A/HRC/16/34 E/CN.6/2011/9 development training and have begun to integrate evidence-based research, monitoring and evaluation tools into their existing programmes. At least three grantees have initiated cross-learning activities to consider the possibilities for adapting strategies and practices to other contexts. 29. In 2010, the United Nations Trust Fund made significant investments in a system for global monitoring, evaluation and knowledge management. As the Fund invests in a sophisticated database to capture results, the secretariat has begun to map the outcomes of initiatives, focusing on certain indicators of success such as measures taken to sustain and replicate projects. Beginning with its fifteenth call for proposals issued on 23 November 2010, the Fund launched an online application process that will allow the secretariat to better assist applicants and improve efficiencies with respect to management and collection of applicant data. The appraisal process will also be conducted online, contributing to the accuracy and transparency of the assessment and selection process. These tools are essential to the development of an integrated system that will facilitate results-based reporting and help the Fund track and analyse trends across the entire grant-making portfolio. In collaboration with UNIFEM subregional offices, the United Nations Trust Fund completed several case studies of lessons learned and good practices generated by grantees. Finally, grantees’ evaluation reports, training manuals, and outreach and communications tools were gathered to feed the UNIFEM global virtual knowledge centre (http://www.endvawnow.org/). VI. Grant-making cycle 2010 30. United Nations Trust Fund grants are awarded annually through an open, competitive, and transparent process that ensures quality programming and rigour in the selection of grantees. The call for proposals invites holistic initiatives that focus on reaching particularly excluded or disadvantaged groups through approaches tailored to diverse needs. Priority is placed on applications that highlight multisectoral approaches and collaboration between various stakeholders; evidence of what works to optimize the use of resources; and investment in systematic and comprehensive documentation and evaluation aiming at generating and sharing knowledge. Through its grant-making process, the Fund channels global expertise and resources to the local level, where they are needed most. It also underscores the potential for scaling up successful initiatives, while emphasizing development of national capacities to foster sustainability. 31. In 2010, despite a severe global economic crisis, the United Nations Trust Fund supported the implementation of national laws, policies and programmes to end violence against women at the same funding level as 2009. Over $10 million was awarded to 13 initiatives in 18 countries and territories for programmes expected to reach 280,000 beneficiaries. The grants awarded in 2010 complete the Fund’s fourteenth grant-making cycle, delivering a total of $20.5 million for 26 initiatives in 33 countries and territories. 5 __________________ 5 10 The United Nations Trust Fund’s fourteenth grant-making cycle was awarded in two batches. The first round of grants administered in 2009 was based on contributions received by the end of the third quarter of that year, which totalled $10.5 million. Additional contributions of $10 million received in the fourth quarter of 2009 allowed the Fund to award a second group of grants in the first quarter of 2010 as part of the fourteenth cycle. 10-67259