A Guide for NGOs to apply for grants under the United Nations Democracy Fund

The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) is an excellent opportunity for local NGOs to apply for funding support in areas of human rights, democracy, community development, women, youth and media. Since the Fund allocates 70% of its budget for projects in a country, it means that local NGOs can apply with lesser competition from international organizations. Besides, grants range between $50,000 and $500,000 to be used over a period of two years.

In order to encourage small and medium-sized organizations in poor and developing countries to apply for this funding opportunity, we have developed a short guide to help them understand the official instructions and the application process of the Fund. However, as an important disclaimer, please note that this guide is completely unofficial and it does not guarantee any funding or support to applicants. It is neither complete nor accurate and readers are advised to use it at their own discretion.

Contents:The UNDEF Application Form

The UNDEF Application Form is available through the On-line Project Proposal System (OPPS) at the UNDEF website. This means that only online applications can be submitted (applications via email, fax or post will not be accepted). However, the OPPS is an easy format to deal with:

It is a one web page application form that has to be filled with an internet connection. The application form will be made available from 15 November 2010 onwards at this link.

While filling this application form, if you think that it isn’t complete or you do not wish to submit it right away, you can choose the “Save” option at the end of it. You will then receive an email with login username and password. You can always come back, login into the UNDEF website, complete the application form and then submit it. Once you click on the “Submit” button, you cannot edit it again. So think twice before hitting on “Submit.”

1. Applicant Information

2. Project Information

Project Summary

3. Project Description

4. Project Activities

5. Results

6. Monitoring & Evaluation

7. Commitments