The Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) Rapid Response Window (RRW) provides flexible and rapid support to women peacebuilders and local women's rights organizations seeking to participate in or influence peace processes and the implementation of peace agreements.
The mechanism has two separate streams: Direct Support and Short-Term Grants. This article focuses specifically on the Direct Support Stream, which provides services rather than a cash grant. Applications are open throughout the year with no fixed deadline.
At a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | WPHF Rapid Response Window |
| Stream | Direct Support |
| Opportunity Type | Technical & Logistical Support |
| Maximum Support | Up to US$30,000 |
| Maximum Duration | 6 months |
| Eligible Applicants | Local WROs, women peacebuilders and eligible informal groups |
| Geographic Scope | ODA-eligible countries |
| Deadline | No fixed deadline |
| Application | Rolling / Year-round |
About the Opportunity
The Rapid Response Window was created to address urgent barriers that prevent women from meaningfully participating in or influencing peace processes and peace agreements.
The Direct Support Stream can provide logistical and technical services to eligible applicants. Instead of receiving a cash grant, successful applicants receive approved services that are purchased or arranged by the WPHF RRW Secretariat or its partners.
What Can the Support Cover?
Examples of support include:
- Translation services
- Childcare
- Accessibility support
- Printing and document design
- Travel
- Visa-related expenses
- Expert consultants
- Training and workshops
- Strategic advice
- Data collection and analysis
- Coalition-building support
The maximum support is US$30,000, with initiatives lasting up to six months.
Important: This Is Not a Cash Grant
The Direct Support Stream is different from a traditional grant.
Successful applicants receive services rather than money transferred directly to the organization or individual. The required services are purchased and arranged on behalf of selected applicants.
Who Should Apply?
The Direct Support Stream is open to:
- Local or national women's rights organizations
- Women's rights organization coalitions
- Individual women peacebuilders
- Informal delegations of women peacebuilders
- Informal women's groups and movements
- Eligible unregistered civil society organizations
Legal registration is not required for the Direct Support Stream.
Eligibility Criteria
The proposed initiative should:
- Be led by women peacebuilders or eligible women's organizations.
- Address a barrier to women's meaningful participation or influence.
- Relate to an ongoing, upcoming or stalled peace process.
- Relate to a peace agreement or its implementation/monitoring.
- Take place in an ODA-eligible country.
- Require logistical or technical support that can be provided through the RRW.
Required Documents
Applicants should use the official RRW Direct Support Application Form and provide the information requested by WPHF.
The application should clearly explain:
- The peace process or agreement involved
- The role of women in that process
- The barrier that needs to be addressed
- The support required
- How the support will increase women's participation or influence
How to Apply
Applications are accepted all year round.
Applicants should complete the official Direct Support application form and submit it to:
The application should provide a clear explanation of the urgent need and the specific logistical or technical support required.
Deadline
No deadline. Applications are open throughout the year.
APPLY NOW
Applications should be submitted using the official Direct Support application process to WPHF-RRW@unwomen.org.
