where can I find information on previous UNDEF funded project?

Information about UNDEF funded projects in previous rounds is available on UNDEF website under the project section. You can also search UNDEF projects database. What is the amount an applicant can request?

Applicants can apply for a minimum of 100,000 US dollars and a maximum of $200,000 US dollars.

Applying for an UNDEF project grant and selection process How to Apply - Online Project Proposal System When to Apply and Who can Apply Technical Guidance - Online Project Proposal System How Proposals are Assessed and the Selection Process Project Management Arrangements and Monitoring and Evaluation ALERT: Any organization with an UNDEF project grant is responsible for its staff, personnel and contractors, including supervision, welfare and security, throughout the life cycle of the project and beyond, in accordance with its own rules and policies.