Grants Available for Innovative and Inclusive Tactical Urbanism Projects in Colombia

Deadline: 26-Apr-2026

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme is inviting organizations to implement three tactical urbanism projects in Colombia across Bogotá, Medellín, and Barranquilla. With funding up to USD 95,000, the initiative focuses on sustainable, inclusive public spaces, recycling systems, and early childhood-friendly environments. Selected partners will co-design and implement community-driven urban interventions.

Overview of the Initiative

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is seeking an implementing partner to co-create and deliver innovative public space transformation projects using tactical urbanism.

Core Objectives

• Promote environmental sustainability
• Strengthen social inclusion and community well-being
• Improve public space quality and accessibility
• Integrate circular economy and recycling systems

What is Tactical Urbanism?

Tactical urbanism refers to:

• Low-cost, temporary or scalable urban interventions
• Community-driven design and implementation
• Practical solutions that can be tested, refined, and expanded

It is used to quickly improve public spaces while engaging local communities.

Project Locations and Focus Areas

Three demonstration projects will be implemented:

Bogotá Intervention

• Focus: Recycling systems and circular economy
• Objectives:
  • Improve waste management practices
  • Support waste pickers
  • Promote resource recovery in public spaces

Medellín and Barranquilla Interventions

• Focus: Early childhood-friendly public spaces
• Objectives:
  • Create safe and inclusive environments for children
  • Enhance accessibility and usability
  • Support community well-being

Key Components of the Project

1. Participatory Design and Co-Creation

• Conduct community workshops
• Facilitate co-design sessions
• Ensure solutions reflect local needs and perspectives

2. Architectural and Urban Design

• Develop detailed design proposals
• Integrate:
  • Sustainability
  • Inclusivity
  • Safety and accessibility

3. Implementation of Interventions

• Execute tactical urbanism solutions
• Use community-based construction approaches
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Safety standards
  • Accessibility requirements
  • Local regulations

4. Stakeholder Coordination

• Collaborate with:
  • Local authorities
  • Community groups
  • Private sector stakeholders

5. Knowledge and Replication

• Produce:
  • Technical documentation
  • Reports and communication materials
• Capture lessons learned
• Enable scaling of successful models

Funding Details

• Maximum funding: USD 95,000
• Funding type: Project-based grant
• Scope: Three demonstration projects

Who is Eligible?

Organizations must demonstrate:

Technical Capacity

• Expertise in:
  • Urban design
  • Architecture
  • Public space development

Community Engagement Experience

• Proven ability to:
  • Facilitate participatory processes
  • Work with diverse communities

Operational Capability

• Ability to manage:
  • Multi-city projects
  • Stakeholder coordination
  • Implementation logistics

Why This Initiative Matters

This project addresses critical urban challenges by:

• Transforming underutilized public spaces
• Promoting inclusive and child-friendly urban environments
• Supporting circular economy practices
• Empowering local communities in decision-making

It positions public spaces as drivers of sustainable urban development.

How to Apply / What to Do

Step 1: Review Requirements

• Understand project scope and locations
• Ensure alignment with UN-Habitat priorities

Step 2: Build a Strong Proposal

Include:

• Technical approach
• Design methodology
• Community engagement plan
• Implementation strategy

Step 3: Demonstrate Experience

• Highlight:
  • Past urban projects
  • Participatory design experience
  • Multi-stakeholder coordination

Step 4: Plan Execution

• Outline:
  • Timeline
  • Resource allocation
  • Risk management

Step 5: Submit Expression of Interest

• Provide all required documentation
• Ensure clarity and completeness

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak or unclear community engagement strategy
• Overly complex designs that are not scalable
• Ignoring local context and needs
• Lack of coordination plan with stakeholders
• Insufficient focus on sustainability and inclusivity

Tips for a Strong Application

• Emphasize practical and scalable solutions
• Show strong community participation methods
• Integrate environmental and social impact
• Provide clear, realistic timelines
• Highlight replication potential

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the total funding available?
The maximum funding for the project is USD 95,000.

2. How many projects will be implemented?
Three demonstration projects across Bogotá, Medellín, and Barranquilla.

3. Who can apply?
Organizations with expertise in urban design, community engagement, and project implementation.

4. What is tactical urbanism?
A low-cost, community-driven approach to improving public spaces through temporary and scalable interventions.

5. What are the main focus areas?
Recycling systems, circular economy, and early childhood-friendly public spaces.

6. Is community involvement required?
Yes. Participatory design and co-creation are central to the project.

7. What outputs are expected?
Design proposals, implemented interventions, and documentation for scaling and replication.

Conclusion

This UN-Habitat initiative offers a unique opportunity to lead innovative, community-driven urban transformation projects in Colombia. By combining tactical urbanism, sustainability, and inclusivity, the program aims to create impactful public spaces that can be replicated globally.

For more information, visit UN-Habitat.