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UNDEF opens applications for second funding round

15 November 2007

The application platform for the second funding round is now open. Project proposals may be submitted on-line between 15 November 2007 and 18 December 2007. ________________________________________________________________

UN Democracy Fund Launches Funding Applications Round

8 November 2007 [Français]

On 5 November 2007, the Advisory Board of the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) unanimously supported the launch of its second funding round. The Fund opened a funding applications round on 15 November 2007.

UNDEF was established in July 2005 as a United Nations General Trust Fund. Its primary purpose is to promote democracy. UNDEF funds projects that build and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and ensure the participation of all groups in democratic processes. Some 30 Member States have made voluntary contributions to UNDEF.

As for the first round of UNDEF projects in 2006, the thematic categories for applications are:

• strengthening democratic dialogue and support for constitutional processes;
• civil society empowerment;
• civic education, voter registration and strengthening of political parties;
• citizen's access to information;
• human rights and fundamental freedoms;
• accountability, transparency and integrity.

In line with values, priority will be given to projects that enhance inclusiveness and gender equality.

The invitation for proposals for the second round of funding will be opened on the Undef website (http://www.un.org/democracyfund/) from 15 November 2007 to 18 December 2007. Only on-line applications will be accepted and they may be submitted either in English or French. The application procedure is described in the Project Proposal Guidelines available on the UNDEF website.

The selection process will comprise two stages:

• The submission on-line by applicants of a project concept, from which the Secretary-General, after advice from the UN secretariat and the UNDEF Advisory Board, will approve a short-list; and
• The elaboration by short-listed applicants of an agreed project document, based on which disbursements will commence.

The short-listing of projects will be considered "approvals in principle" while final approval will depend upon successful finalization of the detailed project document, which is required to be completed within two months of advice of short-listing. Project Document Guidelines will be available on the UNDEF website to assist short-listed applicants to prepare detailed project documents.

UNDEF support will be provided principally to civil society activities at the country level. A small number of regional or global projects will also receive support. UNDEF will consider proposals from civil society organizations as well as from governments and official institutions. In certain cases, UN bodies may also be considered as applicants.

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