Deadline: 10 July 2017
The French Embassy in South Africa is seeking applications for its Civil Society Development Fund (CSDF) with an aim to support capacity development of South African civil society organisations.
The principal objectives of the projects implemented through this development mechanism are sustainable development, the eradication of poverty and the responding to essential community needs as well as fostering democracy by strengthening human rights and gender equality.
The aim is also to build capacity, autonomy and accountability among local stakeholders, i.e. regional communities and grassroots civil society organisations, agricultural production associations, neighbourhood associations, women, parents schooling bodies etc.
Objectives
In the funding period 2017-2018, the French Embassy in South Africa will support innovative projects of South African CSOs falling within these two objectives.
- In accordance with the principles of the European Charter on Local Governance, a coordinated approach with a range of South African and foreign stakeholders will be sought, including European Union member states and their implementing agencies, United Nations agencies, private foundations and French CSOs.
- Priority shall be given to projects co-financed by one or several of these stakeholders, as well as to initiatives that support gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Fund’s Priorities
- Promoting respect for human rights, especially those of women, children and LGBTI persons.
- Improving local governance, public participation and access to basic services with a specific focus on sustainable development of communities, skills development, job creation and social cohesion.
Funding Information
- The average grant per project is expected to be around between €28 000 and €35 000.
- The maximum timeframe in terms of project duration is 16 months.
Eligibility Criteria
- Only projects whose terrain of activity is within South Africa are eligible. Priority is given to co-financed initiatives that support gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Only registered not-for-profit civil society organisations (CSOs), networks or coalitions based in South Africa and with at least a 5 year experience in the sector are eligible to apply for a CSDF grant. This includes non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academic institutions (including think-tanks), faith-based organisations, community-based organisations and trade unions.
- The applicant organisation is required to have sustainable and stable foundations in terms of finance, human resources and project management.
- The Embassy of France only contracts with legally constituted institutions.
How to Apply
- For the first selection round, CSOs are required to submit a five-page concept note and the first column of a logical framework (project description).
- The relevant forms and guidelines for submission can be downloaded via given website.
Eligible Country: South Africa
For more information, please visit Civil Society Development Fund.