Deadline: 20-Jun-2024
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has announced submissions for the Community Development Support Program to provide non-repayable financial support (grants) to 10 civil society organizations (in particular AZ) in Moldova, facilitating the implementation of their action plans with the aim of empowering communities by stimulating sustainable development, strengthening social cohesion and promoting inclusive management.
The STRONG project is part of the third phase of the SDC program “Using the potential of migration in Moldova”, implemented in partnership with the Diaspora Relations Bureau of the State Chancellery and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The direct beneficiaries of the project will include relevant local public authorities, public organizations focused on democracy and governance, as well as individual communities (including members of the diaspora, repatriates and refugees).
The strategic goal of the STRONG project is to improve the standard of living of the Moldovan population through a more inclusive, responsible, responsive and evidence-based governance model, as well as through greater participation of migrants/diaspora in the long-term development of Moldova.
The Switzerland-UNDP project “Strengthening Social Cohesion through Inclusive Participation and Empowerment of Citizens” (STRONG) aims to create, through multi-stakeholder partnerships and measures, an effective model of cooperation and strengthen social cohesion by engaging members of the diaspora, return migrants and other citizens, as well as implementation of local governance responsive to the needs of the population.
This Call for Competition is conducted in the context of supporting civil society organizations (especially AZ) in Moldova and LPAs with the aim of promoting community development aimed at improving participatory local governance and inclusive democracy. By supporting dialogue, collaboration and innovation between local and diaspora actors, grants aim to strengthen local democracy, social cohesion and ensure the ability of local communities to shape their own future, and empower citizens to do so.
Goals
- Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, the program aims to overcome local challenges, improve quality of life, and create opportunities for communities to grow and become more resilient. These comprehensive efforts are based on two main goals:
- Strengthening social cohesion and community engagement: These are initiatives aimed at strengthening community ties, encouraging dialogue between different groups and enabling citizens to actively contribute to local governance. Particular attention will be paid to ensuring the inclusion of marginalized/excluded groups, including diasporas and vulnerable groups, and developing a sense of belonging.
- Strengthening local governance and local resilience: This involves providing technical assistance to develop partnerships at the local level. The program aims to build the capacity of local leaders and stakeholders, strengthen participatory planning and promote transparent and responsible governance practices.
Funding Information
- The Local Community Development Support Program aims to provide grant support to ten local projects/initiatives that will be implemented during the period 2024-2025. The total amount available for this grant program is $90,000.00.
- The grant amount should not exceed 75% of the total project budget.
- Co-financing of projects by migrants (compatriots) and the local population will amount to at least 25% of the total project cost.
- The grant amount must not exceed US$9,000.00 per applicant.
Eligible Areas
- Projects will be aimed at solving a specific problem identified as a result of broad participation of local residents and fellow countrymen living outside the locality and outside the country.
- Activities that promote long-term partnerships between these three community members and are not limited to a specific cultural event are encouraged.
- The project will be implemented by AZ in cooperation with the local public administration and migrants from the relevant locality.
Eligibility Criteria
- To qualify for the evaluation stage, project proposals must meet the following eight minimum eligibility criteria:
- The project proposal is submitted by the Association of Countrymen (AZ), a non-governmental and non-profit organization from the Republic of Moldova, created and registered in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 86/2020, whose purpose is to cooperate with the local public authority and involve countrymen/migrants in the development of their home communities in Moldova.
- The project proposal is submitted jointly by the applicant (AZ) and at least one co-applicant. The LPA body necessarily acts as a co-applicant.
- The maximum amount of funding requested under a STRONG/UNDP project shall not exceed US$9,000.00.
- Actions under the project will flow from the Partnership Agreement and/or Action Plan for the implementation of the process of involving citizens in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of local community development.
- Completion of the project will take no more than 10 months from the date of signing the grant agreement.
- Administrative expenses should not exceed 15% of the total project cost.
For more information, visit UNDP.