The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other UN agencies regularly offer grants and fellowships for individuals and organizations working on sustainable development, climate action, gender equality, poverty reduction, and peacebuilding. These grants provide critical funding to support impactful projects around the world.
Types of UN Grants Available
- UNDP Innovation Fund: Supports innovative solutions to development challenges
- UN Women Fund for Gender Equality: Grants for women’s empowerment organizations
- UNEP Green Climate Fund: Funding for climate change adaptation and mitigation projects
- UNESCO Participation Programme: Supports projects in education, science, and culture
- FAO Technical Cooperation Programme: Grants for agriculture and food security projects
- UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples: Support for indigenous community projects
Who Can Apply
Eligibility varies by programme, but most UN grants are open to NGOs, community-based organizations, social enterprises, academic institutions, and in some cases individual researchers and activists. Priority is given to projects in developing countries that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Grant Amounts
Funding levels range from $5,000 for small community projects to several million dollars for large-scale development initiatives. Most individual and small organization grants fall in the $10,000 to $150,000 range.
How to Find and Apply
Monitor the official websites of UNDP, UN Women, UNEP, UNESCO, and other UN agencies for open calls for proposals. The UN Partnerships Portal and the UNDP Funding Windows page are good starting points. Applications typically require a project proposal, budget, organizational profile, and evidence of past impact.
UN grants offer a unique opportunity to fund meaningful work while contributing to global development goals. Stay informed about open calls and prepare your proposals well in advance.