2026–2027 United Nations UNSCAR Application Cycle: Apply for Funding to Advance Conventional Arms Regulation and Disarmament Initiatives ·2027 United Nations UNSCAR Application Cycle: Apply for Funding to Advance Conventional Arms Regulation and Disarmament Initiatives

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) has officially launched the 2026–2027 United Nations Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation (UNSCAR) Application Cycle, inviting eligible organizations worldwide to submit project proposals that strengthen conventional arms regulation, improve weapons management, and contribute to international peace and security.

UNSCAR is a multi-donor trust fund established to provide focused and effective financial support for initiatives that enhance the implementation of international conventional arms control instruments. Through competitive annual funding calls, the programme supports innovative projects that build national and regional capacities, strengthen policy frameworks, and reduce the risks associated with illicit conventional weapons.

Organizations working in disarmament, arms control, security sector reform, weapons management, or related research are encouraged to submit proposals before the application deadline.

About the United Nations UNSCAR Programme

The United Nations Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation (UNSCAR) is managed by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). The trust fund was created to strengthen global cooperation on conventional arms regulation by providing financial assistance to organizations implementing projects that improve arms control, enhance weapons and ammunition management, and support international peace and security.

Each year, UNSCAR issues a Call for Proposals through a competitive selection process. The programme funds projects that align with its strategic objectives and address priority themes identified in the annual call.

In addition to the regular funding cycle, UNSCAR also provides Special-Circumstances Projects to respond rapidly to emergency situations involving weapons management.

Objectives of the Programme

UNSCAR seeks to:

• Strengthen conventional arms regulation.
• Improve national and regional weapons management systems.
• Support the implementation of international arms control agreements.
• Build institutional and technical capacities.
• Promote international cooperation on disarmament.
• Reduce illicit trafficking and misuse of conventional weapons.
• Contribute to sustainable peace, security, and development.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcomed from organizations with legal status, including:

• United Nations system partners
• Regional organizations
• International organizations
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Research institutes

Member States that wish to access UNSCAR funding should partner with an eligible organization that can submit a proposal on their behalf.

Project Requirements

To be considered for funding, project proposals must:

• Be consistent with the objectives of UNSCAR.
• Align with the annual selection criteria, including funding limits and implementation timelines.
• Address one or more priority areas identified in the annual Call for Proposals.

UNSCAR particularly encourages the submission of small-scale, high-impact projects.

Special-Circumstances Projects

In addition to the annual funding cycle, UNSCAR accepts applications throughout the year for Special-Circumstances Projects.

These projects:

• Receive funding of up to USD 200,000.
• Support rapid responses to emergency situations involving weapons management.
• Can be submitted at any time during the year.

Application Process

Applicants must use the official UNSCAR application templates available on the programme website.

Each application must include:

1. Completed Application Form.
2. Logical Framework (Logframe), including a detailed implementation plan.
3. Detailed Project Budget.

All documents must:

• Be completed in English.
• Be submitted together.
• Be sent before the application deadline.

Once submitted, proposals and budgets cannot be amended.

Selection Process

Following the submission deadline, all applications undergo a competitive review process.

Projects are evaluated based on:

• Relevance to UNSCAR objectives.
• Technical quality of the proposal.
• Expected impact.
• Feasibility of implementation.
• Budget justification.
• Contribution to international cooperation on conventional arms regulation.

Successful projects are expected to begin implementation from 1 January 2027.

Requirements for Selected Applicants

Organizations selected for funding will work closely with UNODA to finalize project documentation before signing the Grant Agreement.

Additional documents may include:

• Detailed implementation schedule.
• Risk assessment and mitigation strategy.
• Evidence of support from recipient governments (where applicable).
• Coordination plans with other UNSCAR implementing partners.

UNSCAR encourages close collaboration among implementing organizations to maximize impact and avoid duplication of activities.

Monitoring and Reporting

Successful applicants are required to maintain high standards of programme management and accountability.

Implementing partners must submit:

• Interim narrative reports.
• Interim financial reports.
• Final narrative reports.
• Final financial reports.

UNSCAR also encourages applicants to include robust monitoring, evaluation, and auditing mechanisms within their project proposals.

Important Dates

• Application Cycle Opens: July 2026
• Online Briefing Session: 28 July 2026 (9:00 AM EDT)
• Application Deadline: 31 August 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT
• Project Implementation Begins: 1 January 2027

Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

How to Apply

Interested organizations should download the official application forms and guidelines from the UNSCAR website before preparing their proposals.

Application Link: https://www.un.org/disarmament/unscar/

Applications and supporting documents should be submitted electronically to:

Email: unscar-unoda@un.org

For detailed guidance, eligibility requirements, and downloadable application forms, visit the official UNSCAR webpage.

Conclusion

The 2026–2027 UNSCAR Application Cycle offers a valuable opportunity for eligible organizations to secure funding for projects that strengthen conventional arms regulation, improve weapons management, and promote international peace and security. Through its competitive funding process, UNSCAR supports innovative initiatives that build capacity, encourage international cooperation, and contribute to safer communities worldwide. Organizations with impactful project ideas are encouraged to prepare strong proposals and submit their applications before 31 August 2026.

Discover more grants opportunities like this on the OFY Opportunities webpage.