USAID funding opportunity for local NGOs in conflict mitigation and reconciliation program
The Annual Program Statement (APS) for Conflict Mitigation and Reconciliation Programs and Activities of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) [Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA), Office of Conflict Management and Mitigation (CMM)] has issued this call for applications to provide funding to local NGOs in eligible countries as well as from qualified US and non-US non-profit and for-profit organizations to carry out activities that mitigate conflict and promote reconciliation by bringing together individuals of different ethnic, religious or political backgrounds from areas of civil conflict and war.
Eligible countries for this funding opportunity are:
* Africa: Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, West Africa Regional
* Asia: Philippines, Thailand, Regional Development Mission for Asia
* Europe and Eurasia: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal
* Latin America and the Caribbean: Peru, Guatemala, Middle East, Morocco, Yemen
USAID emphasizes upon a “people-to-people” approach while implementing conflict mitigation programs and encourages organizations to derive lessons learned and best practices for future people-to-people programming. Project proposals need to outline this approach and the strategies should be based upon best practices, building of capacities of local partners and integration of gender analysis. Projects that involve local participation, leading to sustainability of peacebuilding efforts are strong encouraged.
The proposed duration of the project can be between a minimum period of 12 months and a maximum period of 36 months. With total USAID allocation of US $15,500,000 for this program, applicants can propose project funding of US $100,000 to US $1,200,000. Local NGOs located in eligible countries can submit applications requesting funding amount of US $100,000 to US $500,000.
NGO contribution for the proposed project is not a requirement; however, applications that include additional in-kind and/or cash contributions from non-USG sources will be more competitive.
This call for applications is open up to 26 July 2011. However, USAID will review submitted projects in batches. The deadline for the accepting first batch of applications is 4 March 2011. For more information, visit grants.gov and search by funding opportunity number for “APS-OAA-11-000001.”
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UN Women’s Project Inspire seeking Life-changing Idea
UN Women Singapore and MasterCard have started a joint initiative called “PROJECT INSPIRE: 5 Minutes to Change the World” to help you create a better world of opportunities for women and girls in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.
The initiative is inviting submissions of life-changing ideas on how to make a difference. If you have an inspirational idea that can empower women, improve their livelihoods and change the world, then you can submit it here. If your idea gets selected, you can win US $25,000 to make it a reality.
The idea should be creative and should make a meaningful impact with the limited resources you have. It should be practical enough and must inspire others to do the same. It should be accessible, doable, measurable and sustainable. The idea should lead to the empowerment of disadvantaged women or girls through education, skills training, financial inclusion and social entrepreneurship.
Ideas should be submitted in form of a video running for a length of five minutes. Applicants sending the submissions should be 18-35 years old.
Besides the winner getting the $25,000 grant, there will be a special recognition to the Best Financial Literacy/ Livelihood proposal which will win a start-up grant of US$10,000. Finalists will get an opportunity to come to Singapore to present their inspiring idea to an expert judging panel. You will also attend a workshop on sustainable social entrepreneurship and presentation skills training.
Submissions are open from 8 March – 30 June 2011. For more information, visit this link.
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Ramsar Small Grants Fund accepting proposals from NGOs
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is accepting proposals for its Small Grants Program aimed at assisting developing countries and those economies in transition to implement the Convention and to support the conservation and wise use of wetland resources, with a strong human and social dimension.
Funds may also be used to provide emergency management assistance for Ramsar Sites under threat and to provide ‘preparatory assistance’ to allow non-Contracting Parties to progress toward accession when such needs arise.
Projects may be proposed and implemented by any agency, NGO, or individual, but proposals MUST be endorsed and monitored by the Administrative Authority (the Ramsar implementing agency) in the Party’s government. Each year a rigorous evaluation procedure is carried out by the Ramsar Secretariat to assess the project proposals according to the strength of the project design, their relevance to the Convention’s objectives, and the capacity of the proponents to complete the project successfully.
Interestingly, the Ramsar Convention’s Secretariat has regional teams that provide advice to help applicants develop suitable proposals. If your organization requires this kind of assistance, you need to send the draft proposal to the Senior Regional Advisors by 30 April 2011.
The deadline for applications in their final form for the next round is 30 June 2011. For more information, visit this link.
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Global Health Corps Fellowships
The Global Health Corps, which aims to mobilize a global community of emerging leaders to build a movement for health equity, is currently open to accepting applications for 2011-2012 fellowships with placements in United States and other countries such as Burundi, Malawi, Rwanda and Uganda.
Global Health Corps Fellows must be under age 30 at the time of application; have an undergraduate university degree by July 2011; and be proficient in English
For each placement, two fellows will be selected: One in-country fellow (citizen of the placement country), and one international fellow (US citizens for placements in Africa; any non-US citizen for placements in the US).
The Program works to program works to build the movement for global health equity by:
* Increasing the impact of great organizations today: Fellows work with high-impact organizations in year-long paid positions. During their fellowship year, fellows make a significant and measurable contribution to the partner organization and the target population.
* Training and supporting the leaders of tomorrow: Over the course of the fellowship year, fellows participate in a wide range of activities aimed at increasing their effectiveness as practitioners and their development as leaders.
* Building a global community of changemakers: Fellows build a set of shared values, commitment and skills that they carry well beyond the fellowship year. The GHC community and alumni program serve as a source of opportunity and strength throughout fellows’ lives and careers.
Deadlines:
1 March 2011: Applications close for American Candidates
1 April 2011: Applications close for International Candidates.
For more information, visit this link.
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Purchase of Nature has small grants for conservation NGOs
The IUCN National Committee of the Netherlands (IUCN NL), a platform of 25 IUCN members in the Netherlands has a unique small grants program which provides funding local NGOs to purchase and protect threatened wildlife habitats and vulnerable ecosystems around the world.
In areas under high pressure the purchase of remnants of natural vegetation and creating private protected areas can have a massive impact on the conservation of local biodiversity. With exploding land prices, triggered by developments in the ‘biofuel’ market or development projects, there is no time to wait for decisive action from politicians or decision makers. (In the Paraguayan Chaco for example, hundreds of hectares of dry forest are destroyed every day). If used by capable NGOs, land purchase can be an extremely valuable and fast-working instrument to protect threatened ecosystems and safeguard them for future generations. The SPN programme provides the financial support for such dedicated NGOs to implement these much needed interventions.
The SPN programme works only with carefully selected local conservation NGOs, with a proven capacity in management of natural resources. These NGOs will eventually own and manage the purchased areas. The SPN programme DOES NOT own any lands, it only provides the funds for the purchase. Buying land and placing the management, and/or ownership, in the hands of an NGO can be a delicate and sometimes complicated matter.
The funds are eligible for local conservation NGOs working in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Pacific. Although the geographical range of SPN is very broad, the bulk of the projects funded are located in Latin America. Legislation in most countries of this continent makes it relatively easy (compared to many countries in Africa and tropical Asia) for NGOs to purchase and manage land, and arrange for the title deeds to be registered in their name.
The deadline for submission of pre-proposals is 1 May 2011. For more information, visit this link.
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NED Grants Program for the Promotion of Human Rights and Democracy
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) provides direct grants to NGOs working around the world in the field of human rights, an independent media, the rule of law and for the advancement of democratic goals.
Activist organizations in diverse situations, such as transitional countries where the goal is democratic consolidation, authoritarian countries where the goals are liberalization, and the protection of human rights are encouraged to apply for financial support.
The decisions to provide funding to applicant NGOs are made on quarterly basis by the NED Board of Directors. In addition to evaluating how a program fits within the Endowment’s overall priorities, the Board considers factors such as the urgency of a program, its relevance to specific needs and conditions in a particular country, and the democratic commitment and experience of the applicant. The Endowment is especially interested in proposals that originate with local democratic groups. It is also interested in nonpartisan programs seeking to strengthen democratic values.
The next meeting of the NED Board of Directors for which NED is accepting proposals will be in June and all grant applications should be submitted by 8 April 2011 to be considered for approval at the June Board Meeting. For more information visit this link.
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Request for Applications from NGOs for USAID’s Development Grants Program
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a Request for Applications for the Development Grants Program providing support in the three sectors of microenterprise, water and climate change adaptation. Applications can be submitted by indigenous, local NGOs from different countries or private and voluntary organizations in the US.
The Development Grants Program aims to create new partnerships between USAID and NGOs which have limited or have not been able to access prior funding directly from the USAID. Through this program, the Agency seeks to expand its network of NGOs and build their capacity.
The objectives of the DGP as presented in this Request for Applications are:
1. Broadened participation in USAID programs of local NGOs and U.S. PVOs with experience and expertise relevant to priority USAID and partner country development objectives;
2. Expanded numbers of local NGOs and U.S. PVOs with planning, management and service delivery systems adequate to implement USAID-funded activities; and
3. Measurable contributions by LNGOs and U.S. PVOs to the achievement of the development objectives for participating USAID Missions’ country programs, in particular as they pertain to Agency priorities and initiatives.
A list of eligible countries along with the specific funding sectors is given in the link below. To apply to this program, concept notes have to be submitted initially outlining the proposed project in the areas of microenterprise, water and climate change adaptation. Detailed proposals will be requested after the review of concept notes.
The closing date for the submission of concept notes is 25 April 2011.
For more information, visit grants.gov and search by funding opportunity number for “M-OAA-GRO-EGAS-DGP-11-0001.”
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Atlas Corps Fellowship Program for Nonprofit Professionals
The Atlas Service Corps is accepting applications for the Atlas Corps Fellowship Program from 15 February 2011 onwards. The Program is an opportunity for nonprofit professionals around the world to take up training and placement in the United States or Columbia for 12 or 18 month period.
Individuals applying for the Fall Fellowship starting from 1st September onwards in the United States should have 3 or more years of relevant experience in the NGO sector; possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent; proficiency in English (oral, writing, reading); be 35 years or younger; be applying to volunteer in a country other than where you are from; and have commitment to return to your home country after the completion of the fellowship period.
For those applying for the Fellowship Program in Columbia should have one or more years of relevant experience in the NGO sector, should possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent; speak, read and write an outstanding level of Spanish; and be committed to your country and return home after the one-year fellowship.
Applicants are required to fill the online application form available at the Fellowship website. They should also download essay question and complete them and submit them by email. All applicants need to provide two (up to three) letters of recommendation. There will be an English Test and interviews for Semi-Finalists applying for the Program in the US.
The deadline to submit applications is 15 April 2011. For more information, visit this link.
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AGFUND International Prize for Pioneering Human Development Projects: NGOs, INGOs, Government & Individuals can be nominated
The Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND) based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is regional developmental funding organization that works with UN agencies, international organizations and local NGOs around the world for the sustainability of human development and poverty alleviation. It annually offers the AGFUND International Prize with the aim of inciting and encouraging innovation and creativity in the areas of human development.
The Prize identifies successful human developmental projects, provide them with substantial funding and disseminate their best practices and innovation to replicate in other areas. It has a particular focus on supporting projects that improve the living conditions of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children in developing countries and covers a range of issues such as poverty, social exclusion, socio-economic marginalization, education and health.
There are four categories under the Prize carrying a total cash award of US $500,000.
First Category is for organizations in supporting the developing countries’ national policies and programs for empowering youth through entrepreneurships and job opportunities (for projects implemented by UN, international or regional organizations). This category carries an award of US $ 200,000.
Second Category is for NGOs-led efforts to empowering youth through entrepreneurships and job opportunities (for projects implemented by national NGOs). Selected projects receive cash award of US $100,000.
Third Category is for the governmental bodies’ efforts in adoption of pioneering entrepreneurships for empowering youth and increasing their job opportunities (for projects by government ministries and public institutions). Cash award is US $100,000.
Fourth Category is for individual-led efforts to empowering youth through entrepreneurships and job opportunities. (For projects initiated, sponsored and/or implemented by individuals). Cash award is US $50,000.
Only nominations are accepted (self-nominations not accepted). The nominator should be an agency or a qualified expert who is thoroughly aware of the project, in terms of design, objectives, target beneficiaries, funding, implementation and successful impact. The nomination form can be downloaded from the AGFUND website. Submissions can be made online or by sending the hardcopy.
The deadline to make the nominations is 31 May 2011. For more information, visit this link.
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The World of Children Annual Awards: Humanitarian, Health and Youth Awards
The World of Children Annual Awards Program is a global recognition and funding program that “exclusively focuses on a broad range of children’s issues such as health including hunger and nutrition, education, safety and human rights.” It works to improve the lives of children worldwide by identifying and providing recognition to those extraordinary individuals who work at the ground-level on behalf of children in need.
“The World of Children Awards program was created to recognize and elevate those selfless individuals who make a difference in the lives of children here in the USA and across the globe, regardless of political, religious or geographical boundaries. These courageous leaders recognize that our children are the world’s most important asset. Their stories are heroic.
The World of Children honors these leaders, and grants them funds to support the proven, high-impact programs they have created. These awards assure that more children’s lives will be touched, and changed, forever.”
There are three awards under this Program:
2011 Humanitarian Award – maximum grant of upto $50,000.
* The Humanitarian Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to children in the areas of social services, education or humanitarian services.
* Nominee must have created, managed or otherwise supported a sustainable program which has significantly contributed to children’s opportunities to BE SAFE, TO LEARN, and TO GROW.
* Nominee must do this work over and above their normal employment, OR work for little or no pay.
* Nominee must have been doing this for a minimum of 10 years.
* Nominee must have an existing non-profit organization in good standing, which can receive grant funds if awarded.
2011 Health Award – maximum grant of up to $50,000
* The Health Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to children in the fields of health, medicine or the sciences.
* Nomine must have created, managed or otherwise supported a sustainable program which has significantly contributed to the IMPROVED HEALTH of children.
* Nominee must do this work over and above their normal employment, OR work for little or no pay.
* Nominee must have been doing this for a minimum of 10 years.
* Nominee must have an existing non-profit organization in good standing, which can receive grant funds if awarded.
2011 Youth Award – maximum grant of up to $25,000
* The Award recognizes youth that are making extraordinary contributions to the lives of other children.
* Nominee must be under the age of 21 by the nomination submission deadline.
* Nominee must have an existing non-profit organization in good standing, which can receive grant funds if awarded.
* Nominee must have been doing this work for a minimum of three years by the nomination submission deadline.
The Award Winners who receive 2011 World of Children Awards will be announced and celebrated in New York City on Thursday, November 3, 2011.
The deadline to submit nominations is 1 April 2011. For more information, visit this link.
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Proposals are being accepted for the Grant Challenges Explorations – Round 7
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is accepting applications for the Round 7 of Grant Challenges Explorations, which provides grants of $100,000 for unconventional ideas that could transform health in developing countries and focuses on research areas where creative, unorthodox thinking is most urgently needed.
Proposals for the Round 7 can be submitted on the following topics:
* The Poliovirus Endgame: Create Ways to Accelerate, Sustain and Monitor Eradication
* Create the Next Generation of Sanitation Technologies
* Create Low-Cost Cell Phone-Based Solutions for Improved Uptake and Coverage of Childhood Vaccinations
* Design New Approaches to Cure HIV Infection
* Explore Nutrition for Healthy Growth of Infants and Children
* Apply Synthetic Biology to Global Health Challenges
The Grant Challenges Explorations requests applications no more than two pages. Researchers, entrepreneurs, scientists and inventors from any part of the world including developing countries can submit their ideas.
Besides providing grants of $100,000 to selected ideas, there is also the opportunity to receive addtional funding of up to $1 million.
The deadline to submit applications is 19 May 2011. For more information, visit this link.
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UN-HABITAT Urban Youth Fund for NGOs in Developing Countries
The United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-HABITAT) has launched the third round of funding for the UN-HABITAT Urban Youth Fund aimed at advancing the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the Habitat Agenda by supporting youth-led projects implemented in cities and towns of developing countries. The Fund has been established with the support of the Government of Norway.
The Fund seeks to provide assistance to youth-led NGOs to develop and implement projects that will contribute to sustainable urbanization in the developing world. Young persons in the age group of 15 and 32 years can apply to receive this support through legally registered organizations in developing countries. Persons above the age of 32 years can still take part in the projects demonstrating adult-youth partnerships. Involvement of girls and young women in decision-making at all levels of the organization is another important criterion.
An interesting feature of the Fund is that it can also support organizations that are legally not registered but fulfill other criteria set down in the application guidelines. Such an NGO needs to apply in partnership with a facilitating organization that will receive and manage the funding on its behalf.
Proposed projects should be implemented at the grassroots within a city or town with more than 10,000 inhabitants. The projects should promote youth participation in urban governance, pilot innovative approaches to adequate shelter and secure tenure for youth; promote entrepreneurship and employment for youth; and support the development of youth networks on sustainable urban development. The Fund can support projects of up to US $25,000 for a period of twelve months.
Applications have to be submitted online through the Urban Youth Fund System. The closing date for making the submission is 15 April 2011. For more information on how to apply, click here.
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