Fund for Local Cooperation for Civil Society and Private Sector Organizations (Botswana)

Deadline: 30-May-25

The Embassy of Finland in Pretoria hereby invites Botswana civil society and private sector organizations to submit project proposals to apply for funding from the Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC).

Finland continues its long-term human rights policy of promoting and defending the rights of women, girls, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples and gender and sexual minorities, and other people in particularly vulnerable positions. The work to promote and defend human rights also helps the efforts to tackle human trafficking.

Objectives

• The objectives of this call are two-fold:
  • to support the digitalization transformation in Botswana, and
  • strengthen democratic and accountable society that promotes human rights, with a particular focus on prevention of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and strengthening the rights of women and girls.

Focus Areas

• In line with Finland’s development policy and identified development challenges in Botswana, the Embassy of Finland welcomes funding proposals in the following focus areas:
  • Strengthening digital transformation in Botswana
    • The Embassy welcomes proposals that contribute to the strengthening of the digital innovation ecosystem and/or promote digital inclusion in Botswana. The thematic focus can include piloting of new digital solutions (e.g. in fintech), acceleration of innovative digital startups, strengthening of digital skills and inclusion, bridging digital divide, etc.
  • A democratic and accountable society that promotes human rights: 
    • By preventing Gender Based Violence (GBV) and/or strengthening the rights of women and girls.
    • This focal area focuses on strengthening the role of civil society in advancing human rights. The projects sought for funding can address human rights issues faced by vulnerable groups in Botswana.
    • Funding proposals are welcomed that Facilitate access to support services for victims of gender-based violence and support the prevention of gender-based violence, projects that raise awareness among all women and girls of their rights and their capability to claim them, such as the right to bodily autonomy and self-determination. In addressing factors that weaken the position of women and to transform social norms, it is vital to involve men and boys in the processes.

Funding Information

• Funding for focal area 1: Strengthening digital transformation in Botswana
  • Embassy’s funding per project will range between 80 000 – 100 000 EUR and can be granted for a duration of 12- 15 months.
• Funding for focal Area 2:  A democratic and accountable society that promotes human rights.
  • Embassy’s funding per project will be between 70 000 – 80 000 EUR  and can be granted for a duration of 12 – 15 months.

Eligibility Criteria

• Preference is given to result-oriented, reputable organisations with experience and necessary organizational structures in place. The projects proposed should lead to verifiable development impacts.
• Eligibility
  • Application may be assessed if it fulfils the following criteria:
    • Application arrived in time
    • Application is signed by authorised person
    • Applicant is a registered organisation
    • Applicant is an FLC eligible organization
    • Actors may include Botswana’s non-governmental organisations, science and technology communities, universities and other educational and research institutions, independent media, public bodies and cultural institutions (for example, museums, libraries and theatres), chambers of commerce and commercial associations, organisations engaged in the promotion of export and investment, businesses, cooperatives, interest groups of companies and employees, foundations or religious communities.
    • have been operational for a minimum of three years
    • Application includes a project plan with a results analysis, risk analysis and budget (as per the instructions to applicants)

Ineligibility Criteria

• Funding cannot be awarded to
  • To the Government, ministries or municipalities of the host country
  • To an unregistered association or organisation
  • 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.

For more information, visit Finland Abroad.