Funder / Title: United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF)

Countries: Global

Language: English

Deadline: February 28, 2025 

Description: Applications are now open for the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) to support projects that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes.

The large majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organizations -- both in the transition and consolidation phases of democratization. In this way, UNDEF plays a novel and unique role in complementing the UN's other, more traditional work -- the work with Governments -- to strengthen democratic governance around the world.

Themes and Constituencies

• Projects fall under one or more of seven main themes: 

  • Civic engagement for climate action 

  • Rule of law and human rights 

  • Media and freedom of information 

  • Women Leadership 

  • Youth engagement 

  • Strengthening civil society interaction with Government

  • Electoral processes (elections scheduled mid -2026 at the earliest) 

• And in one or more of the following constituencies at risk of being left behind: 

  • Women 

  • Youth 

  • Journalists and Media organizations 

  • Minorities: ethnic, religious and other groups at risk of being left behind 

  • People with disabilities 

  • Civil society actors & Community of practice

Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000 

Focus areas:  Civil Society Development- Democracy & Good Governance- Climate Change-Media– Women & Gender Leadership- Youth & Adolescents Election and Voting Rights -Journalism- Minorities-  Disability

Link to the external site.https://www.un.org/democracyfund/content/when-apply-and-who-can-apply