UN Women SIARP 2.0 Grant Opens New Funding Opportunity for Civil Society Organizations Across Africa

UN Women SIARP 2.0 Grant Opens New Funding Opportunity for Civil Society Organizations Across Africa

Civil society organizations play a vital role in advancing gender equality, protecting women's rights, and supporting survivors of violence. Across Africa, these organizations often lead community-based solutions that influence policy, transform harmful social norms, and improve access to essential services. To strengthen these efforts, UN Women has opened applications for the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0, a funding opportunity designed to support qualified civil society organizations working at regional and multi-country levels across the continent.

Securing funding for large-scale social impact projects can be challenging, especially for organizations operating across multiple countries. Boostgrant.com helps nonprofits, NGOs, networks, and civil society organizations discover verified funding opportunities from international donors, governments, foundations, and development agencies. By creating a free account, organizations can stay informed about new grant opportunities that match their mission and geographic focus.

What Is the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0?

The Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0 is part of the global Spotlight Initiative, a partnership that supports efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls while promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. Through this Call for Proposals, UN Women is seeking experienced organizations capable of implementing regional and multi-country interventions that contribute to lasting social change across Africa.

The programme recognizes that ending violence against women and girls requires coordinated action involving governments, civil society, youth organizations, and local communities. Successful applicants will work alongside UN Women to deliver interventions that strengthen institutions, improve services, influence policy, and amplify the voices of women and girls across the region.

What Types of Projects Will Be Supported?

SIARP 2.0 supports initiatives that address some of the most urgent challenges affecting women and girls across Africa. Eligible projects may focus on preventing and responding to violence against women and girls, eliminating harmful practices, advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), improving survivor-centred services, strengthening accountability for gender equality commitments, transforming discriminatory social norms, and supporting women's rights organizations and youth-led movements.

The programme encourages organizations that have demonstrated experience delivering impactful regional initiatives and building partnerships that create sustainable change. Projects should clearly demonstrate how proposed activities will contribute to the objectives of the Spotlight Initiative while reaching women and girls across multiple countries or regions.

Who Can Apply?

The funding opportunity is open to qualified civil society organizations operating at the continental, regional, sub-regional, or multi-country level within Africa. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, women's rights organizations, regional networks, coalitions, consortiums, and youth-led organizations with relevant technical expertise and implementation experience.

Applicants should carefully review the official Call for Proposals document before preparing an application to ensure they meet all eligibility and partnership requirements established by UN Women.

Why This Funding Opportunity Matters

Violence against women and girls remains one of the most significant barriers to achieving gender equality across Africa. Addressing these challenges requires long-term investment in organizations that understand local realities, advocate for policy reform, and deliver community-based solutions. Through SIARP 2.0, UN Women is investing in civil society organizations that have the capacity to influence systems, strengthen institutions, and improve the lives of women and girls throughout the region.

In addition to supporting direct interventions, the programme seeks to strengthen women's rights movements and youth leadership, recognizing that sustainable progress depends on inclusive partnerships and locally led solutions.

How to Apply for the UN Women SIARP 2.0 Grant

Organizations interested in applying should download and review the official Call for Proposals documents available on the UN Women Africa website before completing their application. Proposals must align with the programme's objectives and demonstrate the organizational capacity to implement regional or multi-country initiatives effectively.

Applications must be submitted by 27 July 2026. Organizations seeking additional international grant opportunities can create a free account on Boostgrant.com to discover verified funding opportunities, receive updates on new calls for proposals, and identify grants that support gender equality, human rights, health, youth development, and civil society initiatives across Africa and beyond.