Community-Led Sanitation Governance Pilot Funding Opportunity (Ghana)

Deadline: 17-Jul-2026

Applications are now open under the Reverse Call for Proposal (RCFP) launched by NORSAAC through the Reimagining International NGOs (RINGO) initiative to support a community-led sanitation governance project in the Sagnarigu Municipality of Ghana.

The initiative seeks funding partners to invest in a locally designed sanitation governance model that strengthens community ownership, improves sanitation services, promotes sustainable financing, and enhances public health outcomes. The project reflects a community-driven development approach where local stakeholders play a central role in identifying challenges and designing solutions.

About the Initiative

The Reverse Call for Proposal is part of the RINGO initiative, which aims to shift decision-making power toward communities directly affected by development challenges.

Through a participatory process involving women, youth, traditional leaders, and community-based organizations, sanitation governance was identified as a priority issue requiring coordinated action and investment.

Community members subsequently developed a practical and sustainable intervention designed to improve sanitation services, strengthen accountability, and build long-term resilience.

Focus Areas

The project focuses on:

• Community sanitation governance
• Access to sanitation services
• Public health improvement
• Sustainable financing mechanisms
• Behaviour change initiatives
• Community ownership
• Local accountability systems
• Community resilience
• Participatory development
• Community-led decision-making
• Sustainable development
• Inclusive governance

Purpose of the Project

The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen sanitation governance systems
• Improve access to quality sanitation services
• Promote positive sanitation behaviours
• Enhance public health outcomes
• Build community ownership of sanitation solutions
• Strengthen local accountability mechanisms
• Support sustainable financing approaches
• Demonstrate the effectiveness of community-driven development models

Project Design

The proposed intervention was developed through consultations with:

• Women
• Youth
• Traditional leaders
• Community-based organizations
• Local stakeholders

The project is designed to ensure that sanitation solutions are:

• Community-driven
• Locally relevant
• Sustainable
• Inclusive
• Responsive to local needs
• Owned and managed by communities

Funding Requirement

The initiative requires:

• Total investment of GHS 850,000
• Funding support for an 18-month pilot project

The funding will support the implementation of community-led sanitation governance activities across the target communities.

Project Coverage

The pilot initiative will be implemented in:

• Five communities within the Sagnarigu Municipality, Ghana

The project will serve as a demonstration model for community-led sanitation governance and sustainable development.

Who Can Support the Initiative?

NORSAAC is seeking support from:

• Corporate organizations
• Foundations
• Philanthropists
• Diaspora investors
• Development partners
• Social impact investors
• Grant-making organizations
• Community development funders

Expected Outcomes

The project aims to deliver:

• Improved sanitation governance
• Better access to sanitation services
• Stronger community participation
• Enhanced public health conditions
• Increased local accountability
• Sustainable financing solutions
• Long-term community ownership
• Greater community resilience

Importance of the Initiative

The project demonstrates a shift toward locally led development by placing communities at the center of problem-solving and decision-making.

Key benefits include:

• Empowering communities to lead development efforts
• Creating sustainable sanitation solutions
• Strengthening local governance structures
• Encouraging inclusive participation
• Improving health and well-being
• Building resilience at the community level
• Promoting long-term sustainability

Why the Reverse Call for Proposal Matters

Unlike traditional funding models, the Reverse Call for Proposal allows communities to define their priorities and design solutions before seeking financial support.

This approach:

• Promotes local ownership
• Increases accountability
• Improves relevance of interventions
• Encourages community participation
• Supports sustainable development outcomes
• Reduces top-down decision-making

Potential Benefits for Funding Partners

Funding partners can contribute to:

• Community-led development
• Sustainable sanitation improvements
• Public health enhancement
• Local governance strengthening
• Social impact creation
• Replicable development models
• Long-term community resilience

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Reverse Call for Proposal (RCFP)?

• A community-driven funding approach under the RINGO initiative.
• A model that allows communities to identify priorities and design solutions before seeking investment.

What issue does the project address?

• Community sanitation governance.
• Access to sanitation services.
• Public health and sanitation-related challenges.

Where will the project be implemented?

• Sagnarigu Municipality, Ghana.
• Five target communities within the municipality.

How much funding is required?

• A total investment of GHS 850,000.

How long will the project run?

• The pilot initiative will be implemented over 18 months.

Who developed the proposed intervention?

• Community members through a participatory process.
• Women, youth, traditional leaders, and community-based organizations contributed to its design.

Who can support the project?

• Corporates.
• Foundations.
• Philanthropists.
• Diaspora investors.
• Development partners.
• Other social impact funders.

Conclusion

The NORSAAC Reverse Call for Proposal under the RINGO initiative presents an innovative community-led approach to addressing sanitation challenges in Ghana’s Sagnarigu Municipality. By empowering local stakeholders to design and lead solutions, the project seeks to improve sanitation services, strengthen governance, enhance public health, and build sustainable community resilience through an 18-month pilot supported by a total investment of GHS 850,000.

For more information, visit NORSAAC.