Call for proposals for the Fund for Local Cooperation is open
The Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC) of the Embassy of Finland in Windhoek is an instrument for funding non-profit projects in Namibia. The call for project proposal is now open and will be closed on 10 October 2019 at 16:15 local time (GMT/UTC+2).
As a development policy instrument, the FLC supports the goals and principles of the Finnish development policy (Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)and priority areas. The latter are:
- Rights and status of women and girls
- The growth of developing countries' economies to generate more jobs, livelihoods and well-being
- Democratic and better functioning societies
- Food security, access to water and energy, as well as sustainable use of natural resources.
Projects funded from the FLC should be in line with these priority areas.
Additionally, the projects should be implemented with the human rights-based approach, meaning, for example, that there is a zero-tolerance for all kinds of discrimination and racism. Finnish FLC grants have a comparative advantage to address sensitive issues related to human rights, democracy, and good governance.
The Embassy also values projects that are in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window) of the UN.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are an urgent call for action by all countries in a global partnership.
Eligibility criteria for FLC partnership
The size of the Embassy's FLC portfolio is dependent on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland's annual budget. The support is intended for projects only, meaning that the FLC is not meant for core funding.
Among the candidates, the Embassy will likely choose 4 - 8 best proposals. Selected projects will receive a grant between EUR 10 000 - 100 000. The projects must be implemented within one or two years.
Based on the FLC strategic plan for 2020 - 2022, the following thematic areas have been selected for the 2020 call for proposals:
1. Leave no one behind: Fair, equal and inclusive Namibia
- Democracy advocacy, free media, and fight against corruption
- Promotion of the rights of LGBT+ communities
- Empowerment of the vulnerable groups of people and persons with disabilities
2. Dynamic and thriving Namibia
- Promotion of youth employment, job creation, and livelihood opportunities
- Promotion of innovations, startups, and youth entrepreneurship
- Finnish-Namibian private sector engagement
3. Climate resilient and sustainable Namibia
- Promotion of carbon neutral society and the circular economy
- Promotion of sustainable livelihoods and community based approaches
Projects funded from the FLC should focus to address one or more of the above-mentioned areas.
Project selection will be based on the following criteria:
- Alignment with Finland’s development policy, the UN's SDGs and the above mentioned thematic areas
- Clearly defined project outputs and targeted outcomes supported by adequate indicators, baseline data and risk assessment
- Realistically planned project activities that contribute to the desired outputs
- Project budget that is in line with the activities
- Experience and management capabilities of the applicant
Eligible partners for the FLC include local non-governmental organisations, science and technology communities, universities and other educational and research institutions, independent media, public bodies and cultural institutions (museums, libraries, theatres, etc.), chambers of commerce and commercial associations, organisations engaged in the promotion of export and investment, businesses, cooperatives, interest groups of companies and employees, foundations or religious communities.
FLC funding cannot be granted:
- to the Government, ministries or municipalities of the Republic of Namibia
- to an unregistered association or organisation
- to support the activities of a political party
- for basic research
- for single cultural events
- for charity
- for humanitarian aid
- in the form of a grant, scholarship or assistance for the applicant’s personal use
- for purchasing land
- to a fund
- for building the capital of microcredit systems (however, development projects and training are possible).
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 the initial selection, the project may have to undergo an on-site appraisal by the Embassy.
The applicants must have a 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.
The Embassy will have the right to audit and evaluate the project at any time during the project. The organisation responsible for the project has to provide all required documentation according to the terms of the agreement.
The FLC projects fall under the Finnish legislation. The Government Subsidy Law (Valtionavustuslaki 688/2001: § 21 - 22 and 34) draws the framework for the Finnish FLC. Regarding to the act, the applicant has a right of appeal, should they be unsatisfied with the decision of the selection process. The appeal must be addressed to Finnish Administrative Court. Additionally, regarding to the Government Subsidy Law, in case of any kind of contract violation, the fund will be charged fully back.
The FLC managed by the Embassy finances only projects in Namibia. The fund is not operational in Angola.
How to apply?
The deadline for submitting applications is 10 October 2019 at 16:15 local time (GMT/UTC+2). Late applications will not be accepted.
The Embassy only acknowledges the attached application form. Please fill in this form on computer and print it out. The form must be signed and dated.
To accompany the form, the following attachments are required:
- Organisation’s latest annual report accompanied with full financial statements
- The CVs of the project manager and project coordinator or any other relevant key persons
- Project budget in Namibian dollars
The applications should be hand delivered to the Embassy:
Embassy of Finland
Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC)
2 Crohn Street, Windhoek
Namibia
The Embassy may also request a soft copy of the application.
Should you have problems with visiting Windhoek, please contact us.
For any questions, kindly contact Programme Coordinator Topias Tamminen, topias.tamminen(a)formin.fi.
Timeline
Assessment of the applications and the selection process will take place in October and November 2019. Shortlisted applicants may be requested to provide additional information, including budget details.
Responses to all applicants, including both accepted and rejected, will be sent by 31 December 2019. The list of accepted projects will be published on Embassy’s website.