Apply Now: UN Women SIARP 2.0 Opens Grants of Up to $548,000 for Civil Society Organisations Across Africa

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) has opened applications for its Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0, offering grants of up to $548,000 to eligible civil society organisations across Africa.

The funding opportunity is designed to support organisations leading initiatives that address violence against women and girls, promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, strengthen women’s rights movements, and advance gender equality across the continent.

The programme forms part of the second phase of the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme, implemented by the United Nations in partnership with the African Union and the European Union to accelerate action on women’s rights and gender equality in Africa.

About the SIARP 2.0 Grant Programme

The SIARP 2.0 Call for Proposals seeks to strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations to deliver sustainable, community driven solutions that protect the rights of women and girls while addressing the structural causes of gender inequality.

Funding will support projects that improve survivor centred services, promote policy reforms, challenge harmful social norms, strengthen accountability systems, and increase collaboration between governments, civil society and development partners.

By investing in local organisations with strong community connections, UN Women aims to accelerate progress towards safer, more inclusive and equitable societies across Africa.

Who Can Apply?

The call is open to eligible organisations operating across Africa, including:

• Civil society organisations (CSOs)
• Women’s rights organisations
• Youth led organisations
• Non governmental organisations
• Research institutions
• Coalitions and consortiums
• Nonprofit organisations working on gender equality and women’s empowerment

Applications may be submitted by individual organisations or through partnerships where collaboration can strengthen project delivery and regional impact.

Priority Areas

UN Women is seeking proposals that contribute to one or more of the following areas:

• Ending violence against women and girls
• Eliminating harmful practices
• Promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights
• Strengthening survivor centred services
• Supporting women’s rights and feminist movements
• Empowering youth led organisations
• Advancing gender responsive policies and accountability
• Promoting community engagement and behavioural change
• Strengthening partnerships that advance gender equality

Projects should demonstrate measurable impact, sustainability and the potential to improve the lives of women and girls across Africa.

Grant Value

Successful applicants may receive funding ranging from $110,000 to $548,000, depending on the project component and scope of implementation.

Selected organisations will implement projects over a period of approximately 27 months, providing sufficient time to deliver meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Across Africa, civil society organisations continue to play a critical role in addressing gender based violence, expanding access to justice, supporting survivors and advocating for equal rights.

Despite their impact, many organisations face limited funding, restricting their ability to scale successful interventions and reach underserved communities.

The SIARP 2.0 grants provide more than financial support. They represent an opportunity to strengthen institutions, expand partnerships and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), while contributing to improved health, education, social inclusion and economic empowerment.

For grassroots organisations and regional networks, the programme offers an opportunity to amplify local solutions while contributing to continental efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls.

Application Process

Interested organisations are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements, funding lots and proposal guidelines before submitting an application.

Applicants should prepare a comprehensive project proposal outlining the problem being addressed, proposed activities, expected outcomes, implementation strategy, monitoring framework and organisational capacity.

Strong proposals should demonstrate community engagement, measurable impact, sustainability and alignment with the objectives of the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme.

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Application Deadline

Interested organisations are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline stated in the official call for proposals. Applicants should begin preparations early to ensure all required documents are completed and submitted on time.

Final Thoughts

Ending violence against women and girls requires sustained investment, strong partnerships and community led solutions.

Through the SIARP 2.0 grants, UN Women is providing civil society organisations with an opportunity to expand initiatives that promote gender equality, protect human rights and strengthen women’s leadership across Africa.

For organisations committed to creating safer and more inclusive communities, the programme offers not only financial support but also a platform to contribute to lasting social change.