The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), together with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), is calling for proposals from non-profit organisations in Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Nigeria.
The goal of the UNICRI Community Resilience Grants is to help communities resist crime and terrorism.
This programme responds to the growing link between terrorism and organised crime, which harms peace, safety, and development in Africa. It aims to use all available resources to protect communities and promote safer, lawful livelihoods.
The focus is on raising awareness about the dangers of illicit activities tied to terrorism, helping people resist joining illegal economies or trafficking networks, and giving local leaders tools to prevent these problems while offering sustainable, legal alternatives.
Projects should focus on:
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Community dialogue and resilience
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Inclusive and sustainable livelihoods in vulnerable areas
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Conflict prevention and mediation
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Preventing violent extremism
Special attention will be given to projects that include youth and women.
Funding
- Grants of up to USD 20,000 are available, a chance for groups in high-risk areas to deliver real solutions that make communities safer and more resilient.
- The funding is for not-for-profit organisations that work directly with communities to tackle local risks linked to illegal trade and terrorism. The best projects will be community-driven, promote long-term solutions, and involve local leaders, youth, women, and grassroots organisations.
- Ideal proposals for funding are those that show they can work, have clear goals, and can produce measurable results.
- Activities can include awareness campaigns, skills training, small business support, building networks between communities and security actors, and dialogue sessions.
Who Can Apply:
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Legally registered non-profit organisations in the target countries
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At least three years of legal registration and relevant experience
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Experience in at least one of the focus areas
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A bank account in the organisation’s name
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Must prepare and manage the project directly, not act as a middleman
How and when to apply
The application deadline is September 14, 2025. Click HERE to begin.
The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) are inviting non-profit organizations from Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Nigeria to submit proposals aimed at combating crime and terrorism.
The initiative addresses the increasing connection between terrorism and organized crime in Africa, threatening regional peace and development.
The program encourages raising awareness about the risks associated with terrorism-related illicit activities and supports sustainable, legal livelihood options.
Projects should focus on community dialogue, resilience, and preventing violent extremism, with a special emphasis on involving youth and women.
Organizations can receive grants up to USD 20,000 to implement real, community-driven solutions that involve local leaders and address local threats.
Proposed activities might include awareness campaigns, skill training, and developing networks between communities and security actors.
Eligible applicants are legally registered non-profits, with at least three years of relevant experience and a bank account in the organization's name.
They are required to manage and execute the projects directly. Proposals must be submitted before the official deadline, and only selected candidates will proceed to the next stages of the application process.
