Deadline: 24-Apr-2026
The UN Women Türkiye is offering small grants (USD 2,500–30,000) to strengthen institutional capacity of women’s and youth-focused civil society organizations. Funded by the Government of Norway, the programme supports internal systems, staff training, and limited equipment. The initiative aims to empower CSOs to advance gender equality through stronger advocacy, governance, and organizational effectiveness.
The UN Women Türkiye Small Grants Programme 2026 is designed to build the institutional strength of civil society organizations (CSOs) working on gender equality and youth engagement.
Core Objective
To enhance the capacity, sustainability, and impact of women’s and youth-focused CSOs through targeted institutional support.
Key Programme Details
- Implementing Agency: UN Women Türkiye
- Funder: Government of Norway
- Project Name: Reimagining Gender Equality Across Generations and Communities
- Grant Size: USD 2,500 – 30,000
- Duration: Up to 6 months
- Number of Grants: Approximately 6 awards
- Budget Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
Key Focus Areas
The programme prioritizes institutional strengthening, not direct service delivery.
1. Organizational Capacity Development
- Improve governance structures
- Strengthen internal systems and workflows
2. Staff Skills and Training
3. Equipment and Infrastructure
- Purchase of:
- Laptops
- Printers
- Scanners
- Office tools
Note:
- Equipment costs must not exceed:
- 30% of total budget OR
- USD 5,000 (whichever is lower)
4. Advocacy and Engagement
- Strengthen grassroots mobilization
- Enhance public awareness campaigns
5. Intergenerational Dialogue
- Promote collaboration between youth and women’s groups
Key Concept: Institutional Capacity Strengthening
What Does It Mean?
Institutional capacity strengthening refers to improving an organization’s:
- Internal systems and processes
- Staff competencies
- Governance and accountability
Why It Matters
- Ensures long-term sustainability
- Improves efficiency and impact
- Enables stronger advocacy and policy influence
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Women’s civil society organizations (CSOs)
- CSOs working on gender equality and youth
Mandatory Requirements
- Legally registered in Türkiye
- Operational for at least 3 years
Mission Criteria
- Women’s CSOs:
- Must focus on gender equality or women’s empowerment
- Youth CSOs:
- Must demonstrate commitment to gender equality
What Activities Are Supported?
Eligible Activities
- Organizational system improvements
- Staff training and development
- Strategic planning and governance upgrades
- Limited procurement of essential equipment
Not Supported
- Programmatic activities targeting external beneficiaries
- Direct service delivery projects
Why This Programme Matters
Strengthens Civil Society
- Builds resilient and effective organizations
Promotes Gender Equality
- Supports rights-based advocacy
Empowers Youth and Women
- Enhances leadership and participation
Encourages Collaboration
- Fosters networks and partnerships
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Call for Proposals
- UN Women invites eligible CSOs
Step 2: Proposal Submission
- Organizations submit institutional strengthening plans
Step 3: Evaluation Process
- Based on:
- Relevance
- Feasibility
- Capacity-building impact
Step 4: Grant Award
- Approximately 6 organizations selected
Step 5: Implementation
- Activities completed within 6 months
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Ensure legal status and operational history
Step 2: Identify Capacity Gaps
- Assess organizational needs
Step 3: Develop Proposal
Include:
- Objectives
- Activities
- Budget (in TRY)
Step 4: Align with Programme Goals
- Focus on institutional strengthening only
Step 5: Submit Application
- Follow official UN Women guidelines
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposing external service delivery projects
- Exceeding equipment cost limits
- Weak justification of capacity needs
- Poorly structured budgets
- Lack of alignment with gender equality focus
Pro Tips for Success
- Conduct internal capacity assessment
- Prioritize sustainable improvements
- Clearly link activities to organizational impact
- Demonstrate long-term benefits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the UN Women Türkiye Small Grants Programme?
A funding opportunity to strengthen institutional capacity of CSOs working on gender equality.
2. How much funding is available?
Between USD 2,500 and USD 30,000.
3. Who can apply?
Women’s CSOs and youth-focused CSOs in Türkiye with at least 3 years of operation.
4. Can funds be used for program activities?
No, only institutional strengthening activities are eligible.
5. What is the maximum project duration?
Up to 6 months.
6. Are equipment purchases allowed?
Yes, but limited to 30% of the budget or USD 5,000.
7. How many grants will be awarded?
Approximately six grants.
Conclusion
The UN Women Türkiye Small Grants Programme provides a targeted opportunity to strengthen civil society organizations working on gender equality.
By focusing on institutional capacity, skills development, and strategic growth, the initiative empowers CSOs to become more effective advocates for women’s rights and inclusive social change.
For more information, visit UN Women.