United Nations related resources for indigenous peoples

The UN System has established some funds that are specifically intended for indigenous peoples. Some of these funds are intended to help finance the participation of indigenous people at UN meetings, while other funds are for small projects.

In addition to these funds, there are great deal of donors that have funded indigenous peoples' participation in the Forum and other activities. The OHCHR website has a compilation of donors.

Funds that assist indigenous peoples' participation in UN related meetings and events

United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations

The Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations awards grants to representatives of indigenous peoples' organizations to travel and participate in the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The Fund is administered by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The OHCHR website provides all of the relevant information, including application forms.

Convention on Biological Diversity Voluntary Funding Mechanism for Indigenous and Local Communities

The Convention on Biological Diversity has a voluntary fund to assist
indigenous and local community representatives to participate in
meetings of interest to them held under the Convention.

Information on meetings is available at the CBD's calendar of meetings.

Information on the voluntary fund, including applications forms in the
six United Nations languages are available at the CBD Website.

World Intellectual Property Organization Voluntary Contribution Fund for Accredited Indigenous and Local Communities

The World Intellectual Property Organization also has a voluntary fund for indigenous and local communities to participate in relevant WIPO meetings. The WIPO website has information about the fund, including application forms.

Other Funds

Trust Fund for the Second Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples

The Trust Fund for the Second Decade was established to promote, support and implement the objectives of the Decade. It is mainly intended for small grants projects with a budget for up to 10,000 US$ covering one year’s expenses. Click here to read more about the fund.

Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility

The Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility is administered by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Previously known as the World Bank Grants Facility for Indigenous Peoples, the Assistance Facility provides grants that range from US$ 10,000 to US$ 30,000. The IFAD website has more detailed information, including application forms.