UNDP Sri Lanka has launched a Call for Proposals under the JURE Project to strengthen justice services and empower gender-diverse communities. The initiative runs from December 2025 to April 2026 with a total budget of LKR 9,324,086 and invites NGOs and CSOs to partner in delivering capacity building, advocacy, and legal empowerment activities. The project aims to enhance rights awareness, inclusion, and equitable access to justice across Sri Lanka.

UNDP Sri Lanka Call for Proposals: JURE Project for Justice and Gender-Diverse Inclusion

Overview

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continues to drive inclusive development by partnering with communities around the world. Active in 177 countries and territories, UNDP combines global expertise with on-the-ground insight to strengthen resilience, equality and social empowerment.
In Sri Lanka, this commitment is reflected through the JURE Project, a targeted initiative aimed at improving justice services and empowering gender-diverse communities.

Project Timeline and Budget

• Project duration: December 2025 – April 2026

• Total budget: LKR 9,324,086.00 (including coordination and administration)
  This timeframe allows for structured implementation, monitoring and delivery of justice-focused interventions.

Purpose of the Call for Proposals

UNDP Sri Lanka is inviting national and international NGOs and civil society organizations (CSOs) to submit proposals to partner in the implementation of JURE Project activities.
Selected partners will support efforts to:

• Expand inclusive justice services

• Strengthen legal empowerment

• Enhance rights and representation of gender-diverse communities

Key Focus Areas

1. Legal Empowerment of Gender-Diverse Communities

• Building awareness of legal rights

• Promoting participation in justice and decision-making systems

• Enhancing access to inclusive legal services

2. Capacity Building

• Training communities on legal processes

• Strengthening leadership and advocacy skills

• Empowering local actors to mobilize and organize

3. Policy Advocacy

• Supporting reforms that promote justice and equality

• Facilitating dialogues between civil society, policymakers and community groups

4. Strengthened Networks and Collective Action

• Improving collaboration between NGOs, CSOs and grassroots groups

• Creating sustained pathways for rights-based advocacy

Who Is Eligible?

Organizations must meet UNDP’s eligibility and qualification criteria, which usually include:

• Legal registration as an NGO or CSO

• Demonstrated experience working with marginalized or gender-diverse communities

• Proven capacity to implement rights-based or justice-related projects

• Strong financial management and reporting systems

• Ability to operate in targeted local areas in Sri Lanka

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

1. Review the Call for Proposals
   Understand requirements, objectives and expected deliverables.

2. Prepare Organizational Information
   Include governance structure, experience, staffing and compliance documents.

3. Develop the Project Proposal

   • Problem statement

   • Objectives and activities

   • Work plan and timeline

   • Monitoring and evaluation plan

   • Detailed budget

4. Submit Application to UNDP Sri Lanka
   Follow all formatting guidelines and deadlines outlined in the CFP.

5. UNDP Review Process
   Proposals are evaluated based on experience, relevance, capacity and feasibility.

6. Partner Selection and Contracting
   Selected organizations will formalize partnerships before project rollout.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Clearly demonstrate understanding of gender-diverse communities’ needs

• Show evidence of past success with similar justice or rights-based projects

• Present a realistic timeline aligned with the December 2025–April 2026 period

• Ensure the budget directly supports activity delivery and community impact

• Emphasize sustainability and long-term benefits

FAQ

1. Who can apply for this UNDP Call for Proposals?

National and international NGOs and CSOs with relevant experience and capacity.

2. What is the main objective of the JURE Project?

To strengthen justice services and empower gender-diverse communities through legal awareness, advocacy and inclusion.

3. What is the total funding available?

LKR 9,324,086 covering all project and administrative costs.

4. What types of activities can be proposed?

Capacity building, legal empowerment, advocacy initiatives, and community mobilization efforts.

5. Can organizations partner together?

Yes, collaborations and consortiums are often encouraged for wider impact.

6. How long is the project expected to run?

Five months: from December 2025 to April 2026.

7. Does UNDP provide technical support to selected partners?

Yes, UNDP typically offers guidance, monitoring, and coordination throughout implementation.

Conclusion

UNDP Sri Lanka’s Call for Proposals under the JURE Project presents a meaningful opportunity for NGOs and CSOs to advance justice, equality and inclusive development. By supporting the legal empowerment of gender-diverse communities, this initiative contributes to a more resilient and equitable society—aligned with UNDP’s global mission of strengthening nations and improving lives.