Deadline: 6-Oct-23
The Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) through funding under the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Global Fund Grant Agreement Number: QRB-C-OECS is pleased to offer a community grant to support local NGOs and CSOs who are working to support key population communities from vulnerability and risk to resilience through funding to support safe spaces.
Studies show that providing a safe space can be key in engaging and retaining Key Population (KP) members in HIV programming. By encouraging feelings of acceptance and a sense of belonging, safe spaces allow KPs to forge new ties with a community of helpers who can provide valuable support. The provision of a safe space is thus an essential component of effective key population development programmes aimed at health promotion.
The OECS Sustainability, Resilience and Movement toward an OECS Regional Health Agenda, is a three –year grant with the Global Fund aimed at eliminating HIV, TB and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in the Eastern Caribbean. The project operates in six participating OECS Member States: St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis and Grenada. CVC has been selected as a Sub-recipient for the key population component of the grant.
The Caribbean Vulnerable Communities is the largest coalition of community-based organizations (CBOs) in the Caribbean, bringing together leaders, actors and more than 80 civil society organizations working with marginalized populations especially vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. It provides a platform for dialogue on coordinated policies and responses addressing vulnerability, human rights and sexual and reproductive health.
Safe Space Programme Philosophy and Practice
- The model safe spaces should seek to create a “KP-friendly” physical or virtual environment, or a combination of both, for KP members in alignment with features that have been identified to likely promote a successful safe space in KP community programs including:
- Physical and psychological safety (e.g. Mental and physical safety from harassment, bullying, violence);
- Sexuality and sexual health promotion (e.g. facilitated access to SRH services); Clear and consistent structure and appropriate supervision (e.g. guidelines for managing emotional, physical or professional boundaries between peers, and staff/volunteers;
- Supportive relationships (e.g. good communication and counselling);
- Opportunities to belong (e.g. opportunities for meaningful inclusion regardless of a person’s gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation etc., opportunities for sociocultural identity formation etc.);
- Positive social norms (e.g. group behaviour rules such as respect for others, constructive feedback, inclusivity, culturally sensitivity, recognition of ethnicity, non-judgmental);
- Opportunities for skill building (e.g. opportunities for physical, intellectual, psychological, emotional, and social skills building;
- Ethical practice (e.g. approach that supports autonomy and increases empowerment);
- Anonymity (e.g. no requirement to disclose personal data, measures to ensure confidentiality); and
- Behaviour management processes (e.g. expectations of behavior are communicated and reinforced).
Purpose of Funding Opprtunity
- To provide support for safe spaces for Key Population Communities to access screening and treatment for STIs.
Funding Priority Areas
- This funding can be used to support diverse activities including but not limited to:
- HIV testing, linkage to appropriate HIV prevention, treatment and care services and other clinical and support services
- Psychosocial and Support Services for Key populations
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Education
- Advocacy activities to reduce stigma, discrimination and human rights violation against Key Populations.
- Community based activities to provide vocational and life skills training
Funding Information
- Each organization may apply for an award of maximum US$5,000 to support project-related costs for up to six (6) months. Allocations for salaries, stipends, incentives and overheads should not exceed 40% of the total budget for the grant.
Eligibility Criteria
- Civil Society Organizations serving key populations that are based in the six participating OECS Member States: St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis and Grenada.
Requirements and Restrictions
- CVC seeks to support quality and accountable programs. Therefore, all organizations funded through this grant-process will be required to provide monthly, mid-term and final reports, and will be required to utilize the community web-based M&E platform and database designed by CVC specifically for its partners.
- Organizations should be able and ready to document appropriate financial and accounting controls, including measures to prevent duplicated use or misappropriation of funds. CVC will provide close technical support and financial oversight of all mini-grants awarded.
For more information, visit Caribbean Vulnerable Communities.