United Nations Democracy Fund opens window for civil society grant applications from 15 November

The United Nations Democracy Fund will open its window for new project proposals from civil society on 15 November to 31 December. The call for applications follows the approval by the UNDEF Advisory Board for a Fifth Round of Funding.
Project proposals may be submitted on-line between 15 November 2009 and 31 December 2010 at www.un.org/democracyfund , where applicants can also find guidelines, FAQs and lessons learned from previous rounds at http://www.un.org/democracyfund/Applicants/applicants_index.html .

Those who plan to apply are strongly encouraged to visit this page as soon as possible to familiarize themselves with what is required.

Only on-line applications in either English or French will be accepted.

UNDEF supports 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 distinct role in complementing the UN’s more traditional work — the work with Governments — to strengthen democratic governance around the world.

In four Rounds of Funding so far, UNDEF has supported more than 330 projects in 115 countries at a total amount of US$93 million. UNDEF provides grants of up to US$500,000 per project. Applications are subject to a highly rigorous and competitive selection process, with about three per cent of all applications approved for funding. Projects are two years long and fall under one or more of six main areas: