The deadline (31 July 2025) is fast approaching for NGOs in Africa to apply for the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons (UNVTF) under its special crisis support window for 2025. With a final submission date of 31 July 2025, this is a critical opportunity for grassroots organizations to secure funding for urgent and impactful interventions.
The grant offers up to USD 20,000 to support short-term projects that deliver life-saving services to victims of human trafficking, including emergency shelter, psychosocial support, legal aid, medical care, and reintegration assistance.
NGOs working in conflict-affected or high-risk regions, particularly those that are women-led, youth-led, or survivor-led, are strongly encouraged to apply.
This funding round is specifically designed for projects that can be implemented within 6 to 9 months and demonstrate measurable impact and feasibility. Proposals will be assessed on relevance, clarity, innovation, budget transparency, and organizational capacity, with only those scoring 70% or above considered for funding.
The application process requires careful preparation, including organizational documentation, audited financials, staff bios, and evidence of registration on the UN Partner Portal. Proposals must be submitted via email before the deadline and must include a clear needs assessment, implementation plan, and strong justification for the activities proposed.
Proposed projects should clearly define their goals and activities and must be grounded in a survivor-centred, rights-based approach. The fund strongly encourages proposals that are realistic, time-bound, and focused on direct impact. Projects that include activities like trauma counselling, safe shelter, life skills workshops, legal representation, safe transportation, and small-scale vocational support are encouraged, while infrastructure development, equipment purchases, and long-term construction are considered ineligible expenses.
Each application must include a fully completed project proposal, budget, and partner declaration, along with supporting documents such as proof of registration, financial audits, staff CVs, and proof of UN Partner Portal registration. All documents must be submitted in one email with the subject line “Application for UNVTF Small Grants Programme 2025” by 31 July 2025 at 23:59 CEST. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. An online information session will be held on 15 July 2025 for potential applicants, and all clarification questions must be submitted no later than 8 July 2025.
To assist applicants, we have compiled a set of sample project proposal titles that align well with the objectives of the fund.
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Restoring Dignity: Emergency Shelter and Psychosocial First Aid for Trafficking Survivors in Northern Nigeria”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Justice for Survivors: Mobile Legal Aid Clinics and Court Support for Victims of Human Trafficking in East Africa”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Healing and Hope: A Short-Term Reintegration Program for Women and Girls Escaping Trafficking in Sierra Leone”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “From Recovery to Resilience: Survivor-Led Peer Support and Empowerment Circles in Urban Kenya”
- A Sample Grant Proposal on “Safe Return, New Start: Cross-Border Assistance and Family Reunification for Trafficked Children in the Sahel”