New sclr Call for Proposals – Chernivtsi, Ukraine

  • 23/02/2024
  • Humanitarian Aid
  • admin

    • New sclr Call for Proposals – Chernivtsi, Ukraine

    We are excited to announce the first round of survivor and community-led responses (sclr) financing for community groups in the Chernivtsi Oblast, who want to help their communities develop in the current context. After 3 successful rounds of sclr in Romania, where 52 projects self-implemented by the Ukrainian community have been funded, the programme is now expanding to Ukraine.

    With the administrative support of HEKS/EPER Romania and financial support of Swiss Solidarity and ACT Alliance, between March and July 2024, we will run a sclr (support for survivor and community-led responses) program, which involves transferring power from organizations to the affected communities. Specifically, unlike other forms of humanitarian support, crisis survivors could have their problem-solving ideas funded and would be responsible for all project stages: problem identification, project writing, and implementation. These community-driven initiatives should be aimed at supporting the IDP and host communities in the Chernivtsi Oblast.

    These initiatives may originate from IDP or host community members themselves that have a legal framework through which they can be financed (an existing NGO or a newly formed community-based organization). We prioritize local initiative groups that have been actively involved in supporting the IDP communities in the Chernivtsi Oblast since the onset of the conflict and/or IDPs relocated to the Chernivtsi Oblast willing to address the specific needs of their community. 

    This type of support directed to the affected IDP and host communities represents a sustained reframing of the experiences arising from crisis situations. Consequently, this effort results in tangible improvements in both the physical aspects, such as enhancing the quality of life, and in harnessing individual and community potential, thereby facilitating the recovery of communities from crisis situations.

    The goal of this call is to support initiative groups (existing organizations, associations or informal groups that are willing to apply for a community-based organization registered in Ukraine) who:

    • directly support the vulnerable IDP and host communities in Chernivtsi,
    • propose initiatives originating directly from the affected communities aimed at fostering community well-being, development, and resilience.
    • help strengthen the relations between IDPs and the host communities in the Chernivtsi Oblast.

    We wish to contribute to the realization of the goals of these applicants by providing financial support within the limits of the microgrant amount available.

    Tender issued by: AREAC

    Supporting partner: HEKS/EPER Romania

    Form of support: One-time, non-refundable support

    The maximum amount of support that can be claimed: 210,000 hryvnia 

    The maximum number of supported projects:     30

    Application submission deadline: 10.03.2024

    How to submit an application:

    You can apply by filling out the application form and submitting it by email.

    Please send the application form in MS Word format to: projects.areac@gmail.com 

    Please include all the necessary information when filling out the application form!

    Who can apply?

    • non-governmental organizations based in the Chernivtsi Oblast. 
    • community-based organizations formally registered in Ukraine in the region. (if needed, AREAC can offer legal support in opening a CBO)
    • informal initiative groups that are unable to open a CBO due to their localization. 

    Types of initiatives we are financing:

    We will finance projects that contribute to community wellbeing, strengthen social cohesion between IDPs and the local population or  support the most vulnerable who cannot help themselves. It all depends on the opportunities local groups identify as most relevant to strengthen their community’s survival, recovery and future resilience.  

    Projects can involve but are not limited to the following sectors: health, psychosocial support, education, basic survival, etc. 

    We will be able to fund 27  initiatives from established NGOs or initiative groups applying for a CBO and 3 initiatives from groups who need implementation support from AREAC throughout the microgrant period (procurement support, in which case the initiative group should identify a maximum of 5 types of products/services to be procured).

    What can the grant be used for?

    Expenses associated with the initiatives that promote the wellbeing of IDPs and/ or host communities, foster community development, and strengthen the rapport between the migrants and the local communities, including, but not limited to:

    • For the acquisition of tangible assets and equipment needed for community programs and initiatives, as initially stated in the proposal’s budget (such as stationery, cleaning products, creative materials, sports equipment, electronic devices etc.)
    • For the development/renovation of common spaces in collective centers (kitchens, bathrooms, playrooms for children, dormitories etc.)

    We will not be funding salaries, personal expenses of the applicants and initiatives where applicant only support themselves or their own recovery, since the whole purpose of sclr is to empower and support the wider IDP/host community.

    The initiatives will receive an advance payment covering 100% of expenses mentioned in the budget.  All expenses must be justified with supporting documents (receipts, invoices, contracts).

    The applicant’s commitments:

    By applying, the applicant undertakes to cooperate with AREAC in order to facilitate the successful completion of the application as follows:

    • Cooperation during the entire period of the application with the AREAC team and the HEKS/EPER Romania team.
    • The preparation and delivery of forms and documents related to the project to the organization issuing the tender. In connection with the closing of the tender:
      • Submission of a narrative report on the activities undertaken in the implementation period  (using the form provided in advance by the tender organizer)
      • Financial statement containing copies of supporting documents
      • Submission of a financial report (using the form provided in advance by the organizer)
      • 20-30 relevant photos supporting the implementation of the initiative;
      • participation in the on-site monitoring visits organized by AREAC and HEKS/EPER Romania.

    The applicant also commits to attending one appropriate workshop following the conclusion of the implementation period. The purpose of this workshop is to facilitate the mutual exchange of experiences and outcomes regarding the application among other participating communities and the organization administering the applications.

    Deadlines, dates:

    • Tender announcement: 21.02.2024
    • Application submission deadline: 10.03.2024
    • Application evaluation date: 13.03.2024-21.03.2024
    • Notification of applicants about the decision: from 22.03.2024
    • Contract signing: 25.03.2024-08.04.2023
    • Tender money transfer: from 10.04.2024
    • Projects implementation deadline: 31.07.2024
    • Deadline for the preparation of documentation related to the closing of the tender: 16.08.2024.

    Eligibility criteria:

    • The project needs to respond to the interest of the affected community and not of one individual
    • The proposal is submitted before the deadline, each question in the form is addressed
    • The applicant complies with the conditions described above
    • Applications should be formally submitted in order to be included in the tender’s evaluation process.

    Assessment process

    Applications that meet the conditions of the call will be submitted to an evaluation committee. Information about the results of the assessment will be sent to both successful and unsuccessful applicants by email on March 22, 2024.

    In evaluating the initiatives we take into consideration: 

    • The applicant’s reputation and recognition (based on referrals).
    • The range of experience available in working with IDPs and other local communities.
    • Completeness and clarity of the submitted application.
    • Clear correspondence between planned activities and expected costs.

    Project selection criteria: 

    • involvement of team members in community and their ability and capacities to effectively implement the proposed initiative a well-thought-out and transparent initiative idea and budget
    • at least 50% of the target group and/or at least 50% of the initiators should be IDPs
    • the urgency of the needs covered by the initiative
    • the integrity of the team members (collecting testimonials and feedback from some community witnesses mentioned in each group’s application)
    • the sustainability of your proposed initiative on the long term (beyond the implementation period of this grant)

    We welcome your questions and comments regarding the application and filling out the application form at the following email: projects.areac@gmail.com