Fund for Local Cooperation: Call for Proposals 2022-2024 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 proposals for project implementation in 2022-2024 is now open. Proposals must be submitted by 16:15 (GMT/UTC+2) on May 16, 2022.

FLC Values

As a development policy instrument, FLC supports the goals and principles of the Finnish development policy (Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)and its priority areas. All proposals must be in line with these, as well as incorporate a human rights-based approach(Link to another website.).

The proposals must also be 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.

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 project-based support, meaning that the FLC cannot be used for core funding.

The budget of the proposal must be between EUR 50 000 - 100 000. Project length must be between 12 to 24 months. Between 4-6 projects will be selected according to the eligibility and evaluation criteria at the Embassy’s discretion.

Eligible partners for the FLC include, for example, local civil society organisations, science and technology communities, universities and other institutions, cultural institutions (museums, libraries, theatres, etc.), businesses, cooperatives or foundations, registered in Namibia.

FLC funding cannot be granted:

  • in the form of a grant, scholarship or assistance for the applicant’s personal use
  • to the Government, ministries or municipalities of the Republic of Namibia
  • to UN organisations
  • to an unregistered association or organisation
  • to support the activities of a political party
  • for research
  • for one-off events
  • for charity
  • for humanitarian aid
  • for large procurement, e.g. purchasing land or vehicles
  • to a fund
  • to projects outside Namibia

The applicant must have:

  • a sound financial record
  • sufficient human resources for the implementation of the project
  • proof of previous donor-funded activity OR self-funded of a similar size to applied grant
  • proof of projects/activities within the previous 12 months

Please note: applicants and projects that do not fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria mentioned above will not be considered.

Evaluation criteria

Thematic areas:

  1. Human rights and equality
    • addressing inequality and advancing the rights of people belonging to marginalized communities
    • protecting and advancing the rights of women and girls
  2. Youth employment and entrepreneurship
    • creating opportunities for young people, especially in education and livelihood creation
  3. Climate resilience and adaptation
    • contributing to sustainable development and protecting communities from negative effects of climate change
    • creating solutions that contribute to climate change adaptation

Project selection will be based on the following criteria:

  • Alignment with Finland’s development policy, SDGs and a human-rights based approach
  • Contribution to 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 outcomes
  • Project budget that is in line with the activities
  • Experience and capability of the applicant in terms of project management

The Embassy reserves 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 Finnish legislation, primarily the Act on Discretionary Government Transfers (Valtionavustuslaki 688/2001). In case of any kind of contract violation, the grant may be recovered back in full by the Embassy.

How to apply?

The Embassy only acknowledges the attached APPLICATION FORM. Please fill in this form on the computer and print it out. The form must be signed and dated.

To accompany the form, the following attachments are required:

  • The organisation’s latest annual report accompanied with a financial report
  • The resumes of the project manager and project coordinator or other key project personnel
  • Project budget in Namibian dollars (please note: the budget must include a budget line for project audit)

The deadline for submitting proposals is 16 May 2022 at 16:15 (GMT/UTC+2). The proposal must be received by the Embassy before the deadline, so submit your proposal on time in case of technical issues. The Embassy may not be able to provide receipt of submission, especially if it's close to the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.

The proposals should be sent via email to the Embassy’s address sanomat.win(a)formin.fi and cc’d to the Programme Coordinator hannele.hupanen(a)formin.fi.

All questions and enquiries about the call for proposals should be sent via email only directly to the Programme Coordinator. Please note it may take some days to answer the questions.