Deadline: 3-Jan-22
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands invites non-governmental organizations to submit project proposals for the maatschappelijke transformatie (Matra) & Human Rights Fund.
It is part of their support to current and potential EU candidate countries and the countries of the Eastern Partnership in their attempts to fulfil conditions required by the EU accession processes (e.g. Copenhagen Criteria and/or Association Agreements with EU).
The Matra Fund supplements the European Commission’s efforts and aims to help countries strengthen democracy and the rule of law, thus enhance stability. The Human Rights Fund therefore supports organisations that work for human rights worldwide.
The Netherlands government attaches particular importance to these Funds, since they aim to reinforce and promote shared European values – values that connect European countries, bridging their cultural diversity. A strong and pluralist democracy under the rule of law, stable democratic processes and good governance are part of these values and of the agenda for Europe.
The Embassy in Pristina works on the basis of the following mission: They work towards the Euro-Atlantic integration of a safe, prosperous, inclusive and democratic Kosovo that provides equal opportunities for its citizens as this forms the best guarantee for a mutual beneficiary relation with the Netherlands and the European Union.
Priorities
Preference is given to proposals that are:
- That use innovative ways to tackle issues (involve the private sector, use a broad coalition that share a common concern, make use of digital tools, have a clear media strategy).
- Risk aware, realistic and ‘Corona-proof’;
- Gender sensitive;
- Inclusive and create equal access to project results for all groups in society. In this sense they encourage organisations to set up activities in areas where needs are higher, in some cases this means activities outside the capital;
- Aim for sustainable improvements;
- Cost sensitive, whenever possible seek in kind contributions, use alliances with the business community, work with volunteers etc;
Funding Information
- EUR 100.000 per project is the maximum support. Make sure the budget complies with the following minimum requirements. Use the enclosed budget template:
- Not more than 30% of the contribution goes to salaries. For staff involved in the project (regular and contracted) provide information on the hours / percentage of the time, that they are directly involved in the project activities and provide the hourly rate / wage for their involvement;
- Not more than 10% of the budget contribution can be allocated to Administrative Costs (rent, utilities, office material, communication, bank fees). Only Administrative Costs directly involved in the project are eligible for financial support (ex. the proportion of the rental costs for the office space that is will be used directly for the project activities);
- Not more than 10% of the budget can be used for study trips or tours. Please indicate in case of study tour why this is necessary and specify why the location / country of destination is chosen.
Eligible Projects
The Matra and HR fund support demand-driven initiatives. Project proposals have to be in line with the policy priorities and the mission statement. To be eligible for support, projects must promote the process of transformation in the following areas:
- Enhancing active citizens participation in judicial reforms;
- Strengthening transparency and accountability of the justice institutions;
- Promote the European Integration reforms with a focus on Stabilization and Association agreement and European Reform Agenda;
- Supporting resilient local communities that prevent radicalization / violent extremism and promote early warning / early action on a local level;
- Promoting diversity at the workplace with a special focus on women and non-majority communities;
- Strengthening the position of LGBTI community in areas outside of Pristina;
- Increase digital literacy and make youth more resilient towards disinformation and fake news.
Requirements
- Applications are only taken into consideration when the Embassy provided formats are used. Remove the example data and adjust the table as needed to your project);
- Provide a short movie – video (maximum 1 minute) with the applications in which you tell them why they need to support your project and how you make sure that results translate into sustainable impact;
- Applications must be relevant to the specific Matra objectives as highlighted;
- The project needs to reinvigorate the local ownership of the issue that forms the business case / reason for the project;
- The applicant should contribute to the project (financial or in kind). This needs to be specified clearly in the activities and budget overview;
- The applicant has preferably a minimum yearly turnover of EUR 100.000 for at least three consecutive years; In case your organization does not meet this criteria, they encourage partnership with organizations that do.
- The project has a maximum duration of 24 months;
- When other donors are involved, you need to specify this in the application and budget forms. It needs to be clear which donor contribution goes to the different activities;
- Beneficiary organisations need to provide a statement in which they underline their commitment to this project;
For more information, visit https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/latest-news/news/2021/11/26/pristina-embassy-matra-call-for-proposals-2022