Embassy of Finland in Bangkok launches Fund for Local Cooperation

Deadline: 30-Sep-23

Applications are now open for the Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC), a fund administered by the Embassy of Finland in Bangkok.

The instrument is primarily used to support initiatives of local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), but funding can also be provided to science and technology communities, universities and other educational and research institutions, independent media, public corporations and cultural institutions (e.g. museums, libraries and theatres), chambers of commerce and commercial associations, organisations in the area of export and investment promotion, businesses, cooperatives, interest groups of companies and employees, foundations and religious organisations.

In Cambodia, the Embassy is currently prioritizing projects related to protection of human rights defenders, and promotion of good governance and democracy. FLC serves the Embassy as an important tool to broaden its networks and increase its impact in key areas of Finland’s foreign and development policy.

The aim is to establish partnerships with a limited number of organizations. Funding proposals will be assessed based on their relevance to local needs and priorities, and taking into account the relevance of a project in relation to the vision and the mission of the applying organization.

The funding from FLC is project-based and as a principle, the Embassy prioritizes projects with a long-term impact over once off activities such as seminars or similar events. In assessing funding proposals, the Embassy also takes into account the level of professionalism demonstrated by the applicant, including proven record of sound financial administration and cooperation with international partners.

Funding Information

The Embassy has a budget of approx. EUR 100,000 for FLC in Cambodia, which the Embassy foresees granting to 1−3 projects (max. EUR 100,000 each), each for a duration of max. 2 years.

Outcomes

The expected outcomes of the projects are:
- Promoting a rights-based approach to development in Cambodia.
- Supporting the development of an active and impactful local civil society including human rights defenders.

Ineligible

FLC Funding cannot be granted:
- To Finnish Non-Governmental Organisations
- For projects of friendship associations in Finland
- To Finnish Government agencies or public bodies
- To Finnish municipalities
- To Finnish businesses
- To the Government, ministries or municipalities of the host country
- To an unregistered association or organisation (however, taking into consideration the special circumstances in the host country)
- To support the activities of a political party
- For basic research
- For single cultural events (that have no permanent development impact)
- For charity
- For humanitarian aid
- In the form of a grant, scholarship or assistance for the applicant’s personal use
- For purchasing land
- To a Fund
- For building the capital of microcredit systems (however, development projects and training are possible)
The FLC projects are, as a rule, not meant to cover the core expenditure of the partner organization.

Selection Process

Applicants should be legally registered civil society organizations, or other organizations listed above. For those applications shortlisted for final selection, the Embassy will assess the applicant organization’s financial and administrative capacity.
FLC Partners are requested to apply key elements of Finnish development policy and quality standards, namely the Results Based Management (RBM), Human Rights Based Approach to Development (HRBA) and Cross-Cutting Objectives (CCOs) in their project plans. They are an important part of the selection criteria for FLC applications, and projects, which are assessed as Human Rights blind, cannot be funded. If needed, a capacity development plan can be part of the Project Plan for a systematic integration of the quality standards throughout the project cycle.

For more information, visit Embassy of Finland in Bangkok.