Call for Grant Applications – CSOs to expand Women’s Leadership and Political Participation
Application Deadline:
November 11, 2024
About Organisation
The Women’s Leadership Initiative is a global, collaborative effort aimed at advancing women’s full political participation and decision-making, with a focus on including those most often left behind. Supported by the European Union and UN Women, the initiative seeks to implement the Generation Equality Action Coalition’s commitments on Feminist Movements and Leadership. The program emphasizes collective action, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing to support civil society organizations and women’s rights organizations, including those led by young women. It aims to foster advocacy, networking, and transformative social norm changes, promoting gender equality and leadership opportunities for women.
The initiative focuses on empowering women and amplifying their voices in leadership roles, particularly in politics and decision-making at global, regional, and local levels. It leverages knowledge, resources, and collective action to influence policies and programs aimed at enhancing women’s leadership and promoting gender equity. The program also fosters intergenerational networking, mentorship, and coalition-building efforts to support the political leadership of diverse groups, including women living with disabilities, Indigenous women, LGBTQI+ women, and women from low-income backgrounds.
About the Grant
The Women’s Leadership Initiative Grant, funded by the European Union and UN Women, supports the implementation of commitments made by the Generation Equality Action Coalition on Feminist Movements and Leadership. The grant is designed to assist civil society organizations (CSOs) and women’s rights organizations (WROs) in advancing women’s political participation and transforming social norms to promote gender equality.
Funding will be available for 12 to 24 months, with a budget range between $45,000 and $150,000. The grant aims to enhance women’s leadership skills, foster mentorship programs, and facilitate social norm changes by engaging men, boys, and key stakeholders, such as the media, as partners in promoting gender equality. Additionally, organizations will focus on coalition-building, promoting the political leadership of women, and supporting consultations around policies and legislations that impact women’s rights. The grant prioritizes feminist movements, organizations led by marginalized groups, and CSOs dedicated to advancing gender equality at local and national levels. By empowering women leaders, the initiative will create transformative changes that foster inclusive and diverse feminist movements.
Who can Apply?
Civil society organizations (CSOs) and women’s rights organizations (WROs) are eligible to apply for the Women’s Leadership Initiative Grant. The lead organization must be a legally registered NGO with a proven track record of promoting women’s political participation, leadership, advocacy, and movement building. Organizations must demonstrate a core focus on women’s rights and gender equality, as reflected in their mission or vision statements.
Eligible organizations should have at least three years of experience working in areas related to women’s political leadership, social norm transformation, and feminist movement building. Organizations led by or focused on underserved or marginalized populations, such as women living with disabilities, Indigenous women, LGBTQI+ women, and low-income women, are highly encouraged to apply.
The lead organization must have certified financial statements for the last three years and should have experience in capacity building, advocacy, and coalition-building efforts. Applications should focus on a single country, and the lead organization must be based in a country eligible for Official Development Assistance. Additionally, the organization must be a member and commitment maker of UN Women’s Generation Equality Action Coalition on Feminist Movements and Leadership.
How to Apply?
Interested organizations should submit a proposal detailing their plan to promote women’s political participation, leadership, and gender equality. The proposal must outline the organization’s experience, goals, and strategies for transforming social norms, building leadership capacities, and fostering partnerships. Proposals should be focused on a single country and align with the initiative’s objectives.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting the grant application is November 11, 2024.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
