Call for Proposals: UNDP Small Grant Program in Namibia

Deadline: 23-Jan-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Namibia Small Grant Program supports civil society initiatives to reduce corruption and strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance. Grants of up to USD 32,600 are available for projects promoting anti-corruption awareness, civic engagement, public oversight, and institutional capacity building across Namibia.

Program Overview

The UNDP Namibia Small Grant Program aims to curb corruption and enhance governance by funding projects that:

• Strengthen institutional performance and public oversight

• Support the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan (by 2028)

• Promote citizen engagement, transparency, and accountability

Key focus areas include:

• Anti-corruption initiatives

• Public financial management

• Oversight of national and local service delivery

• Development of tools for civic monitoring and evidence-based research

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered Namibian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

• Consortia led by CSOs, NGOs, or CBOs, including academic or research institutions partnering with CSOs

Ineligible proposals include:

• Political campaigning or partisan activities

• Projects unrelated to service delivery or governance

• Activities outside Namibia

• Duplication of existing projects without added value

Priority Areas and Objectives

The program emphasizes:

1. Institutional Strengthening – Build the capacity of the Anti-Corruption Commission and partner institutions to enforce accountability

2. Public Oversight – Develop tools and mechanisms for citizens to assess municipal and service delivery performance

3. Civic Engagement – Collaborate with think tanks, academic institutions, and community actors to foster transparency and public participation

4. Innovative Solutions – Implement creative interventions to address corruption-related challenges

5. Inclusivity – Projects should address gender, youth, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ communities, and diverse ethnic or language groups

How to Apply

1. Prepare a Proposal – Outline objectives, activities, outcomes, budget, and alignment with priority areas.

2. Demonstrate Impact – Include measurable indicators for transparency, accountability, or civic monitoring improvements.

3. Submit Application – Follow UNDP Namibia submission guidelines, ensuring all documents are complete.

4. Review and Selection – Applications are assessed for relevance, feasibility, inclusivity, ethical standards, and potential impact on anti-corruption efforts.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Focus on practical and measurable outcomes for anti-corruption and governance

• Align activities with national strategies and public oversight priorities

• Include partnerships with CSOs, NGOs, or academic institutions to strengthen impact

• Ensure ethical standards and responsible data collection practices

• Demonstrate inclusion of marginalized groups to increase project effectiveness

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the UNDP Small Grant Program? Registered Namibian CSOs, NGOs, community-based organizations, and eligible consortia including academic partners.
2. What is the maximum funding available? USD 32,600 per project.
3. What types of projects are eligible? Initiatives that promote anti-corruption, transparency, accountability, civic engagement, and oversight of service delivery.
4. Are political or campaigning projects eligible? No, political activities are excluded.
5. Can international organizations apply? Only if partnered with eligible Namibian CSOs or NGOs; activities must be implemented in Namibia.
6. What should proposals emphasize? Measurable improvements in governance, inclusion, ethical practices, and cooperation with oversight institutions.
7. Are collaborations encouraged? Yes, partnerships with academic, research, or civil society institutions are valued.

Why It Matters

This program empowers civil society to actively fight corruption, strengthen public accountability, and foster transparent governance in Namibia. By supporting inclusive and innovative projects, UNDP Namibia enhances citizen participation, institutional effectiveness, and the long-term resilience of governance systems.

For more information, visit UNDP.