The United Nations Democracy Fund invites civil society organizations to apply for funding for projects to advance and support democracy. Project proposals may be submitted on-line between 15 November 2012 and 31 December 2012

Here you can find guidelines, FAQs and lessons learned from previous rounds. Those who plan to apply are strongly encouraged to visit this page as soon as possible to familiarize yourself 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.

This is the Seventh Round of Funding to be launched by UNDEF, which provides grants of up to US$400,000 per project. In six Rounds of Funding so far, UNDEF has supported more than 400 projects in over 100 countries at a total amount of almost US$140 million.

Projects are two years long and fall under one or more of six main areas:

• Community development
• Rule of law and human rights
• Tools for democratization
• Women
• Youth
• Media