RFAs: Resilient Solutions for Humanitarian Crisis-Affected Communities (Afghanistan)

Deadline: 08-Feb-2026

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation invites grant applications to address urgent humanitarian needs while promoting long-term resilience in crisis-affected communities. Funding supports integrated interventions in water, hygiene, health, food security, livelihoods, disaster risk reduction, gender equality, and child protection, with grants up to €1,200,000 for single applicants and €1,500,000 for joint proposals.

Overview of the Program

This initiative provides holistic humanitarian and resilience support in crisis-affected communities, combining:

• Immediate assistance to vulnerable populations

• Long-term resilience-building to reduce vulnerability and enhance recovery

• Capacity strengthening for local communities, civil society, and public institutions

The program emphasizes an integrated approach, addressing multiple interrelated areas to ensure sustainable, inclusive, and equitable outcomes.

Who is Eligible

• Non-profit organizations registered under Italian Law 125/2014

• Proven experience in humanitarian aid, particularly in sectors covered by the Call

• Operational capacity to work on-site in Afghanistan or the broader region

• Compliance with tax, social security, and insurance obligations, and no outstanding debts with Italian authorities or donors

• Ability to submit up to two proposals: one as lead applicant and one as a partner in a joint submission (limits do not apply to partners)

Funding Details

• Maximum grant for single applicants: €1,200,000

• Maximum grant for joint submissions (two or more partners): €1,500,000

• Project duration: up to 18 months

• Funding covers direct project implementation, focusing on humanitarian and resilience interventions

Key Focus Areas

1. Immediate Humanitarian Support

   • Access to water, hygiene, and essential services

   • Health services and food security

   • Protection of vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons, returnees, women, children, and persons with disabilities

2. Long-Term Resilience

   • Sustainable livelihoods and economic autonomy, especially for women and girls

   • Disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation measures

   • Strengthening community preparedness for epidemic, nutritional, and climate-related shocks

3. Capacity Building

   • Enhancing civil society, public institutions, and community ability to integrate gender perspectives and child protection into humanitarian planning

   • Supporting prevention of gender-based violence and violations of child rights

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Check registration under Italian Law 125/2014

• Verify experience in humanitarian interventions in the target sectors

• Ensure operational and administrative compliance with Italian legislation

Step 2: Prepare Proposal

• Outline project objectives, target groups, expected outcomes, and implementation plan

• Include budget, operational capacity, and risk mitigation measures

• For joint submissions, define roles of lead and partner organizations

Step 3: Submit Proposal

• Submit proposals according to Call instructions, ensuring adherence to funding and duration limits

• Include documentation proving compliance with tax, social security, and restrictive measures

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Exceeding the maximum funding limits

• Proposing projects without direct humanitarian or resilience impact

• Failing to demonstrate operational and financial capacity

• Submitting incomplete or non-compliant documentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?
Non-profit organizations registered under Italian Law 125/2014 with proven humanitarian experience.

2. What is the maximum grant?
€1,200,000 for single applicants; €1,500,000 for joint submissions with two or more partners.

3. What is the project duration?
Up to 18 months.

4. How many proposals can an organization submit?
Two: one as a lead applicant and one as a partner in a joint submission.

5. Which sectors are eligible?
Water, hygiene, environmental protection, natural resource management, climate adaptation, agriculture, food security, health, disaster risk reduction, gender equality, and child protection.

6. Are joint submissions allowed?
Yes, two or more non-profits can submit a joint proposal with a maximum combined funding of €1,500,000.

7. What regions are targeted?
Afghanistan and the broader region affected by humanitarian crises.

Conclusion

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation’s grant program provides a strategic opportunity for non-profits to implement integrated humanitarian and resilience projects. By combining immediate assistance with long-term capacity-building, the initiative strengthens communities’ ability to withstand crises, promotes gender equality, and safeguards vulnerable populations, ensuring sustainable and measurable impact in crisis-affected regions.

For more information, visit Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.