UNDEF funds projects that empower 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. 

UNDEF's priority is Civil Society Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations and the large majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organizations; both in the transition and consolidation phases of democratization. The organization must be legally constituted.

UNDEF was created by UN Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan in 2005 as a United Nations General Trust Fund to support democratization efforts around the world.  UNDEF subsists entirely on voluntary contributions from Governments; in 2021, it reached almost 220 million dollars in contributions and counts more than 45 countries as donors, including many middle- and low-income States in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In 15 Rounds of Funding so far, UNDEF has supported over 880 two-year projects in more than 130 countries. 

- Support for Electoral Processes
- Women's Empowerment & Gender Equality
- Media and Freedom of Information
- Rule of Law and Human Rights
- Strengthening Civil Society Interaction with Government
- Youth Engagement

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

This year UNDEF particularly welcomes projects that promote civic engagement for Climate action.
UNDEF always encourages proposals advancing Gender equality and Youth empowerment.
 
The stages of the process are:

Online Project Proposal System:
The on-line project proposal system can be accessed at the UNDEF website only during the annual window. Please read the following documents: project proposal guidelines, lessons learned for applicants, frequently asked questions, blank project proposal form, and summaries of existing projects.  The on-line proposal form is fairly short and simple, as you are not expected at this stage to draft a full project document. Project proposals submitted by e-mail, regular post, facsimile, diplomatic or UN pouch, hand or courier delivery or any other channel will NOT be considered. Neither will project proposals in any language other than English or French.

Proposals are subjected to a thorough process of assessment, quality control and due diligence. An initial examination by a team of independent assessors is conducted, a process in which all applications are judged on their inherent quality and scored according to the following criteria:

The project promotes the objectives of UNDEF
The project draws on the United Nations' comparative advantage
The project will have a significant impact
The project will encourage inclusiveness
The project will enhance gender equality
The project has strong prospects for successful implementation
The applicant organization has a strong track record
The project is technically sound in conception and presentation
The project represents good value for money
The project has strong prospects of sustainability beyond the project duration.
The UNDEF team then narrows down the list to 200-300 of the highest scoring projects. In doing so, the global and regional projects is considered separately from the various national project proposals and are considered within the respective global and regional baskets.

The long list produced by the team of independent assessors is then examined by the Fund’s Programme Consultative Group -- comprising the Department of Political Affairs, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Development Programme, the UN Development Fund for Women and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime -- in consultation with United Nations Resident Coordinators in the field. 

The Programme Consultative Group review yields a short list which is reviewed by the UNDEF Advisory Board -- comprising Governments, civil society and individuals. 
UN Secretary-General
The final short list is then submitted to the UN Secretary-General for approval.


Applying for an UNDEF project grant and selection process
How to Apply - Online Project Proposal System
When to Apply and Who can Apply
Technical Guidance - Online Project Proposal System
How Proposals are Assessed and the Selection Process
Project Management Arrangements and Monitoring and Evaluation

Applicants can apply for a minimum of 100,000 US dollars and a maximum of $200,000 US dollars.

ALERT: Any organization with an UNDEF project grant is responsible for its staff, personnel and contractors, including supervision, welfare and security, throughout the life cycle of the project and beyond, in accordance with its own rules and policies.