UNHCR 2024 Refugee-led Innovation Fund For Registered and Unregistered Organizations

The Refugee-led Innovation Fund is now inviting applications from organizations run by refugees and those who have experienced displacement, across the globe. This initiative is at the forefront of empowering the ideas and innovations of displaced and stateless individuals. Its primary goal is to transform the way humanitarian efforts are conducted, by placing these individuals at the heart of decision-making processes, allowing them to lead the way in identifying needs and crafting groundbreaking solutions.

The Fund is dedicated to providing comprehensive support, including financial aid, mentorship, and access to a wealth of expertise, directly to refugee-led organizations. This support is designed to empower these organizations to develop and implement initiatives that bring about sustainable positive changes within their communities. Despite the significant contributions these organizations offer, they often encounter substantial barriers in securing direct and flexible funding. They are also frequently marginalized from the networks that link entrepreneurs and innovators, hindering their access to vital knowledge, resources, and opportunities to scale their impact.

By proposing a significant shift towards a grassroots approach, the Refugee-led Innovation Fund aims to directly equip those affected by forced displacement with the necessary financial resources and support to pursue innovative solutions. The Fund offers up to $45,000 in financial assistance, along with program and project management support, technical advice, peer-to-peer networking opportunities, and additional support tailored to the project’s needs. It emphasizes a culture of learning, encouraging grantees to document and share their findings to foster growth and adapt based on community feedback.

Eligibility for the Fund is broad, encompassing organizations led by refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees, and stateless individuals recognized for their community contributions. Both registered and unregistered organizations with a significant track record in their communities are encouraged to apply, with special consideration given to groups led by underrepresented populations.

The application deadline is set for May 31, 2024. Candidates interested in applying should visit the United Nations Human Rights portal at enketo.unhcr.org. The selection process is twofold, beginning with an expression of interest followed by a detailed application for those shortlisted, supported by the Innovation Service and UNHCR country offices. For further details on the application process and evaluation criteria, applicants are advised to consult the FAQs section provided.