Call for Proposals: Low Value Grants for CSOs to Prevent Gender-Based Violence (Uganda)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda is inviting registered Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to apply for Low Value Grants under the Gender for Development Uganda (G4DU) Programme. The grants support community-driven initiatives focused on preventing gender-based violence, improving access to justice, empowering women and girls, promoting positive social norms, and strengthening protection systems for vulnerable communities in Uganda.

About UNDP Uganda Low Value Grants Programme

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the Low Value Grants for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the Gender for Development Uganda (G4DU) Programme.

The initiative is part of the European Union–United Nations Global Spotlight Initiative 2.0, which focuses on eliminating violence against women and girls and addressing gender inequalities.

The programme aims to support local organizations that design and implement innovative, community-based solutions to:

Prevent gender-based violence (GBV).
Improve access to justice for survivors.
Strengthen women’s and girls’ empowerment.
Promote gender equality and positive social behaviours.
Support vulnerable populations through community-led interventions.

Objectives of the Grant Programme

The main objectives of the UNDP Low Value Grants include:

Strengthening community responses to gender-based violence.
Supporting grassroots organizations working with vulnerable groups.
Improving legal support and justice access for GBV survivors.
Creating safe spaces for women, girls, and young people.
Promoting gender-responsive community development.
Increasing youth participation in social change initiatives.
Building sustainable community protection systems.

About the Gender for Development Uganda (G4DU) Programme

The Gender for Development Uganda (G4DU) Programme works to address challenges related to:

Gender-based violence.
Gender inequality.
Limited access to justice.
Child marriage.
Barriers affecting women’s empowerment.
Risks faced by adolescent girls and vulnerable communities.

Through partnerships with Civil Society Organizations, the programme supports locally designed solutions that create long-term social change.

Grant Focus Areas and Thematic Lots

The funding opportunity is divided into six thematic grant lots. Each lot focuses on a specific area of intervention.

Lot 1: Community and Youth Safe Spaces

This grant area supports organizations creating safe environments for:

Women.
Girls.
Adolescents.
Young people.
Vulnerable community members.

Activities may include:

Establishing community safe spaces.
Providing protection services.
Creating youth engagement platforms.
Supporting community dialogue.

Lot 2: Community-Led GBV Prevention and Environmental Action

This lot supports initiatives that combine:

Gender-based violence prevention.
Community awareness.
Youth leadership.
Environmental action.

Projects may focus on:

Community campaigns.
Positive social norms.
Youth-led solutions.
Local environmental activities connected with social protection.

Lot 3: Male Engagement for Girls’ Education and Prevention of Child Marriage

This area supports programmes that engage men and boys in:

Promoting girls’ education.
Preventing child marriage.
Challenging harmful gender norms.
Encouraging positive masculinity.

Projects should promote community responsibility in protecting girls and supporting equal opportunities.

Lot 4: Legal Aid and Access to Justice

This grant supports organizations providing:

Legal assistance.
Justice services for GBV survivors.
Support for victims of trafficking.
Referral services.
Legal awareness programmes.

The goal is to improve survivors’ ability to access protection and justice mechanisms.

Lot 5: Vocational and Technical Skills Training

This grant supports skills development for:

Out-of-school youth.
Vulnerable young women.
Youth facing economic barriers.

Activities may include:

Technical training.
Vocational education.
Employment skills.
Entrepreneurship support.

Lot 6: Digital Skills and Safe Online Engagement

This area supports programmes focused on:

Digital literacy.
Online safety.
Responsible technology use.
Digital empowerment of adolescents and young people.

Projects may include:

Digital skills training.
Awareness on online risks.
Safe internet practices.

Grant Funding Amount

The available grant amounts vary depending on the selected thematic lot.

Funding range:

Minimum grant amount: USD 30,000
Maximum grant amount: USD 84,808

The grant size depends on:

Project scope.
Target beneficiaries.
Activities proposed.
Expected community impact.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Registered Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
National Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
Women’s Rights Organizations.
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).
Faith-Based Organizations.
Other registered non-profit organizations operating in Uganda.

Applicants must demonstrate:

Legal registration in Uganda.
Minimum three years of relevant experience.
Experience working on gender equality or social development issues.
Ability to manage community-based projects.
Financial and operational capacity.

Required Experience Areas

Organizations should have experience in one or more of the following areas:

Gender equality programming.
Gender-based violence prevention and response.
Child protection.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Youth empowerment.
Digital skills development.
Legal aid services.
Vocational training.
Community mobilization.

Target Beneficiaries

The programme will support vulnerable groups including:

Adolescent girls.
Young women.
Out-of-school youth.
Adolescent boys and young men.
GBV survivors.
Victims of trafficking.
Vulnerable households and communities.

Implementation Locations

Projects will be implemented in selected Spotlight Initiative districts in Uganda, including:

Amudat.
Lamwo.
Kitgum.
Omoro.
Kasese.
Tororo.
Kampala.
Gulu.
Madi-Okolo.
Terego.
Nebbi.

Organizations applying should ensure their proposed activities benefit communities in eligible districts.

Why This Grant Matters

Gender-based violence and gender inequality continue to affect women, girls, and vulnerable communities in Uganda.

This grant programme is important because it:

Supports locally led solutions.
Strengthens community protection systems.
Improves survivor support services.
Expands access to justice.
Builds economic opportunities for vulnerable youth.
Encourages communities to challenge harmful social norms.

By supporting local organizations, the programme helps create sustainable solutions that are designed around community needs.

How to Apply

Organizations interested in applying should follow these steps:

Step 1: Select a Relevant Grant Lot

Applicants should identify the thematic area that matches their expertise, such as:

GBV prevention.
Legal aid.
Youth empowerment.
Digital skills.
Vocational training.
Safe spaces.

Step 2: Prepare Project Proposal

Applicants should develop a proposal explaining:

Community problem being addressed.
Proposed activities.
Target beneficiaries.
Expected results.
Implementation approach.
Budget requirements.
Monitoring and evaluation plan.

Step 3: Demonstrate Organizational Capacity

Applications should provide evidence of:

Registration documents.
Previous project experience.
Technical expertise.
Financial management capacity.
Community partnerships.

Step 4: Submit Separate Applications for Each Lot

Organizations applying for multiple grant areas must submit separate applications for each selected lot.

Each application should clearly demonstrate:

Technical capacity.
Operational readiness.
Financial ability.
Relevant experience.

Tips for Strong Applications

Applicants should:

Select a grant lot matching their organizational expertise.
Clearly explain community needs.
Include measurable outcomes.
Demonstrate partnerships with local stakeholders.
Highlight previous successful projects.
Develop realistic budgets.
Include sustainability plans beyond grant funding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Organizations should avoid:

Applying without valid registration documents.
Submitting proposals unrelated to the selected grant lot.
Providing unclear budgets.
Failing to demonstrate relevant experience.
Ignoring monitoring and evaluation requirements.
Submitting incomplete applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the UNDP Uganda Low Value Grants Programme?

The UNDP Uganda Low Value Grants Programme supports Civil Society Organizations implementing community-based projects focused on gender equality, GBV prevention, justice access, and empowerment of vulnerable groups.

Who can apply for these grants?

Registered Civil Society Organizations, NGOs, Women’s Rights Organizations, Community-Based Organizations, Faith-Based Organizations, and other non-profit entities operating in Uganda can apply.

How much funding is available under the programme?

Grant amounts range from USD 30,000 to USD 84,808 depending on the selected thematic grant lot.

What areas does the programme support?

The programme supports safe spaces, GBV prevention, legal aid, child marriage prevention, vocational training, digital skills, and youth empowerment.

How much experience must applicants have?

Applicants must generally demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience in gender equality, GBV prevention, youth empowerment, child protection, digital innovation, or related fields.

Can organizations apply for more than one grant lot?

Yes. However, organizations must submit a separate application for each grant lot they wish to apply for.

Where will supported projects be implemented?

Projects will be implemented in selected Spotlight Initiative districts in Uganda, including Amudat, Lamwo, Kitgum, Kampala, Gulu, Kasese, Tororo, Nebbi, and other eligible districts.

Conclusion

The UNDP Uganda Low Value Grants Programme provides an important opportunity for Civil Society Organizations to strengthen community-based action against gender-based violence and gender inequality. Through funding support for justice services, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, safe spaces, and skills development, the programme aims to create safer and more inclusive communities where women, girls, and vulnerable populations can access greater opportunities and protection.