Grants for issue-based networks for policy influence for Civil Society Organizations in the MENA region
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Title
Grants for issue-based networks for policy influence for Civil Society Organizations in the MENA region
Minority Rights Group is accepting applications from human rights and minority rights nonprofit organizations based in Lebanon, Tunisia, Palestine and Morocco for issue-based grants to organizations that coordinate networks or are collaborating to develop one. These grants are available for Human Rights Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and aim to influence policy change through targeted funding by focusing on pressing issues at national or regional levels. As part of our project Minorities, Accountability and Civic Space (MACS), the grants provide support to form a physical network or platform, or an online network/platform that can act as a space for dialogue or campaigning; or support an umbrella organization that is already acting as a network.
Budget available and timeframe
The amount available for each grant is up to 20,000 euros. Two grants are available for each programme country for a total of eight grants.
The duration of the grant is between 12 and 18 months.
How to apply
Deadline: 1 April 2024
Eligibility
For their application to be considered, applicants must:
- Apply as a network or collations of organizations with a clear lead applicant.
- Organizations focused on policy research, legislative reform, democratic development with a human/ minority rights component in their work are also welcome to apply.
- Be a not-for-profit civil society organization (official registration is not necessary).
- Be based in one of the programme countries: Lebanon, Palestine, Tunisia or Morocco.
- Be a community-based organization and/or NGO with a track record of working with disadvantaged ethnic, religious, or cultural minorities or marginalized groups such as migrants, refugees, LGBTI, or persons with disabilities, and rooted in these marginalized communities.
- Be committed to involving various minorities and other marginalized communities in their broader activities.
- Have skills in project management, risk management, and financial management.
- Be an organization that has no public debt, complies with anti-corruption measures, and proves the absence of conflict of interest.
- Include women and minorities in the organization’s decision-making structures will be highly valued.
- Can receive funding, either through their own organization or an agreed upon alternative arrangement which aligns with approved protocol.
- Have an established track record of similar work in one of the programme countries.
What the grants can cover
These grants can be used to finance various activities crucial for effective policy influencing. This can include:
- Activities related to influence specific policy at the local, national or regional level (EU regional level).
- Building and sustaining a physical network of organizations to support collaboration on policy issues affecting minorities and marginalized communities.
- Creating and running online platforms to provide spaces for CSOs to facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and campaigning with clear advocacy goals.
- Support for umbrella organizations: Assisting umbrella organizations already functioning as networks to further enhance their capacity and reach.
Selection criteria
- The proposal must identify specific policy at the local, national or regional level with clear activities and outcomes.
- The project should have a clear logic explained through; stated objectives, outcomes, activities, and implementation strategy.
- The proposal should have been designed in a participatory manner with the minorities and marginalized communities that the intervention aims to focus on.
- The proposal should have realistic target(s) set and capacity to deliver planned activities should be in line with the resources, capacities, and previous experiences of the applicant(s).
- Clearly justifying a budget that represents value for money and efficiency.
- The proposal should show how the proposal will ensure the sustainability of the project even after the intervention is over.
- The proposal should highlight how the organization ensures gender and minority rights mainstreaming in its work.
- Intersectional aspects of the organization’s target groups should be considered.
Submission process
How to apply: Organizations wishing to apply to these grants should submit a complete application in Arabic, English or French.
Anticipated timeline
- 4 March 2024: Call for proposals
- 1 April 2024: Application deadline
- 12 April 2024: Shortlisted applicants finalized and notified
- 19 April 2024: Contracts sent
- 26 April 2024: Transfer of the first tranche of funds and welcome packs sent
- 12-18 months: Distribution of funds
- Two weeks after the end of the grant: Final narrative and financial reports due
Apply
Organizations wishing to apply to these grants should submit a complete application in Arabic, English or French.
All responses will be kept confidential.
We are no longer accepting applications for this opportunity.
Treatment of information
The data will be treated confidentially in line with GDPR policies. Only MRG and its implementing partners will have access to the information provided in order to facilitate the selection process. These include The Civic Forum Institute in Palestine and Attalaki in Tunisia.
Implementing partners
Minority Rights Group is an international human rights organization working to ensure that disadvantaged minorities and indigenous peoples can make their voices heard.
Attalaki is the leading organization in Tunisia working on freedom of religion and belief. It is a key player in defending the rights of religious minorities and making their voices heard.
Civic Forum Institute Worldwide (CFI) is a Palestinian non-governmental focused on building democracy and developing democratic institutions in Palestine.
This content was published in the context of the Minorities, Accountability and Civic Space (MACS) programme. Learn more >
MACS is funded by the European Union.