Small Grants for Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) in Urban Areas of Kenya
Nairobi, Nakuru, and Mombasa Metropolitan Areas
UNHCR Kenya invites eligible Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) and Refugee-Led Social Enterprises to submit concept notes for small grants supporting community-driven initiatives in urban areas.
Background
In line with the Government of Kenya’s Shirika Plan, UNHCR is committed to strengthening localization, community-based protection, and refugee inclusion. Refugees are recognized not only as beneficiaries of assistance, but also as active contributors to their communities and local development. Refugee-Led Organizations play a critical role in identifying community needs, delivering locally led solutions, and strengthening self-reliance, social cohesion, and protection outcomes.
Through this call, UNHCR seeks to support innovative and impactful projects that address community-identified priorities and strengthen the leadership and participation of refugees and host communities.
Priority Areas
Applicants are invited to submit concept notes under one of the following thematic areas:
Projects should focus on one of the following areas:
- Protection: community-based protection, GBV prevention, child protection, psychosocial support, legal assistance, social cohesion, community engagement, gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability Inclusion, MHPSS, youth engagement, etc.
- Education: school enrolment and retention, scholarships, mentorship, referrals, and youth education support.
- Livelihoods & Economic Inclusion: entrepreneurship, skills development, employment promotion, social enterprises, digital economy, and climate-smart livelihood initiatives, environment and climate actions.
Grant Information
- Maximum grant amount: USD 12,000
- Implementation period: Up to 12 months
- Project locations: Nairobi, Nakuru, or Mombasa/Coastal Area
Who Can Apply?
Organizations must:
- Be a registered Refugee-Led Organization (RLO) or Refugee-Led Social Enterprise in Kenya;
- Demonstrate that more than 50% of leadership positions are held by refugees or asylum-seekers;
- Be operational in Nairobi, Nakuru, or Mombasa/Coastal Area;
- Demonstrate experience or community engagement in at least one of the priority thematic areas.
- Proposed activities must not have already received funding from UNHCR or another donor.
Organizations that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not be considered for technical review.
Technical Review Selection Criteria
Eligible concept notes will be assessed based on:
- Community needs and relevance
- Expected impact
- Quality and feasibility of the proposed intervention
- Inclusion and AGD considerations
- Community participation and accountability
- Organizational capacity and experience
- Value for money
- Sustainability
- Risk management and safeguarding
How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
- Completed Kobo Application Form
- Upload Project Concept Note (maximum 5 pages)
- Upload proof documents: Registration Certificate, Governance Structure, Safeguarding/PSEA Policies (where available).
Deadline: 30 August 2026, 23:59 EAT.
Apply here:
Application form: Link of KOBO tool. Concept Note template: Download Link.
Questions? Email: [email protected]
UNHCR strongly encourages applications from women-led, youth-led, disability-inclusive, and other under-represented Refugee-Led Organizations.