Deadline: 07-May-2026
The Inclusive NISSA project invites proposals to develop or enhance gender-sensitive financial and non-financial tools for women in Egypt, especially in remote and marginalized areas. The call supports innovative solutions promoting women’s financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment, with grants up to €40,000 available for eligible organizations. Only one proposal will be selected in Egypt.
Overview
The Inclusive NISSA project aims to advance women’s financial inclusion by funding the development or improvement of gender-sensitive financial and non-financial tools. This initiative focuses on reaching women entrepreneurs in marginalized, rural, and underserved areas, addressing persistent gender gaps in access to financial services.
The call encourages innovative solutions that apply a gender lens, support economic participation, and empower women to achieve financial independence.
Objectives
The key objectives of this call include:
- Improving the supply of gender-sensitive financial tools and services for women
- Expanding access to financial services for women in rural and marginalized areas
- Developing or enhancing financial and non-financial tools with a gender lens
- Strengthening the capacity of financial institutions and stakeholders to deliver gender-responsive services
- Promoting transferable and replicable models for wider adoption
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants in Egypt include:
- Non-profit financial institutions
- Organizations working in women’s financial inclusion
Requirements:
- Must be officially registered in Egypt
- Can apply individually or as part of a consortium (one lead applicant with co-applicants)
- Each organization may submit only one proposal, either as lead or co-applicant
Ineligible applicants:
- Private for-profit companies not focused on women’s financial inclusion
- Individuals
Scope of Funded Projects
Proposals should focus on the development or enhancement of:
- Gender-sensitive financial products tailored to women
- Digital financial solutions to expand outreach
- Complementary non-financial services, including:
- Financial literacy programs
- Entrepreneurship training
- Mentoring initiatives
Special emphasis is placed on:
- Tools accessible to women in remote and marginalized areas
- Solutions that reduce reliance on traditional collateral
- Support for informal entrepreneurs
All tools and products developed must be:
- Available to all project partners
- Free from proprietary or intellectual property restrictions
Funding Details
- Number of proposals selected in Egypt: 1
- Maximum grant amount: €40,000
- Project duration: As per the submitted proposal timeline
- Submission limits: One proposal per organization
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility and registration in Egypt
- Identify target women beneficiaries and underserved areas
- Develop a proposal detailing:
- Proposed financial and non-financial tools
- Gender-sensitive approach
- Implementation plan
- Expected outcomes and replicability
- Assemble a consortium if applicable, designating a lead applicant
- Submit the proposal according to the guidelines
Why It Matters
- Expands women’s access to financial services in Egypt
- Supports women entrepreneurs, including those in informal sectors
- Reduces financial barriers through innovative, gender-sensitive solutions
- Strengthens economic independence and social empowerment
- Encourages replicable models for broader regional impact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting multiple proposals from the same organization
- Failing to focus on women in remote or marginalized areas
- Ignoring the gender lens in proposed financial or non-financial tools
- Overlooking requirements for tools to be transferable and non-proprietary
FAQ
1. Who can apply for this grant?
Only officially registered non-profit financial institutions or organizations working in women’s financial inclusion in Egypt are eligible.
2. Can multiple proposals be submitted by the same organization?
No, each organization can submit only one proposal, either as a lead or co-applicant.
3. What types of tools are eligible for funding?
Funding supports gender-sensitive financial products, digital solutions, financial literacy programs, mentoring, and entrepreneurship training.
4. Is there a maximum grant amount?
Yes, the maximum grant amount is €40,000.
5. Will the tools developed be proprietary?
No, all tools and products must be accessible to project partners and free from intellectual property claims.
6. Can organizations form consortia?
Yes, proposals may involve multiple organizations, with one lead applicant and one or more co-applicants.
7. How many proposals will be selected in Egypt?
Only one proposal will be selected under this call in Egypt.
Conclusion
The Inclusive NISSA Call for Proposals empowers organizations to create gender-sensitive financial and non-financial tools, promoting women’s financial inclusion and entrepreneurship in underserved areas. By supporting innovative, replicable solutions, this initiative contributes to closing the gender gap in financial access and strengthening women’s social and economic roles across Egypt.
For more information, visit Cospe Egypt.