Small Grants for Indigenous Organizations

1 October 2010: Applications for grants under the Small Grants Programme under the Second Decade are accepted between 1 July 2010 and 1 October 2010. The Fund by UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will give priority to projects concerning the main areas of the Second Decade: culture, education, health, human Rights, the environment and social and economic development. Indigenous organizations or organizations working for indigenous peoples can apply for small grants from the Trust Fund.

Grant Objective

1-To serve as a successor to the Voluntary Fund for the First Decade pursuant to General Assembly Resolutions A/RES/48/163, A/RES/49/214, and A/RES/50/157

2-To support the implementation of the objectives and Program of Action for the Second International Decade adopted by the General Assembly in December 2005
3-To provide financial assistance to programs and projects advancing the goal of the Second International Decade, which is to “strengthen international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by indigenous peoples in such areas as culture, education, health, human rights, the environment, social and economic development, by means of action-oriented programs and specific projects, increased technical assistance and relevant standard-setting activities.”

Grant Budget: It is expected that the Fund will mainly be used for small grants projects with a budget for up to 10,000 US$ covering one year’s expenses.

Who can apply?

1-Indigenous peoples’ organizations, associations, and non-governmental organizations, academic and other similar institutions who are non-profit making.

2-National committees for the Second International Decade

Main areas of Project Funding

Activities will be in the areas of Culture, Education, Health, Human Rights, the Environment, and Social and Economic Development and will promote the Program of Action for the Second Decade of the World’s Indigenous People.

Criteria for Admissibility

A-Projects should be of direct benefit to indigenous peoples.

B-Projects should be prepared by indigenous people or in cases where they are submitted by a non-indigenous organization, with the full participation, consultation and free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous peoples, groups or communities to be served by the project. All project proposals must include written evidence of free, prior and informed consent, such as a letter or document including names, signatures and contact details of the indigenous peoples, groups or communities the project seeks to serve.
C-Projects should take into account gender balance; projects focusing on indigenous women, children and youth will be given special consideration.

D-In order to be admissible, budgets should be based on realistic local costs and salaries.

E-Sustainability of the project and its long-term impact for social change and improvement in the situation of indigenous peoples will also be important criteria for selection.

Deadline: Between 1 July 2010 and 1 October 2010 (Applications submitted outside of this time period will not be considered)

Details of the Grant: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/second_trustfund.html