The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) is open to accepting applications from NGOs around the world under its fourth round of funding. UNDEF provides grant support primarily for strengthening NGOs and increase the participation of all groups in democratic practices. “The Fund complements current UN efforts to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide and funds projects that enhance democratic dialogue and support for constitutional processes, civil society empowerment, including the empowerment of women, civic education and voter registration, citizen’s access to information, participation rights and the rule of law in support of civil society and transparency and integrity.”
As the purpose of the fund is to strengthen civil society, NGOs are expected to receive substantial funding support under this opportunity. Besides NGOs, international organizations (outside of the UN) and independent constitutional bodies such as the Election Commission are also eligible beneficiaries for the fund. Activities that can be proposed for implementation can be related to democratic dialogue and support for constitutional processes; civil society empowerment, including the empowerment of women; citizen’s access to information; participation rights and the rule of law in support of civil society; and transparency and integrity.
Projects can be proposed for any country, but UNDEF will give strong preference for proposals that plan to implement activities in those countries where democracy is under threat or those which have emerged from a conflict. In this regard, proposals from least developed countries, low-income countries and middle-income countries will be prioritized for funding. Funding is available for projects implemented both at the country-level and at the regional-level or global-level (where activities are carried out in more than one country). However, nearly 70% of funding has been allocated for country-level interventions. Projects can be implemented for a period of two years and applicants should propose a minimum funding requirement of US $50,000 but should not exceed more than US $500,000.
Proposals can be submitted only through an online system, referred to as On-line Project Proposal System (OPPS). This system will be open for accepting applications from 16 November 2009 onwards at the UNDEF website. The format of the application form is also available in the Proposal Guidelines document available at the website so that applicants can prepare themselves with the required information. The last date to submit applications is 31 December 2009. For more information, visit this link.
