The UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking offers small grants of up to USD 20,000 to support organizations that provide direct assistance and protection to trafficking survivors. Funding is available through a special window of the UNVTF Small Grants Programme, with projects expected to be implemented over a six- to nine-month period. To stand out, your application should clearly articulate a focused project that delivers practical support such as shelter, legal aid, psychological care, vocational training, or reintegration services. Show that your initiative responds to a specific local need and includes a detailed plan for reaching those in greatest need, such as survivors in remote or underserved areas.
A compelling proposal will include a realistic timeline that fits within the funding window and outlines key milestones like securing partnerships, beginning service delivery, and conducting progress reviews. Since the program is designed to support direct assistance, avoid proposing long-term infrastructure projects. Instead, highlight hands-on interventions with measurable outcomes, such as how many survivors will be served and the types of services provided. A transparent and well-structured budget should accompany your plan, allocating funds directly toward program delivery and essential operational costs. Be cautious of including line items that fall outside the fund’s scope, such as large capital expenses or salaries beyond frontline service delivery. If your organization has other sources of funding, note these to show resourcefulness and enhance credibility.
Collaborating with local actors such as law enforcement, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and legal clinics can strengthen your application. Describe how these partnerships will facilitate referrals, complement services, and contribute to a holistic support model for survivors. Demonstrating that your project is integrated into a wider support network not only builds confidence in your proposal but also enhances the potential for long-term impact even after the grant period ends.
Names and registration details of key staff or volunteers who will manage or implement the activities should be specified, along with a brief overview of their experience working with survivors. The capacity of your team matters, so include evidence that your organization has crisis-management experience, trauma-informed care practices, or prior engagement in human trafficking response. Governance and oversight mechanisms—such as an advisory board or partnerships with legal experts—will also reinforce confidence in your ability to deliver effective, safe services.
Monitoring and reporting are crucial to the UNVTF. Establish a clear strategy for tracking service delivery, gathering feedback from survivors, and documenting outcomes. Describe who will be responsible for data collection, how often reports will be submitted, and what tools will be used to ensure consistency and confidentiality. Since the UNVTF expects both interim and final reports, your application should emphasize your commitment to transparency and accountability.
Because grant evaluation includes considerations of geographic diversity and impact in different contexts, highlight the uniqueness of your project’s setting—whether it addresses rural survivors, gender-based trafficking, child trafficking, or other specialized areas. Emphasize how your program fills an unmet need or explores an innovative service delivery model. Starting your application early is essential, especially since the deadline is fixed. Use the time to secure organizational approvals, finalise all documentation, and allow your leadership team to review the proposal for clarity and coherence.
Your application package should include organizational registration documents, a signed project proposal, a balanced and targeted budget, resumes or bios of key personnel, and letters of support from partner organizations. Submit all materials before the deadline and follow instructions carefully to avoid any administrative disqualification. When well-prepared, with a clear focus on survivor-centered impact, feasible planning, and strong monitoring frameworks, applicants can position themselves as trustworthy stewards of the fund designed to support some of the world’s most vulnerable individuals.
