The UNHCR Refugee-Led Innovation Fund is now open for applications, inviting organisations led by displaced or stateless people to apply for support in developing innovative, community-driven solutions.
This unique fund is designed to put forcibly displaced and stateless individuals at the forefront of humanitarian innovation—empowering them to lead decision-making processes, identify community needs, and design impactful interventions.
By offering a blend of financial support, technical guidance, and mentorship, the fund helps refugee-led organisations deliver lasting change from within their communities.
What the fund offers
Successful applicants will receive:
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Up to $45,000 in financial support.
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Project and programme management assistance.
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Technical expertise tailored to their innovation goals.
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Peer-to-peer networking opportunities.
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Ongoing support for learning and development.
Who can apply?
The fund is open to organisations that:
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Are led by individuals with lived experience of forced displacement or statelessness, including refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees, or stateless people.
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Operate with a collective structure, rather than being run by a single individual.
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Are registered or unregistered, but must be recognised within their communities for meaningful contributions and previous initiatives.
How to Apply
Interested organisations can apply here.
Deadline: August 22, 2025
The UNHCR Refugee-Led Innovation Fund is open for applications, aimed at organizations led by displaced or stateless individuals seeking support for innovative, community-driven solutions. This fund prioritizes putting these individuals at the forefront of humanitarian innovation by empowering them to make decisions, assess community needs, and implement meaningful interventions. Support includes financial aid up to $45,000, project management assistance, technical expertise, peer networking, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Eligibility is limited to organizations led by those with firsthand experience of forced displacement or statelessness, including refugees, asylum seekers, or internally displaced individuals. Applicants should operate collaboratively, not single-handedly, and be recognized for their significant contributions and past initiatives, regardless of official registration. The application deadline is August 22, 2025.
