TERMS OF REFERENCE
The RCT Activity is opening a small-grant call for grassroots organizations, formal, registered organizations, to address the needs related to trust-building, reconciliation and conflict transformation among communities in Kosovo.
• Maximum Grant Amount: $16,000.00
• Number of Grants Supported: 4 (Each grant is $4,000.00)
• Application Deadline: January 17, 2024
Where to apply: email at procurement@cbmitrovica.org with mail subject: RCT Grant Scheme: Social Space Innovations, Name of the applicant
Grant Scheme – SOCIAL SPACE INNOVATIONS
Grant Scheme – APPLICATION FORM
Overall Objective of the Reconciliation and Conflict Transformation Activity
Addressing present reconciliation needs between different ethnic groups in Kosovo on the individual, community, and institutional levels. The ultimate goal of the Activity is to contribute to having a society where there is proactive cooperation, peaceful co-existence, respect for various groups, and democratic values for all citizens. Additionally, an added value and effort through this Activity are to advocate for societal and institutional changes influencing public policies and ensuring good governance and respect for human rights.
I. Purpose of the Call
This call is designed to support projects and efforts that encourage the innovative use of social spaces that facilitate open and constructive dialogue, promote mutual respect, and foster greater understanding among communities.
Additionally, this call aims to advance sustainable change for a lasting impact in communities by creating networks among communities and promoting positive social norms.
To apply, eligible applicants can expand on these objectives and provide specific examples of how their proposed initiatives align with the goals of the grant call. In addition, applicants will need to provide details on their eligibility, and the timeline for the grants, as well as any other pertinent information necessary for the successful completion of their applications.
II. Rules and Regulations for this call
i. Who can apply
• Grassroots organizations, and formally registered organizations in Kosovo, with a minimum operational period of 12 months before the deadline for the submission of the proposal, operating in the regions of Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, Prishtina/Priština, Gjilan/Gnjilane, Prizren, and Pejë/Peć.
•Individuals who are part of the Cohesion Circles, an informal group of citizens and civil activists who are part of RCT Activity.
ii. Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for financing, applicants should:
• Be active NGOs, with demonstrated engagement in carrying out its mission, objectives, and programs;|
• Be registered as a domestic non-governmental/non-for-profit organization, according to the Kosovo legislation;
• Be fully responsible for project implementation. Partnerships with other NGOs are allowed, only if the leading organization takes full responsibility for project implementation and management, including execution of all project expenditures;
• Have relevant capacities and experience working with communities that have experienced conflict or tension, and in promoting reconciliation, dialogue, and social cohesion, with regards to the proposed project;
• CC members must apply in cooperation with a grassroots organization thatpromotes inter-ethnic social cohesion, by integrating cross- community contact and confidence-building into aims and activities.
The applicant may act alone or in partnership with another partner organization. In the case of a partnership, the collaborating organization must also fulfill the eligibility criteria outlined for the primary applicant.
Applicants who meet these eligibility criteria will be considered for the grant. However, meeting these criteria does not guarantee that an applicant will receive funding, as the selection process is competitive and based on a range of factors, including the quality and feasibility of the proposed initiative.
iii. Application Forms, Operations and Costs
a. Narrative Proposal
The proposed projects should target the thematic areas of the call for proposals and aim to deliver concrete results that feed the overall goal of the RCT Activity. Applicants must clearly state the objectives and expected outcomes of their proposed social space initiative and provide a detailed plan for achieving these goals.
Narrative form should not exceed 6 pages; The proposal should contain sufficient information for an independent reader to understand exactly what the applicant wants to achieve.
b. Budget Proposal
The total grant allocation for project proposals in this scheme is 16,000 USD, distributed among the implementing partners. Each participating non-governmental organization (NGO) is eligible for a maximum grant amount of 4,000 USD.
Budget Justification: Applicants must present budgets that are directly and exclusively related to the successful implementation of the proposed activities. Therefore, all prices/costs should be realistic and should be in line with market prices for proposed actions and staff payments. It is imperative that the budget be distributed logically and is approved by the two or more parties applying to this call. Below, you can find the list of expenses that are included/ accepted and those that are not included/ accepted. Community Building Mitrovica (CBM) has the right to request modifications/budget changes if the need arises.
c. Eligible Costs
All costs must be clearly stated in the initial form of the budget and must occur during the implementation phase of the project activities:
• Expenses for staff members; including payments for experts, and individuals directly involved in the implementation of the activity;
• Compensation for travel and food for those involved in the project, and for the purpose of implementing activities as provided in the application;
• Expenses for the purchase of supplies related to the proposed activities;
• Prices of bank fees related to the activities listed in the application;
• Expenses that come directly from the requirements of the Contract (dissemination of information, specific evaluation for the Activity, accounting, auditing, translation);
• Office operating expenses such as rent, utilities, telecommunication, maintenance, stationery, hygienic products, office equipment repair, and cleaning.
d. Ineligible Costs
The costs presented below are considered ineligible:
• Debt and debt services (interest);
• Expenses that occur before the implementation phase of this grant, and/or after the end of its duration;
• Provisions for future losses or potential liabilities;
• Expenses declared by the beneficiary (s) and financed by other grants;
• Purchases of land or objects;
• Value Added Tax (VAT).
Applicants hold full responsibility for the correctness and accuracy of the proposed budget including arithmetical errors, inaccuracies, unrealistic costs and ineligible costs.
e. Timeline
The proposed duration for the implementation of the proposed projects shall be a maximum of 4 months. The implementation of the selected projects is expected to start in February/March 2024. If projects are proposed to start later, they are to be finalized at the latest by June 2024.
f. Visibility
Applicants must be prepared to publicize the fact that they are financed within the framework of the Reconciliation and Conflict Transformation Activity. Applicants must be prepared to acknowledge specific donors’ visibility guidelines and regulations.
III. Submission of Applications
Please follow all instructions below carefully to apply for the Social Space Innovations Grant. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible:
• Proposals should be submitted with forms available and provided within this call; application form that includes the logical framework and plan of activities, and budget proposal, which will be in USD;
• All applications must be written in English;
• Certificate of registration (for NGOs and institutes), as a legal entity in Kosovo, with the Department of Registration and Liaison of NGOs within the Kosovo Ministry of Public Administration;
• Tax administration certificate on entity obligations;
• 2023 Official tax declaration or audit report, if available;
• Record of project history (brief outline of past projects from the last two years. It should be no more than 2 pages, (if applicable);
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with partner institutions or other relevant actors, if applicable;
• Any annexes should be clearly marked and referenced in the body of the application.
All applications should be submitted via email to procurement@cbmitrovica.org with the mail subject: “RCT: Social Space Innovations Grant”. The deadline for submission of applications is 17 January 2024.
We recommend that applicants carefully review the eligibility criteria and grant requirements before submitting their application. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us at procurement@cbmitrovica.org.
IV. Evaluation and Notification
i. Evaluation process
ii. Review and Selection
A Grants Review Committee will evaluate all eligible applications. This Committee will consist of three (3) individuals and will evaluate and select all eligible applications. The committee will be composed of individuals who are not in any way connected with the overall implementation of the Reconciliation and Conflict Transformation Activity.
V. Important Tentative Dates
