UN Democracy Fund Announces Grants for Democracy Projects

From the Communication Initiative website at http://www.comminit.com/en/node/282046/348 and referenced in the August 9 Drum Beat newsletter:

"The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) is calling for proposals from civil society organisations (CSOs) to apply for funding aimed at promoting democracy.

This round of funding is being launched by UNDEF, which was established by the UN Secretary-General in 2005 as a United Nations General Trust Fund. UNDEF funds projects that build and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and ensure the participation of all groups in democratic processes.

As with previous UNDEF rounds, the thematic categories for applications are:

• democratic dialogue and support for constitutional processes;
• civil society empowerment, including the empowerment of women;
• civic education and voter registration;
• citizens' access to information;
• participation rights and the rule of law in support of civil society;
• transparency and integrity.

Priority will be given to projects that enhance inclusiveness and gender equality. Only online applications in either English or French will be accepted. For the previous round of funding, fewer than 70 project proposals were selected out of more than 2,100 received. UNDEF funding ranges from US$50,000 to US$500,000, with most projects in the mid-range. It is anticipated that the vast majority of applicants and short-listed project proposals will emanate from local CSOs."

The due date for proposals is December 31, 2010.