UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) Project Grants

UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) Project Grants is sponsored by United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF). UNDEF supports projects that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes.

Applying for an UNDEF project grant and selection process | Democracy Fund Applying for an UNDEF project grant and selection process Cliquer ici pour accéder à la version en français. UNDEF accepts on-line proposals during an annual window, which will open from the first of February 2025 to 28th February 2025. There will be no extension to the deadline (11:59pm Eastern Time on 28th February 2025).

UNDEF supports projects that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. UNDEF projects are typically two years long. Applicants can request a grant of a minimum of 100,000 US dollars and a maximum of 200,000 US dollars.

Since 2006, UNDEF has supported more than 1,000 projects in over 130 countries at a total amount of over US $250 million. Proposals are subject to a highly rigorous selection process, with fewer than two per cent of proposals chosen for funding.

Projects fall under one or more of seven areas • Rule of law and human rights • Media and freedom of information • Strengthening civil society interaction with Government • Civic engagement for climate action Online Project Proposal System The on-line project proposal system can be accessed at the UNDEF website only during the annual window.

Please read the following documents: project proposal guidelines , lessons learned for applicants , frequently asked questions , blank project proposal form , and summaries of existing projects . The on-line proposal form is fairly short and simple, as you are not expected at this stage to draft a full project document.

Project proposals submitted by e-mail, regular post, facsimile, diplomatic or UN pouch, hand or courier delivery or any other channel will NOT be considered. Neither will project proposals in any language other than English or French. Proposals are subjected to a thorough process of assessment, quality control and due diligence.

An initial examination by a team of independent assessors is conducted, a process in which all applications are judged on their inherent quality and scored according to the following criteria: The project promotes the objectives of UNDEF The project draws on the United Nations' comparative advantage The project will have a significant impact The project will encourage inclusiveness The project will enhance gender equality The project has strong prospects for successful implementation The applicant organization has a strong track record The project is technically sound in conception and presentation The project represents good value for money The project has strong prospects of sustainability beyond the project duration.

The UNDEF team then narrows down the list to 200-300 of the highest scoring projects. In doing so, the global and regional projects is considered separately from the various national project proposals and are considered within the respective global and regional baskets.

The long list produced by the team of independent assessors is then examined by the Fund’s Programme Consultative Group -- comprising the Department of Political Affairs, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Development Programme, the UN Development Fund for Women and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime -- in consultation with United Nations Resident Coordinators in the field.

The Programme Consultative Group review yields a short list which is reviewed by the UNDEF Advisory Board -- comprising Governments, civil society and individuals. The final short list is then submitted to the UN Secretary-General for approval.

Once the short list is approved by the Secretary-General, the proposal moves into the final stage in the selection process: the negotiation of a project document, which is in effect the contract between UNDEF and the grantee. This negotiation requires the applicant to provide a more elaborated project design, and involves detailed input from both UNDEF and the applicant, as well as scrutiny and due diligence enquiries by UNDEF.

Only upon successful conclusion of the project document, and its approval by the United Nations Controller, will the project proposal formally be approved for funds disbursement. This can be expected to happen in September at the earliest, although typically not before October and often later.

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 Click here to read the apply for funding FAQs 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.