Hundreds of civil society organizations respond to UN.GIFT Call for Proposals

13 April 2010.- Since its launch on 1 March 2010, the first UN.GIFT Call for Project Proposals has generated much interest among civil society organizations around the world. In the past few weeks, over 800 NGOs have registered with the UN.GIFT Small Grants Facility and project proposals were received from 68 countries from Afghanistan to Zambia.

The activities proposed in the numerous submissions range from providing emergency support to victims and empowering vulnerable communities to collecting evidence-based knowledge in different parts of the world. Problems to be addressed by the submitted proposals include forced labour, sexual exploitation, the lack of opportunities of vulnerable groups, social exclusion of victims of human trafficking. The proposed projects give testimony of the experience, knowledge and commitment of civil society organizations to fighting human trafficking in all parts of the world.

After the Call's close on 5 April, the eligibility of the first 300 submissions was checked and a total of 223 proposals were found to be eligible to enter the next round of evaluations. Until the end of May, these submissions will be screened and evaluated and a final selection will be made by a Board of Experts consisting of members of the UN.GIFT Steering Committee. At that stage, notifications will be sent to all participating organizations informing about their status.

The total amount disbursed to civil society organizations through this Call for Proposals is USD 500,000 and smalls grants available are between USD 30,000 and USD 50,000 for each selected project. The final number of projects selected will depend on the actual budget requested, but will be between 10 and 16.

The creativity, commitment and passion to fight human trafficking shown in the proposals received, is an encouraging sign that reveals, once again, the important role of civil society in solving global problems. Through the Small Grants Facility, UN.GIFT recognizes the tireless dedication of the men and women who work to put end to human trafficking and looks forward to be a partner in their important mission.