CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR FUND FOR LOCAL COOPERATION (FLC) 2019-2020
The Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC) of the Embassy of Finland in Addis Abeba is an instrument for funding projects of local civil society organizations. The FLC complements bilateral development cooperation projects of Finland in Ethiopia.
The FLC is expected to contribute towards the four goals of Finland’s development policy.
I. The rights and status of women and girls have strengthened;
II. Developing countries' own economies have generated jobs, livelihood opportunities and well-being;
III. Societies have become more democratic and better-functioning;
IV. Food security and access to water and energy have improved, and natural resources are used sustainably.
FLC projects should be implemented with a human rights based approach. The rights of women and girls, children, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups of the community should be taken into account in all activities. Moreover, to the extent possible activities should be geared towards climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Eligibility Criteria for FLC Partnership
Approximately 10 projects will be financed in 2019-2020 with a total budget available for them of approximately 400,000 Euros. Based on the FLC strategic plan for 2017-2019, the following thematic areas have been selected for the 2019-2020 call for proposals:
- Empowerment of women, girls and persons with disabilities (PWDs)
- Conflict resolution at the community level and peace and security at the continental level;
- Civic and voters’ education.
Local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) which have been registered with either the former Charities and Societies Agency or the new Agency for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) are eligible to apply. CSOs that are willing to present proposals in thematic areas such as civic and voters’ education based on the Civil Society Proclamation No. 1113/2019 are encouraged to do so. However, they need to amend their by-laws accordingly and re-register with ACSO before signing of the project agreement in the second half of 2019.
Project selection will be based on the following selection criteria:
- Alignment with Finland’s development policy and the above FLC 2019-2020 thematic areas;
- Project outputs are clearly defined, with indicators, baseline data and risk management;
- Project activities are relevant, realistic and contribute to the desired outputs;
- Project budget is in line with the activities;
- Experience and management capabilities of the applicant.
Projects are funded for the duration of one to two years. Projects funded earlier from the FLC may be considered for additional years of financing but funding for the same project is limited to maximum of five years.
With regard to applicants, which have not received funding from the FLC before, particular attention will be paid to their record of accomplishment with financing from other donors. After an initial selection of a proposed project, it will have to undergo an on-site appraisal by the Embassy of Finland.
The applicants must have sound financial record, as well as sufficient human resources for the implementation of the project. The applicant should therefore play an active part in the project and share its risks.
FLC funds cannot be directed to individuals, families, political parties or charity events. The FLC does not fund education grants or activities that are already funded through bilateral cooperation. The FLC finances only projects of CSOs based in Ethiopia and is not operational in Djibouti or South Sudan.
How to apply?
The deadline for submitting applications within this round of call for proposals is 31 May 2019. Late applications will not be accepted. The application should include the attached Application Form duly filled in.
The applications must be signed, stamped and dated. A certificate of registration either from the Charities and Societies Agency or the Agency for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO), as well as the latest annual audit and activity reports of the CSO, need to be attached to the application.
An FLC committee at the Embassy will evaluate the applications. Shortlisted applicants may be requested to provide additional information, including budget details. The evaluation process may take up to two months. After that, a decision will be communicated to all applicants.
The applications may be
- Sent by post to the office address: Embassy of Finland, P.O. Box 1017, Addis Abeba, or
- Hand delivered to the Embassy, or
- Sent by email to [email protected] and [email protected] Please note that email applications without scanned signed and stamped documents will not be accepted.
For further clarifications, applicants may contact the Embassy through Mrs. Meseret Mengistu by email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Attachments: FLC Application Form