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AICS PEACE Initiative: Mental Health Support for GBV Survivors in Kenya

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Funding for Charities working in Mental Health – United Kingdom

Deadline: 07-Apr-2026

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has launched a €1.5 million call for proposals under the “PEACE” initiative to strengthen community-based mental health services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya. The 36-month project must be implemented by an Italian Civil Society Organization (CSO) in partnership with local actors and concentrated in one selected county. Applications must be submitted by April 27, 2026, by 4:00 PM (Kenyan time) via certified email to the AICS Nairobi office.

About the PEACE Initiative

The call for tenders is part of the broader “PEACE: Promoting Equity, Listening, Awareness and Community Engagement” initiative launched by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

The PEACE initiative was approved on December 16, 2024, through Joint Committee Resolution No. 196 and has a total budget of €4,000,000.

The initiative addresses the interconnected challenges of:

Its overall goal is to strengthen systems that protect and empower survivors of GBV in Kenya.

Total Budget and Components

Overall Budget

Component Breakdown

Component 1 – €2,250,000
Implemented under bilateral management by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), in partnership with Equity Bank and Healthcare Assistance Kenya hotline (HAK 1195).
Focus: Strengthening socioeconomic resilience of GBV survivors and improving access to services.

Component 2 – €1,500,000 (Subject of This Call)
To be implemented by an Italian Civil Society Organization (CSO) in partnership with one or more partners.
Focus: Strengthening community-based mental health and psychosocial support services for GBV survivors.

Component 3 – Managed Directly by AICS Nairobi
Supports monitoring, evaluation, communication, lesson-sharing, and analytical activities for Components 1 and 2.

Objective of This Call (Component 2)

This call specifically supports:

The intervention must enhance local support ecosystems while ensuring sustainability and measurable impact.

Geographic Scope

Although certain activities under Component 1 may expand nationally, this component must be concentrated in one selected county from the following five:

Applicants must:

Concentration in one county is required to maximize impact.

Project Duration

Ordinary Duration

The duration includes:

Extensions

Possible extensions may not exceed one-third of the ordinary duration.

Exclusions:

Funding Structure

Total Funding for This Component

Mandatory Annual Budget Allocation

Proposals must allocate funding exactly as follows:

Important: Proposals exceeding these annual allocations will be declared ineligible.

Who Is Eligible?

The call is open to:

Requirements:

Each organization must strictly comply with submission limits.

Why This Initiative Matters

1. Integrated GBV and Mental Health Response

Gender-based violence has deep psychological and socioeconomic consequences. This initiative promotes an integrated model linking:

2. Community-Based Approach

Community-level interventions increase:

3. System Strengthening

By connecting with national partners such as NGAAF and service networks like HAK 1195, the initiative strengthens Kenya’s institutional response to GBV.

4. Long-Term Resilience

The 36-month duration allows for structured implementation, monitoring, adaptation, and sustainability planning.

How to Apply

Follow these steps carefully to ensure eligibility.

Step 1: Prepare the Executive Proposal

Step 2: Verify Budget Compliance

Ensure strict allocation:

No deviations are allowed.

Step 3: Submit via Certified Email (PEC)

Send the proposal to:

nairobi@pec.aics.gov.it

Subject line must include:

[Acronym of Proposing Entity] – “Initiative – AID 013184/01/1”

Step 4: Meet the Deadline

Deadline: April 27, 2026
Time: No later than 4:00 PM (Kenyan time)

Eligibility is determined by the date and time of receipt by the AICS Nairobi regional office.

Late submissions will not be accepted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Strict administrative compliance is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the total funding available under this call?

€1,500,000 fully funded by AICS.

2. Is co-financing required?

No. The component is entirely funded by AICS.

3. Who can apply?

Only Italian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as lead Applicants, working with one or more partners.

4. How long is the project duration?

The ordinary duration is 36 months, with limited extension possibilities.

5. Can activities be implemented in multiple counties?

No. Activities under this call must be concentrated in one county selected from Busia, Kilifi, Kisumu, Mombasa, or Nyeri.

6. What happens if the annual budget allocation is exceeded?

Proposals exceeding the specified annual allocations will be considered ineligible.

7. What is the submission deadline?

April 27, 2026, by 4:00 PM Kenyan time via certified email (PEC).

Conclusion

This AICS call for tenders under the PEACE initiative represents a major investment in strengthening community-based mental health services for survivors of gender-based violence in Kenya. With €1.5 million in fully funded support over 36 months, the initiative promotes integrated, localized, and sustainable interventions.

Italian CSOs with strong partnerships and expertise in GBV, mental health, and community resilience have a strategic opportunity to implement high-impact programming in one of five selected counties. Strict compliance with budget structure, geographic focus, and submission requirements is essential for eligibility.

For more information, visit Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.

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