Deadline: 10-Sep-23
Applications are now open for the Human Rights and Democratisation (HRD) Scheme to provide support for Civil Society Organisations engaged in promoting human rights and democratisation.
The HRD Scheme has, over many years, formed an important component of Ireland’s support to the Palestinian people.
Objectives
- To empower Palestinian civil society organisations in contributing to Palestinian institutional building, and to protect and promote fundamental freedoms.
Thematic Priorities
- Projects should aim to address at least one of the following thematic priorities:
- To strengthen skills of journalists in digital journalism and learn about range of tools and techniques that help journalists prepare for their stories. This should focus on digital tools and best practices for news gathering and online verification, weighing information & evidence and help journalists to find and tackle dis/misinformation, and verify and tell engaging stories.
- Promote or safeguard Palestinian cultural heritage, identity or representation, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups and areas and on the natural environment.
- Use of innovative approaches (e.g. utilising multimedia in social media campaigns) to advance topical policy issues related to gender equality, women’s empowerment or combatting gender-based violence.
Available Grants
- The maximum possible annual grant is €40,000.
- Duration: up to one year.
Geographical Focus: This call shall focus on intervention within the occupied Palestinian territory.
Eligibility Criteria
- It is envisaged that the selected projects will commence in February 2024 onwards. The process is highly competitive and not all applications will be successful.
- The following eligibility criteria apply:
- Registration: Applicant organisations which are in operation and have a valid NGO Registration Certificate and Number, and have a minimum of two years of experience as of 1 January 2024.
- Organisation Focus: Applicant organisations must have clear focus and expertise in the area of support. Organisations will be assessed based on the level of expertise and understanding in the project focus area.
- Funding Status: In order to avoid double-funding, applications cannot be accepted from any organisations which have been approved to receive a grant in 2023 or 2024 from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
- Accounts: The Eligibility Form should be accompanied by full audited accounts for the last financial year prior to application.
- Record of Compliance: Applicants with a record of non-compliance with the terms of Department contract(s) will not be considered for funding.
- Safeguarding: Applicants must have policies and procedures in place to protect vulnerable and young adults, children, beneficiaries, staff and volunteers, as relevant. Copies of these policies might be requested at any stage of the appraisal and contractual process.
For more information, visit Government of Ireland.