[Easttimorstudies] Funding Opportunity for Democracy Related Activities

[Jennifer Drysdale]

Via the ETAN List

Funding Opportunity for Democracy Related Activities

The UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) will accept proposals from April 15, 
2006 to May 15, 2006 for one or two-year long projects that bring 
about measurable and tangible improvements in democracy and human. 
Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000. Proposals must integrate 
gender issues and clearly demonstrate the greater participation of 
women as one of the project's fundamental objectives. Projects that 
incorporate partnerships with UN agencies stand a greater chance of 
being accepted.

The application form is simple, but must be submitted via the 
internet. If your access to the internet is limited seek out a UN 
agency as they are partners in this initiative. Projects that are 
approved for funding will be notified by August 1, 2006, when you 
will have to submit a more detailed project description.

Submission guidelines: Once the application is successfully submitted 
online, the system will generate an electronic receipt, which must be 
saved for future reference. The UNDEF Secretariat will contact the 
applicant directly if more information is required.

Strong preference will be given to proposals for countries and 
regions where the difficulties of democracy are more critical and 
pervasive. Projects that take place in a single country will be given 
preference but must be accompanied by an endorsement from the United 
Nations Resident Coordinator. Proposals for more regional or global 
projects will also be considered (only 20% of the funding available 
for these initiatives).

Read more at: www.un.org/democracyfund

Access the online application and funding guidelines at: 
<http://www.undemocracyfund.org/submit.html>http://www.undemocracyfund.org/submit.html

The following activities are eligible for funding -

Strengthening democratic dialogue and support for constitutional 
processes (interaction between the people and the state, fostering 
national dialogue on democracy, reconciliation between diverse 
groups, democratic oversight of the military, and constitutional development);

Civil society empowerment (enabling stronger engagement in democratic 
processes-referenda, voting and engagement of civil society with the State);

Civic education, voter registration and strengthening of political 
parties (activities must be neutral but can support CSO and party 
capacity to develop broad-based and people-responsive platforms that 
enhance popular engagement in democratic processes);

Citizen's access to information (improved quality and dissemination 
of information on government decisions and spending patterns, legal 
reform to strengthen the right to information);

Human rights and fundamental freedoms (human rights education and 
access to justice by marginalized groups);

Accountability, transparency and integrity (reform of accountability 
systems, strengthening public agencies in charge of expenditure and 
income oversight, parliamentary scrutiny of executive branch of 
government, support to watchdog groups, and the media, increasing 
transparency in public and private financial management).

E-mail questions and clarifications to democracyfund at un.org