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RFAs: Community Development and Livelihood Initiatives in Sierra Leone

Deadline: 13-Mar-2026

The World Food Programme (WFP) is inviting partners to implement community-based savings and livelihoods programs in Sierra Leone, focusing on the Eastern, Southern, and Northern regions. The initiative aims to establish 120 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), enhance financial resilience, build local capacity, and strengthen livelihoods while promoting environmental and nutrition objectives. Partners will deliver training, supervise savings cycles, provide seed funds, and monitor outcomes.

About the Programme

The WFP Community-Based Savings and Livelihoods Initiative aims to mobilize local communities, improve financial resilience, and strengthen livelihoods in Sierra Leone. By establishing Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), the program provides structured support for savings, capacity building, and community development, aligned with environmental and nutrition priorities.

Key Objectives

  • Establish 120 VSLAs across Eastern, Southern, and Northern Sierra Leone

  • Build local capacity through training and supervision

  • Promote financial inclusion and community mobilization

  • Support nutrition, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods

Programme Components

Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)

  • Each VSLA comprises 15–30 members

  • Partners will:

    • Deliver the full VSLA training package

    • Supervise one savings cycle

    • Strengthen group governance via constitution development

    • Provide training in recordkeeping

    • Promote inclusion and participation within groups

Start-Up Kits and Seed Funds

  • Partners oversee the distribution and proper use of VSLA kits and funds

  • Ensure alignment with National Nutrition and TALD environmental and livelihood objectives

Monitoring and Reporting

  • Collect data on progress and outcomes

  • Submit monitoring reports and end-of-cycle documentation

  • Track VSLA performance, participation, and community impact

Who Can Apply?

  • NGOs, CSOs, or implementing partners with experience in community-based savings, livelihoods, and capacity building

  • Organizations able to operate in Eastern, Southern, and Northern Sierra Leone

  • Partners must demonstrate ability to mobilize communities and manage structured VSLA programs

How to Apply / What to Do

  1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure organizational experience in community livelihoods and savings programs

  2. Develop a detailed project proposal: Include VSLA implementation, training plan, and capacity-building activities

  3. Include monitoring and evaluation framework: Define indicators and reporting mechanisms

  4. Submit application: Follow WFP’s application guidelines and deadlines

  5. Implement activities upon approval: Deliver training, distribute seed funds, supervise savings cycles, and submit reports

Expected Outcomes

  • Enhanced community financial resilience

  • Improved capacity in recordkeeping, governance, and group management

  • Increased participation and inclusion in community savings activities

  • Strengthened livelihoods through sustainable savings and loan mechanisms

  • Alignment with nutrition, environmental, and livelihood objectives

Tips for a Successful Application

  • Demonstrate experience managing VSLAs or similar savings groups

  • Include clear training plans for community members

  • Highlight strategies for inclusion and participation, particularly for women and marginalized groups

  • Ensure alignment with national nutrition and environmental objectives

  • Provide robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress and impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this initiative?
NGOs, CSOs, and partners experienced in community-based savings and livelihoods in Sierra Leone.

2. How many VSLAs will be established?
A total of 120 VSLAs across the Eastern, Southern, and Northern regions.

3. How many members per VSLA?
Each VSLA will have 15–30 members.

4. What training is provided to VSLA members?
Full VSLA training including savings cycles, governance, recordkeeping, and inclusion practices.

5. What funding support is included?
Partners will manage VSLA start-up kits and seed funds.

6. What is the reporting requirement?
Monthly and end-of-cycle reports documenting progress, challenges, and outcomes.

7. What are the broader objectives of the program?
Enhancing financial resilience, strengthening livelihoods, promoting inclusion, and supporting nutrition and environmental goals.

Conclusion

The WFP Sierra Leone Community-Based Savings and Livelihoods Initiative provides a structured platform for building financial resilience and local capacities through VSLAs. By mobilizing communities, providing training, and distributing seed funds, the program strengthens livelihoods, inclusion, and alignment with environmental and nutrition objectives, fostering sustainable community development across Sierra Leone.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.