RFPs: Local Economic Recovery for Livelihoods and Reintegration of IDPs and Host Communities (Syria)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2025

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is accepting grant applications to support vulnerable Syrians, including returnees, refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities. Grants aim to strengthen social protection, promote job creation, support local economic recovery, and enhance social cohesion. Total funding of USD 3,681,600 is allocated across six lots, with projects running up to six months per lot to deliver timely, context-specific support.

Overview

The UNDP grant programme addresses the socio-economic and livelihoods challenges faced by vulnerable Syrians. By providing immediate to short-term support, the initiative strengthens social and economic resilience while promoting recovery and stability in affected communities.

The programme targets:

• Syrian returnees, including refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs)

• Host communities in areas of arrival

By meeting urgent needs and fostering long-term resilience, the programme improves living conditions, self-reliance, and local economic revitalization.

Objectives and Focus Areas

Funded projects should focus on:

• Social protection interventions to support vulnerable households

• Job creation and livelihood opportunities for returnees and host communities

• Promotion of self-reliance, empowering individuals and households to meet basic needs

• Revitalization of local economies through context-specific support

• Mitigation of social tensions and strengthening social cohesion to foster peaceful coexistence

Funding and Budget Allocation

The total maximum allocated budget is USD 3,681,600, distributed across six governorates (lots):

• Lot 1 – Al-Hasakeh Governorate: USD 734,800

• Lot 2 – Ar-Raqqa Governorate: USD 634,800

• Lot 3 – Deir ez-Zor Governorate: USD 598,600

• Lot 4 – Homs, Aleppo, and Lattakia Governorates: USD 1,241,200

• Lot 5 – Daraa Governorate: USD 131,800

• Lot 6 – As-Sweida Governorate: USD 340,400

This structured budget framework ensures resources are aligned with local needs and allows activities to be tailored to the scale and context of each governorate while promoting efficient and transparent use of funds.

Duration and Implementation

• Maximum project duration: Six months per lot, starting from the date of contract signature

• Organizations may apply for more than one lot, implementing activities simultaneously across multiple governorates

• Overall implementation period remains six months, ensuring timely delivery of support and maximizing impact

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants typically include:

• Local and international NGOs with experience in social protection, livelihoods, and community development

• Organizations capable of operating in multiple Syrian governorates

• Entities with proven capacity to implement short-term, high-impact interventions

How to Apply

1. Identify Relevant Lots: Determine which governorates your organisation can serve effectively.

2. Develop Project Proposal: Include objectives, activities, target populations, budget allocation, and expected outcomes.

3. Submit Application: Follow UNDP submission guidelines for grant proposals.

4. Contract and Implementation: Successful applicants will sign a contract and implement activities within six months per lot.

5. Monitoring and Reporting: Track project progress, ensure accountability, and report outcomes for evaluation.

Why It Matters

This grant opportunity addresses urgent humanitarian and socio-economic needs while fostering long-term stability in Syria. By supporting returnees, IDPs, and host communities, the programme:

• Reduces vulnerability and strengthens livelihoods

• Promotes social cohesion and peaceful coexistence

• Revitalizes local economies and enhances community resilience

• Provides rapid, context-specific assistance to meet immediate needs

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Mistake: Applying for multiple lots without capacity. Tip: Ensure your organization can implement activities simultaneously across all selected governorates.

• Mistake: Submitting proposals without detailed budget alignment. Tip: Follow the maximum allocation per lot and justify all expenses.

• Mistake: Overlooking social cohesion components. Tip: Include activities that mitigate tensions and engage both returnees and host communities.

FAQ

Q1: Who are the target beneficiaries?
A: Syrian returnees, refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities aged 18 and over.

Q2: What is the maximum budget per lot?
A: Varies by lot, from USD 131,800 (Daraa) to USD 1,241,200 (Homs, Aleppo, Lattakia).

Q3: What is the maximum project duration?
A: Six months per lot, starting from contract signature.

Q4: Can organizations apply for multiple lots?
A: Yes, but activities must be implemented simultaneously, with a total duration of six months.

Q5: What types of activities are eligible?
A: Social protection, job creation, livelihood support, local economic revitalization, and social cohesion initiatives.

Q6: How is funding distributed?
A: By governorate (lot) to ensure resources match local needs and priorities.

Q7: Why is social cohesion included?
A: To mitigate tensions between returnees and host communities and promote peaceful coexistence.

Conclusion

The UNDP Suicide Prevention and Livelihoods Grant provides critical support to vulnerable Syrian communities, combining immediate interventions with strategies for long-term resilience. By targeting returnees, IDPs, and host populations across multiple governorates, the programme strengthens social protection, fosters economic recovery, and enhances stability in affected areas.

For more information, visit UNDP.