Project proposals can be submitted online, in the UN's two working languages, English or French, between 4 November 2021 and 6 December 2021; Guidelines, FAQs, and lessons learned for applicants can be found at www.un.org/democracyfund.
NDEF supports projects that strengthen civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. Most UNDEF funds go to local NGOs. In this way, UNDEF plays a prominent role in complementing the UN's other work—its work with governments—to strengthen democratic governance all over the world.
This is the Sixteenth Round to be initiated by UNDEF, which provides grants of up to US$300,000 per two-year project. Since 2006, UNDEF has supported more than 800 biennial projects totaling over US$200 million in over 100 countries. Proposals are subject to a rigorous selection process, with less than two percent of funding offers being selected.
For this round, UNDEF invites project proposals covering one or more of eight thematic areas.
The fields:
- Women's empowerment
- Community activism
- The rule of law and human rights
- Youth participation
- Strengthening the interaction between civil society and the government
- Media and freedom of information
- Tools for information
- Selection processes
Click here to see an example of the UNDEF proposal form requirements..