The United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery provides assistance to the more than 40 million people enslaved worldwide. Through their grants program, they fund civil society organizations who provide humanitarian, psychological, social, legal, medical, and financial help to survivors.
Applications are accepted annually from January 15th – March 1st for projects to occur the following calendar year. Awards range from $15,000 – $35,000. Organizations may submit requests for continual funding for up to five years, but they must submit a new application each year. Applications may be submitted in English, French, or Spanish.
Eligibility
This grant is open to civil society organizations with at least two years’ experience working in the of contemporary enslavement.
Governmental, parliamentary or administrative entities, political parties, and national liberation movements are ineligible.
Allowable Expenses
The primary focus of grant funds should be on providing direct assistance to survivors of contemporary enslavement and their families. No more than 15% of the award should be used for administrative costs and grant funds should not exceed 2/3 of the total project budget.
Funds may be used for training and seminars to improve professionals’ ability to assist survivors of enslavement. Speakers’ fees cannot be paid with grant funds, but pre-agreed fixed honoraria for trainers can.
Priority Areas
Priority consideration will be given to projects that focus on:
- Reparations
- Empowerment
- Integration through the provision of direct aid such as medical, legal, and educational assistance
Application Requirements
Applicants who have not previously received a grant must include:
- Curriculum vitae of staff to demonstrate that they have relevant experience
- Statutes and organizational structure
- Valid legal registration certificate of the organization (if available)
- Proof of nonprofit status (if available)
- One reference letter and contact details for two additional references
- Bank statements from the previous three months
- Most recent annual report
- List of principal members of the directorate or board of trustees
- Five case studies of individuals recently assisted or to be assisted
All budget numbers should be in U.S. dollars.