Deadline: 5-Jun-23
Qualified civil society organizations (CSOs) from Madhesh and Lumbini provinces can now submit their applications for the Community Engagement in Learning Challenge Fund.
CSM supports independent civil society and media led by and for women, youth, and marginalized communities to advance public interest, fundamental freedoms, and accountability. Most activities will focus on Lumbini and Madhesh Provinces, with some implemented in Kathmandu.
The Community Engagement in Learning Challenge Fund will offer grants to projects that improve learning outcomes through community engagement in school education. The Challenge Fund welcomes ideas for innovative approaches, accountability mechanisms, and strengthening collaboration between local governments and communities to achieve improved learning outcomes. Grants will be provided to organizations registered and working in Lumbini and Madhesh provinces, prioritizing those run by and for women, youth, and marginalized communities.
Objectives of the Challenge Fund
This Challenge Fund will focus on working with and for women, youth, and marginalized communities, through the targeted objectives below:
- Support the establishment of networks and coalitions and strengthen the civic space for reform in education,
- Promote locally envisioned innovations and experimental approaches in engaging citizens in the education system,
- Extend synergies and collaborations between stakeholders for quality education,
- Foster community engagement through active SMCs and PTAs for increased accountability in school education outcomes.
Program area: Good Governance
Award Information
- Applicants can apply for grants up to USD 50,000 (not exceeding (NPR 6,535,000).
- USAID/Nepal funds the Challenge Fund through CSM-STAND-LWA. Challenge Fund opportunities complement the Government of Nepal’s (GON) efforts and private sector innovations that strengthen inclusive governance and democratic principles.
Community Engagement and Targeted support
- Collaborative actions that promote partnership and dialogues among multiple stakeholders, such as between School Management Committee (SMC), Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and local governments, religious schools, etc., to improve access to education.
- Build or reengage networks and coalitions to highlight and share good practices among education professionals.
- Programs for parents and community engagement in school education to increase the quality and accountability of local systems.
- Awareness and advocacy support programs for the inclusion of children with disability and children from highly marginalized communities from the two provinces.
- Community engagement in local curriculum and need-based strategies.
- Support local research firms/ associations in research and reforming the local education system.
Learning Skills and Accountability
- Use of mass communication and social media to increase the quality and accountability of local education systems.
- Improve access of marginalized communities to quality education through digital technologies.
- Developing advocacy and oversight skills of women and youth from marginalized communities to reform the local education system.
Eligibility Information
- Grants will be open to local civil society organizations registered and working in Lumbini and Madhesh provinces.
- The organization can choose among the themes provided in the call or propose creative ideas for community engagement in learning.
- The organizations should have a sound record of working in (but not limited to) the education sector.
- CSOs run by women, youth, and marginalized communities are highly encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit The Asia Foundation.