The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) is inviting grant applications to support Congolese refugees and host communities in Uganda and Burundi. The funding focuses on improving well-being, security, and economic self-sufficiency, emphasizing women and children, and promoting integrated humanitarian and development interventions. Projects may request up to EUR 1,000,000 in Uganda and EUR 500,000 in Burundi for up to 18 months.
Overview of the Funding Opportunity
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) seeks proposals that address large-scale displacement in the Great Lakes region, particularly supporting Congolese refugees in Uganda and Burundi. This initiative emphasizes resilience, stability, and sustainable livelihoods, going beyond short-term emergency aid. Projects should enhance access to essential social, health, and protection services while reinforcing community cohesion and socio-economic stability.
Key objectives include:
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Improving the well-being, security, and economic self-sufficiency of refugees.
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Strengthening access to healthcare, protection, and social services, with a focus on women and children.
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Promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic resilience for refugees and host communities.
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Integrating humanitarian assistance with long-term development goals.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Non-profit organizations with proven humanitarian and sectoral experience.
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Organizations may apply individually or in partnership.
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Projects must be feasible within 18 months and aligned with objectives of promoting dignity, resilience, and sustainable solutions for displaced populations.
Country-Specific Focus Areas
Uganda
Projects in Uganda should adopt a comprehensive approach that includes:
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Health services, including sexual and reproductive health care and disease prevention.
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Food security and nutrition programs.
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Water, sanitation, and environmental management initiatives.
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Livelihoods and income-generating activities to enhance self-reliance.
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Protection services for vulnerable groups.
Burundi
Projects in Burundi should prioritize:
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Access to healthcare, safe water, and sanitation.
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Environmental sustainability initiatives.
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Protection services, particularly addressing gender-based violence.
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Safe and inclusive environments for women and girls.
How to Apply / How it Works
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organization is a non-profit with relevant humanitarian and sectoral experience, capable of implementing projects in Uganda or Burundi.
Step 2: Define Project Scope
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Identify country-specific interventions aligned with Uganda or Burundi’s priorities.
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Focus on integrated approaches combining humanitarian assistance with sustainable development.
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Clearly outline expected outcomes for refugees and host communities.
Step 3: Prepare Budget and Timeline
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Funding limits: EUR 1,000,000 for Uganda, EUR 500,000 for Burundi.
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Maximum project duration: 18 months.
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Budget should cover personnel, program activities, monitoring, and operational costs.
Step 4: Submit Proposal
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Submit proposals individually or in partnership.
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Include supporting documents showing organizational experience, feasibility, and alignment with AICS objectives.
Step 5: Review and Selection
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AICS evaluates applications based on relevance, feasibility, and potential impact.
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Selected projects will receive grants to implement integrated humanitarian and development interventions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Ignoring country-specific priorities in Uganda or Burundi.
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Submitting proposals without clear integration of humanitarian and development objectives.
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Underestimating budget and timeline requirements.
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Failing to demonstrate organizational experience or partnerships.
FAQ
1. Who can apply for this grant? Non-profit organizations with proven humanitarian and sectoral experience, individually or in partnership.
2. What is the maximum funding available? EUR 1,000,000 for Uganda and EUR 500,000 for Burundi.
3. How long can projects last? Up to 18 months.
4. What populations are prioritized? Congolese refugees and host communities, with focus on women and children.
5. Can projects combine humanitarian and development activities? Yes, integration of immediate assistance with long-term resilience-building is encouraged.
6. Are partnerships allowed? Yes, organizations may submit joint proposals.
7. What are key focus areas for Uganda and Burundi? Uganda: health, food security, livelihoods, water, sanitation, and protection. Burundi: health, WASH, environmental sustainability, protection, and GBV prevention.
Conclusion
The AICS grant provides a strategic opportunity to support Congolese refugees and host communities in Uganda and Burundi. By combining humanitarian assistance with sustainable development, organizations can improve well-being, strengthen livelihoods, enhance protection, and promote resilience in communities affected by displacement.
For more information, visit Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
