Deadline: March 1, 2026
The United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery is a global humanitarian funding mechanism established to support victims and survivors of modern slavery. Managed by the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR), the Fund provides direct assistance to individuals whose fundamental human rights have been violated through contemporary forms of slavery.
The United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery plays a critical role in helping civil society organisations deliver life-saving and restorative support to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Overview of the Fund
Established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in 1991, the Fund was created to respond to the urgent needs of people affected by modern forms of slavery. Its primary objective is to finance projects that deliver direct assistance and rehabilitation to victims and survivors.
The Fund operates globally and prioritises projects that provide tangible, immediate, and long-term support to individuals who have suffered severe exploitation and abuse.
What Are Contemporary Forms of Slavery?
The Fund recognises a wide range of practices as contemporary forms of slavery. Supported projects typically focus on victims affected by:
- Forced labour and debt bondage
- Trafficking in persons
- Sexual slavery and sexual exploitation
- Child labour and the involvement of children in armed conflict
- Forced or early marriage
- Sale of children and sale of wives
- Traditional and hereditary forms of slavery
- Inherited widowhood practices and related abuses
Projects must clearly demonstrate how their activities address one or more of these violations.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Civil society organisations (CSOs)
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Community-based and non-profit organisations with proven experience working with victims of contemporary slavery
Not Eligible:
- Government institutions
- Political parties or affiliated entities
Applications are generally accepted in English, French, or Spanish.
What the Fund Supports
The Fund strictly supports projects that provide direct assistance to victims and survivors. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Medical care and psychological rehabilitation
- Social and humanitarian assistance
- Legal aid and access to justice
- Educational support
- Vocational training and livelihood development
- Economic empowerment and reintegration support
Projects focused solely on research, documentation, advocacy, or theoretical studies without direct victim assistance are not eligible for funding.
Grant Size and Funding Structure
While grant amounts may vary annually, funding generally follows these parameters:
- Typical grants range from USD 15,000 to USD 35,000
- The requested amount should usually not exceed two-thirds of the total project budget, unless a strong justification is provided
- Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, taking into account project quality, urgency of need, geographic balance, and impact
Application Timeline
The Fund operates on an annual application cycle.
- Calls for Applications typically open mid-January
- The standard submission deadline is 1 March each year
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparations early, as the online submission process requires organisational registration and supporting documentation.
How to Apply
The application process is conducted entirely online through the official OHCHR grants system and generally involves:
- Registering the organisation on the online grants portal
- Uploading required legal and organisational documents
- Completing and submitting a detailed project proposal within the application window
Only complete applications submitted before the deadline are considered.
Key Points to Note
- The Fund supports direct assistance only, not research-only projects
- Applications are competitive and carefully reviewed
- Strong proposals clearly demonstrate impact on victims and sustainability of support
- Geographic and thematic balance are considered during selection
Final Note
The United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery remains one of the most important global funding opportunities for organisations providing frontline support to survivors of modern slavery. Well-designed, victim-centred proposals stand the strongest chance of success.
🔗 Application Links (Appear Once)
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