We are excited to announce the launch of the Refugee-led Innovation Fund by UNHCR. This initiative aims to empower displaced and stateless individuals by offering financial resources, mentoring, and expert guidance.
Eligibility Criteria:
• The fund is open to organizations led by refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced individuals, returnees, and stateless persons who have made significant contributions within their communities.
• Teams that are part of existing organizations, whether registered or unregistered, are encouraged to apply.
• The fund prioritizes organizations led by underrepresented groups, including LGBTIQ+ persons, women, people with disabilities, Indigenous populations, and others.
Support Offered:
• Financial Support: Up to $45,000 to test and implement community-valued ideas.
• Programme and Project Management Support: Assistance from UNHCR and experts in designing and implementing effective programs.
• Technical Support and Expertise: Needs-based specialist advice on various topics, including technology, legal issues, and innovation methodologies.
• Peer-to-peer Networking: Opportunities for grantees to engage, share experiences, learn, and explore partnerships.
• Additional Support: Tailored to project needs, including organizational support, sustainability and scaling, specific training, business model advice, and media/communications.
• An Emphasis on Learning: Support in measuring outcomes, assessing impact, and utilizing feedback to foster growth and community engagement.
Highlight from Last Year: the Refugee Luminary Youth Initiative from Poland was recognized for its exceptional contribution to mental health support for Ukrainian refugees. Their project focused on providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and evidence-based mental health services to enhance psychological well-being, resilience, and recovery, aiming to foster successful integration and long-term stability.
For more details and to apply, please visit the UNHCR’s Refugee-led Innovation Fund page. You can also check out the related YouTube video.
Application deadline: May 31, 2024, 23:59 EST.