Small Grants for Grassroots Peacebuilding, Access to Justice, and Livelihoods (South Sudan)

Deadline: 30-Jan-2026

The UNDP Abyei Grant supports community-led initiatives that strengthen peacebuilding, improve access to justice, and enhance livelihoods in Abyei. Grants target inter- and intra-community dialogue, rule of law capacity building, legal aid services, and income-generating activities for vulnerable groups. Funding allocations are USD 30,000 for peacebuilding, USD 86,889 for justice, and USD 47,778 for livelihoods, with a project duration of six months.

Purpose and Objectives

This call aims to:

• Promote peacebuilding and social cohesion among Ngok Dinka, Misseriya, Twic, and Nuer communities

• Improve access to justice and strengthen the capacity of local rule-of-law institutions

• Enhance livelihood opportunities through entrepreneurship and practical economic initiatives

Focus Areas

1. Peacebuilding

• Facilitate dialogue, mediation, and interdependency initiatives to prevent conflict

• Strengthen peace committees in conflict resolution and management

• Support community cohesion activities, including sports for peace

• Target conflicts over borders, resources, and inter-community relations

2. Access to Justice

• Strengthen local justice institutions, including JPC and JTC

• Provide pro bono legal aid to women, children, and the elderly

• Raise awareness of legal aid services and conduct paralegal training

• Establish additional paralegal centers and consult on customary justice mechanisms

• Conduct feasibility studies for Amiet Town Court and improve limited infrastructure

3. Livelihoods

• Support income-generating projects with practical interventions

• Examples include constructing protective shades for brick-making machines

• Provide business training for youth and women to improve economic participation

Funding and Duration

• Project duration: 6 months

• Budget allocations by component:

  • Peacebuilding: up to USD 30,000

  • Access to Justice: up to USD 86,889

  • Livelihoods: up to USD 47,778

• Budgets must be detailed, rational, complete, and realistic

Eligibility Criteria

• Legally registered CSOs, NNGOs, and CBOs with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs

• Organizations must have mandates aligned with the proposed activities

• Must be politically neutral, based in Abyei, with established offices and relevant experience

• Demonstrated capacity to implement similar or related initiatives

Conclusion

The UNDP Abyei Grant provides a strategic opportunity for local organizations to contribute to sustainable peace, justice, and livelihoods in a conflict-affected region. By funding targeted interventions in dialogue, legal empowerment, and economic development, the program strengthens community resilience, fosters social cohesion, and enhances the capacity of local institutions. Organizations with the expertise and political neutrality to deliver these activities can directly impact the stability, justice, and economic well-being of vulnerable populations in Abyei.

For more information, visit UNDP.