Deadline: 31-Jan-21
The Embassy of Japan in the Independent State of Samoa has announced a call for proposals for 2021 Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP).
Japan aims through the GGP to aid self-supporting socio-economic development activities that benefit sectors at the grass-roots level in the Independent State of Samoa. The GGP is a framework that essentially supports local non-government organisations (NGOs) and local public organisations, in order to respond to various development needs in a prompt and precise manner, but on a comparatively small scale.
Funding Information
- The GGP fund is generally capped at JPY 10,000,000 (approximately USD 90,900 / WST 230,000 in FY 2020) per project.
Eligible Project Areas
- Basic Human Needs;
- Social Welfare;
- Basic Educational and Human Resource Development;
- Environmental Protection/ Disaster Relief;
- Reduce Vulnerability.
Eligibility Criteria
The Embassy accepts applications from the following organisations that have at least 2 years background of operation in the Independent State of Samoa:
- Non-Government Organisations;
- Non-Profit Organisations such as local public authorities, educational institutions and medical institutions;
- Non-Profit Organisations that implement development projects at the grass-roots level.
Selection Criteria
It is important to note that not all applications lodged with the Embassy will be approved. These guidelines describe the criteria that will be used to select each project. When all the required information has been submitted, the Embassy will assess each application according to the validity of supporting information and finally weigh it according to all criteria outlined here. The projects that will be selected in the end will be those that have been weighed against the criteria and justified in accomplishing the overall objectives of the GGP.
- Necessity, urgency and impact: The Embassy will assess received applications according to its necessity, urgency and impact on the target community. It will assess the scale of how the proposal will improve the situation of its target beneficiaries. Therefore, applicants must clarify the problems that they want to address and the expected direct benefits of the project to its target beneficiaries.
- Human capacity development: The Embassy will score highly in its evaluation an applicant who makes tireless efforts not only to improve the facility but also to develop its human resources capacity to better serve the needs of the applicant organisation (e.g. for school projects, efforts for further training of teachers with the support of teaching volunteers, efforts to conduct workshops for teachers, Parent-Teacher Association, and school committee in preparation of Annual Maintenance Plans, Fundraising Plans, Budget Planning and School Facilities Management according to the MESC Minimum Service Standards etc.).
- Capability (adequate understanding of GGP terms and conditions, track record, financial management capacity, implementation capability and monitoring system): Priority will be given to applicants with the capability to manage the financial and reporting requirements of the project. Inclusion of members who are qualified professionals and have experience in project management will be an advantage. Sincerity and honesty in addressing any enquiries from the Embassy will also be taken into account.
- Project feasibility: Applicants must discuss in complete detail how the proposed project will be implemented especially with the participation of residents. The Embassy will take into account whether applicants have attained full support of all its stakeholders.
- Sustainability: The Embassy will prioritise those projects that can proactively continue to create value long even after the project closes.
- Appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of requested amount: The Embassy will give consideration in its assessment to applications with project budget estimates prepared in full detail and supported by the proper documentation. The cost of proposals must be within the Grant ceiling amount in principle. In cases where proposals exceed the Grant ceiling amount, applicants must provide justification to the Embassy with detailed documentation that will prove the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of the request.
- In line with Samoa’s national priorities and Japan’s Country Assistance Policy for Samoa: Applications that are in line with national priorities of the Government of Samoa reflecting critical areas needed for community development and Japan’s Country Assistance Policy for Samoa below will be highly assessed. The Embassy seeks to assist the Government of Samoa and is committed to contributing towards the progress of its national priorities and strategic development direction as well as accomplishing Japan’s foreign aid policies.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/33WILaK