United Nations Democracy Fund Grant

The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) supports projects aimed at strengthening civil society, promoting human rights, and enhancing democratic participation globally. With over 890 projects funded since 2006 in 120 countries and a budget exceeding $211 million, UNDEF prioritizes local civil society organizations. Projects focus on electoral processes, gender equality, media freedom, rule of law, civil society interaction with government, and youth engagement, ensuring diverse voices are included in democratic governance.

UNDEF supports projects that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. UNDEF projects are two years long. The large majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organizations. In this way, UNDEF plays a distinct role in complementing the UN's other work -- the work with Governments -- to strengthen democratic governance around the world.
Since 2006, UNDEF has supported more than 890 projects in over 120 countries at a total amount of over US $211 million. Proposals are subject to a highly rigorous selection process, with fewer than two per cent of proposals chosen for funding.
Projects fall under one or more of six areas:
Electoral ProcessesGender EqualityMedia and Freedom of InformationRule of Law and Human RightsStrengthening Civil Society Interaction with GovernmentYouth Engagement