UNSCAR Call for Proposals for Arms Regulation Projects

The United Nations Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation (UNSCAR) is inviting proposals from eligible organizations for projects that strengthen the regulation of conventional arms and improve international cooperation in arms control. Depending on the type of project, applicants can request funding of up to $100,000 or $150,000.

UNSCAR supports initiatives that promote the implementation of international arms control instruments, strengthen national and regional capacities, enhance transparency, and encourage sustainable approaches to conventional arms regulation. Civil society organizations, research institutions, UN partners, and international or regional organizations are eligible to apply.

About the UNSCAR Call for Proposals

The United Nations Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation (UNSCAR) provides financial assistance for projects that strengthen global and regional efforts to regulate conventional arms. The fund promotes coordinated, sustainable, and effective implementation of international arms control commitments while encouraging partnerships between governments, civil society, regional organizations, and United Nations entities.

UNSCAR aims to improve assistance coordination, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, match resources with priority needs, and provide more predictable funding for conventional arms regulation initiatives worldwide.

Focus Areas

The funding program supports projects in areas including:

• Universalisation and effective implementation of international conventional arms regulation instruments.
• Strengthening civil society engagement in arms regulation.
• Promoting cooperation between international and regional arms control frameworks.
• Supporting South-South cooperation.
• Enhancing transparency and confidence-building measures.
• Developing and implementing national action plans.
• Supporting technological innovation for Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) management.
• Improving arms control coordination and monitoring.
• Advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
• Supporting the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda.
• Sustainable conventional arms regulation initiatives.

Funding Information

UNSCAR offers funding under two project categories.

Category 1 Projects

Maximum funding:

• Up to $100,000 per project.

Eligible activities include:

• Legislative and policy development.
• Decision-making support.
• Research and analytical studies.
• Information technology development.
• Public awareness campaigns.
• Capacity-building activities.

Category 2 Projects

Maximum funding:

• Up to $150,000 per project.

Eligible activities include:

• Physical security and stockpile management.
• Weapons marking and tracing.
• Weapons destruction.
• Other operational field activities.
• Procurement of essential equipment where justified.
• Construction-related costs when necessary for project implementation.

Budget Guidelines

Applicants should consider the following funding requirements:

• Category 1 funding is capped at $100,000.
• Category 2 funding is capped at $150,000.
• Smaller proposals between $50,000 and $70,000 are encouraged.
• Projects may combine UNSCAR funding with other funding sources.
• Separate financial accounting must be maintained for UNSCAR-supported activities.

Priority Areas

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Strengthen implementation of international arms regulation agreements.
• Promote regional and international cooperation.
• Support civil society participation.
• Improve transparency in conventional arms management.
• Strengthen confidence-building measures.
• Develop national implementation strategies.
• Promote innovative approaches to SALW management.
• Integrate Women, Peace and Security (WPS) priorities.
• Advance Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) initiatives.
• Improve long-term sustainability of arms regulation efforts.

Who is Eligible?

The following organizations may apply:

• Civil society organizations (CSOs).
• Research institutes.
• United Nations partners.
• International organizations.
• Regional organizations.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Organizations must be legally registered.
• Applicants must have a bank account in their own organizational name.
• Financial agents are not permitted.
• Governments cannot apply directly and must partner with an eligible organization.
• Joint implementation by multiple organizations is permitted.
• One eligible organization must serve as the lead applicant and assume full contractual and project management responsibility.
• All implementing partners must maintain a profile on the United Nations Partner Portal (UNPP).
• All partners must complete the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) module.

Eligible Project Activities

Projects may include:

• Legislative reform initiatives.
• National policy development.
• Research and technical studies.
• Capacity-building workshops.
• Public awareness campaigns.
• Development of national action plans.
• Stockpile security improvements.
• Weapons marking systems.
• Weapons tracing initiatives.
• Safe destruction of surplus weapons.
• Technology solutions for SALW management.
• Regional cooperation initiatives.
• Transparency and reporting mechanisms.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the official UNSCAR Call for Proposals and eligibility requirements.
2. Determine whether the proposed project falls under Category 1 or Category 2.
3. Develop a detailed project proposal with objectives, activities, budget, and expected outcomes.
4. Ensure the organization is legally registered and has an active organizational bank account.
5. Register all implementing partners on the United Nations Partner Portal (UNPP).
6. Complete the required Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) module.
7. Submit the complete proposal through the application process outlined in the official call.

Why This Funding Matters

Effective regulation of conventional arms contributes to peace, security, and sustainable development. By supporting stronger legal frameworks, safer stockpile management, enhanced transparency, and regional cooperation, UNSCAR helps reduce the risks associated with illicit arms proliferation and strengthens international security efforts.

The programme also promotes inclusive approaches by supporting women, youth, civil society organizations, and regional partnerships in advancing responsible arms governance.

Application Tips

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Demonstrating alignment with UNSCAR priorities.
• Presenting realistic and measurable project outcomes.
• Clearly explaining sustainability beyond the funding period.
• Including strong partnerships where appropriate.
• Preparing a transparent and well-justified budget.
• Demonstrating experience in conventional arms regulation or related fields.
• Ensuring all eligibility and registration requirements are completed before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for UNSCAR funding?

Eligible applicants include civil society organizations, research institutes, UN partners, international organizations, and regional organizations. Governments must partner with an eligible organization.

What is the maximum funding available?

Category 1 projects may receive up to $100,000, while Category 2 projects may receive up to $150,000.

Can smaller projects apply?

Yes. Proposals requesting between $50,000 and $70,000 are encouraged.

Can organizations combine UNSCAR funding with other grants?

Yes. Co-funding is permitted provided UNSCAR funds are accounted for separately.

Are partnerships allowed?

Yes. Multiple organizations may implement a project together, but one eligible organization must act as the lead applicant.

Is registration with the United Nations Partner Portal required?

Yes. All implementing partners must have a profile on the United Nations Partner Portal (UNPP) and complete the required PSEA module.

What types of projects receive priority?

Projects supporting international arms regulation, civil society engagement, transparency, South-South cooperation, national action plans, SALW management, and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agendas are given priority.

Conclusion

The UNSCAR Call for Proposals provides an important funding opportunity for organizations working to strengthen conventional arms regulation, improve international cooperation, and enhance peace and security. With grants of up to $150,000, the programme supports practical, sustainable, and collaborative initiatives that advance responsible arms governance while promoting transparency, regional cooperation, and inclusive peacebuilding efforts.