News, 28.2.2023

Call for FLC project proposals in Georgia in 2023

The Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC) is a part of Finland’s official development co-operation. FLC is geared for local civil society actors to carry out well-targeted projects with clear goals and sustainable outcome. The office of the Roving Ambassador of Finland to South Caucasus is now seeking proposals for non-profit projects in Georgia that it will fund through the Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC) instrument in 2023-2024.

The Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC) is a part of Finland’s official development co-operation. FLC is geared for local civil society actors to carry out well-targeted projects with clear goals and sustainable outcome. The FLC supports the overall aims of the development policy of Finland. The focus of the funded projects and activities should focus on the goals defined in the Finnish development policy program (more information here(Link to another website.)).

The FLC activities in Georgia are managed by the Office of the Roving Ambassador of Finland to South Caucasus. The fund supports initiatives of Georgian non-governmental organizations. The office of the Roving Ambassador of Finland to South Caucasus is now seeking proposals for non-profit projects in Georgia that it will fund through the Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC) instrument in 2023-2024. The expected project length is approximately one year. In 2023, the office aims to fund two or three projects with around 25.000€ - 35.000 € funding per project. Deadline for submission is March 15, 2023 at midnight (Helsinki time).

Priority areas for projects in 2023

  • Theme 1: Education – focus on media literacy related themes
  • Theme 2: Economic and social empowerment of the vulnerable groups
  • Theme 3: Gender equality, social inclusion, equal opportunities and rights as well as empowerment of women and girls

Criteria for Eligibility

  • FLC-recipient should have a genuine, credible domestic basis, registered, national or community-based organization (non-governmental and non-profit) with the preference to projects outside Tbilisi.
  • The proposed activities should reach a large audience and have potential for a broad impact, capacity building and sustainability.
  • Prospective applicants must provide detailed information on their organization. Funds should be used for projects only, not for core expenses of the recipient. (see below)

The applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:

  • Alignment with Finland’s development policy Finland’s development policy(Link to another website.) 
  • The budget of the project is 25.000 € - 35.000 €.
  • The preferable duration of the project is 1-1.5 years. The project must start before the end of the year of 2023, and has to be concluded by the end of the year 2024.
  • The geographical location (with priority given to projects outside Tbilisi), innovation and environmental aspects of the projects are considered as an asset.
  • Past experiences of projects with a similar focus.
  • Project outputs are clearly defined, with indicators, baseline data as well as risk assessment and risk management.
  • Clarity on the main beneficiaries
  • Effective and efficient use of the funds - the organization needs to demonstrate in the budget proposal that the funds will be used effectively to reach the specified objectives
  • Sustainability of the results. The organization needs to indicate clearly how the impact of the project will be sustainable after the funding has ended.

The FLC projects are, as a rule, not meant to cover the operating expenses of the partner organization. The project plan and budget may include two kinds of "general" expenses: staff training and the direct costs related to the strategic planning of the organization. 

The Fund is designed to support projects. It is not intended to support the operating expenses of the organizations. The administrative costs for the project must be reasonable.

As FLC Funding is meant for local civil society organisations in South Caucasus, funds cannot be granted to the following entities:

  • To the Government, ministries or municipalities of the host country
  • To an unregistered association or organization (however, taking into consideration the special circumstances in the host country)
  • To support the activities of a political party
  • For basic research
  • For single cultural events (that have no permanent development impact)
  • For charity, humanitarian aid, or applicant’s personal use

How to apply for funding?

Applications must be sent by e-mail to address: [email protected]. The deadline for submitting applications is Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at midnight Helsinki time. Project proposals received after the deadline will not be considered. All applicants will be informed about the final decision to the email indicated in their applications, also in case the proposal is not approved.

The application should include the attached Application Form duly and carefully filled in. All applicants use the same application form in order to guarantee that all key facts are presented and to allow for better comparability. The application and possible attachments have to be written in English. The budget has to be submitted in euros. Only complete applications will be considered.

Attachment: Application Form (Word, 30 KB)

Additional information

The Office of the Roving Ambassador of Finland to South Caucasus reserves the right to accept or reject project proposals. During the implementation period, the Office shall communicate with FLC, visit the contact persons, support and follow jointly the execution. The Office has also a right to evaluate and audit a project at any time; the organization responsible for the project has to make all required documentation available for the evaluation/audit if asked.

The Agreement with the Office of the Roving Ambassador has to be signed and stamped by an authorised representative of the organization.

For more information, please, send your questions by email [email protected] by March 8, 2023. Answers will be send March 10, 2023.