Knowledge Management Fund (KMF) 2021 Grant Program

Grants to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit organizations, private organizations, journalists, government agencies, IHEs, and researchers for innovative ideas and projects that enhance the field of security and law. Applicants are required to submit an LOI prior to submitting a full application. Funding is intended to support events, research, and innovative programs that contribute to the field of Security & Rule of Law (SRoL) particularly in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings (FCAS).

The Knowledge Management Fund is the Knowledge Platform’s instrument to financially support activities arising from its network. The small-scale grants awarded by the Fund offer a low barrier to entry for innovative, agile, and experimental proposals. The aim of proposals is to diversify thinking and evidence in the Security & Rule of Law (SRoL) field, particularly in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings (FCAS).

The KMF is a €200,000 annual fund that awards grants for 9-month projects of up to €20,000 for events, research ideas and other initiatives that contribute to improving the quality of knowledge generated by the SRoL field, and its subsequent uptake. 

In 2021 The Knowledge Platform Security & Rule of Law will be directing its instruments and attention toward aspects of asymmetry in Security & Rule of Law (SRoL) policies, programming, and partnerships. This is both in response to and support of our community’s growing focus on shifting power dynamics and how this historical moment calls for – and might enable – a re-balancing.

The KMF is made up of three strands to which you may apply: Events, Research, and Innovation. Each strand funds different kinds of activities and initiatives that, collectively, aim to produce original insights to help the Platform improve the quality and uptake of knowledge across its thematic areas. The thematic headline that gives direction to the KMF is described in the information document found in Supporting Documents, below, which has been updated as of February 18th, 2021.

Events: If your application involves only events, workshops etc. then your application should be submitted under the Events strand.

Research: For research projects, that is, pilot studies, proof of concept studies, methodology testing, literature reviews and other activities focused on collecting and analyzing data, we encourage you to apply for the Research strand. While research should be the primary focus, projects under this strand can include organizing subsequent and related activities such as organizing research dissemination and presentations and validation workshops. 

Innovation: If your idea is committed to experimentation to address potential for strengthening practice or policy within the SRoL field, or looking at fresh ways to present and disseminate research and knowledge or to stimulate learning, then the Innovation strand is best for you.

For more information on these strands, see: https://www.kpsrl.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/KMF%202021%20-%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.pdf#page=2

The following subthemes may be used to further specify project aims:

1. Change and Learning Processes
2. Examining and Improving Policy
3. Other ways to strengthen SRoL policies and programs.