[okfn-br] UNDEF grants to supports projects that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes

[Jorge Machado]

"UNDEF supports projects that strengthen the voice of civil society, 
promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in 
democratic processes. It is the only UN entity that has the word 
“democracy” in its name; the only UN body with the primary purpose of 
supporting democracy through empowering civil society; and one of the 
youngest entities in the UN system. UNDEF projects exist in developing 
countries, in societies in transition and in challenging environments, 
and are in six main areas: Community development; rule of law and human 
rights; tools for democratization; youth; empowering women; and media.

UNDEF grants range from US$50,000 to US$400,000. So far, UNDEF has 
funded more than 400 projects in over 100 countries, bringing total 
disbursement to almost 140 million dollars. The large majority of funds 
go to local civil society groups. In this way, UNDEF plays a new and 
unique role, complementing the UN’s traditional work with Governments to 
strengthen democratic governance around the world. It targets the demand 
side of democracy, rather than the supply side."


http://www.un.org/democracyfund/News/NFU09Nov12.html