Call for Grant Applications to Strengthen Peace and Community Resilience (Kyrgyzstan)

Deadline: 15-Feb-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) invites grant applications for locally driven projects in the Kyrgyz Republic that promote sustainable peace, social cohesion, and climate resilience. Small grants target vulnerable communities in Batken, Jalal-Abad, and Osh, focusing on water management, conflict prevention, and adaptation. Funding ranges up to USD 40,000 per project, with co-financing and strong local expertise required.

Overview of the Programme

The UNDP Small Grants Programme supports practice-oriented initiatives that translate strategic peacebuilding and climate adaptation goals into tangible local action. Key focus areas include:

• Strengthening sustainable peace and conflict prevention

• Promoting social cohesion in vulnerable communities

• Increasing resilience to climate change and natural hazards

• Addressing water-related conflicts and resource management challenges

• Supporting peacebuilding and adaptation priorities at community and municipal levels

The programme emphasizes locally led initiatives that address real community needs, ensuring measurable social, environmental, and resilience impacts.

Target Areas

Projects must be implemented in vulnerable aiyl aimaks and urban municipalities in:

• Batken Region

• Jalal-Abad Region

• Osh Region

These areas face heightened social, economic, and climate vulnerabilities, with potential for social tension and conflict, making them priorities for small grant interventions.

Funding Details

• First Competition: Up to USD 40,000 per project for settlements from key AO

• Second Competition: Up to USD 34,000 per project for settlements from satellite JSC

• Total Funding Limit per NGO: USD 150,000 across multiple grants

• Co-Financing Requirement: Minimum 20% of project costs

• Grants are designed to implement small, practical projects that deliver measurable local impact

Who is Eligible?

• Legally registered NGOs with the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic

• NGOs must have an expert group, including a financial specialist for project implementation

• Regional NGOs, NGOs with branches, or those working with partners in pilot areas have a competitive advantage

• Applicants must comply with UN eligibility checks and listings

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Prepare Application – Include detailed project plan, budget with co-financing, team composition, and implementation strategy

2. Submit Application – Applications are reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and authorization

3. Initial Screening – The Grant Evaluation Committee verifies compliance with documentation, minimum requirements, and UN listings

4. Evaluation – Projects are assessed against qualification criteria, community relevance, feasibility, and alignment with programme objectives

5. Grant Award – Successful projects receive funding for implementation in target communities, with support for monitoring and reporting

Why It Matters

The Small Grants Programme provides practical support to communities most vulnerable to climate hazards and social tensions. Benefits include:

• Enhancing community resilience to climate-related risks

• Preventing conflicts over water and resources

• Strengthening local governance and institutional capacity

• Translating strategic UNDP goals into measurable local actions

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Ensure legal registration and compliance with Ministry of Justice requirements

• Include a co-financing plan of at least 20%

• Demonstrate local relevance and feasibility of the project

• Include a qualified expert group, especially a financial specialist

• Prioritize applications in target regions with clear links to community resilience and conflict prevention

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Legally registered NGOs with project expertise and financial oversight capacity in Kyrgyz Republic.
2. Which communities are targeted? Vulnerable aiyl aimaks and urban municipalities in Batken, Jalal-Abad, and Osh regions.
3. What is the maximum grant amount? Up to USD 40,000 for first competition; up to USD 34,000 for second competition.
4. Are multiple grants allowed? Yes, total funding per NGO cannot exceed USD 150,000.
5. Is co-financing required? Yes, at least 20% of total project costs.
6. What projects are eligible? Projects addressing sustainable peace, social cohesion, climate resilience, and water-related conflict prevention.
7. How are applications evaluated? Initial compliance check by Grant Evaluation Committee, followed by assessment against qualification criteria, feasibility, and alignment with programme objectives.

Conclusion

The UNDP Small Grants Programme empowers local actors in Kyrgyz Republic to implement community-driven, climate-resilient, and peacebuilding initiatives. By combining local expertise, co-financing, and measurable outcomes, the programme ensures that vulnerable communities strengthen resilience, mitigate conflict risks, and translate strategic UNDP objectives into tangible local action.

For more information, visit UNDP.