Call for Proposals: Atlantic Corridor Socio-Economic Livelihoods in Northern Ghana

Deadline: 29-Dec-2025

The UNDP, with funding from the Government of Denmark, invites proposals from NGOs in Northern Ghana to implement livelihood interventions aimed at reducing drivers of violent extremism. Projects will focus on economic empowerment, skills development, and social inclusion for women and youth in targeted districts. Grants of up to USD 40,000 (or cedi equivalent) are available for interventions lasting up to nine months, with implementation concluding by June 2026.

Overview

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), funded by the Government of Denmark, seeks proposals from local NGOs to support initiatives that address drivers of radicalization and violent extremism in Northern Ghana.

The program emphasizes economic resilience, social inclusion, and livelihood development for at-risk populations, especially women and youth, in vulnerable communities.

Target districts include:

• Builsa South District – Upper East Region

• Sissala West District – Upper West Region

• Bole District – Savannah Region

Key Objectives

• Strengthen socio-economic livelihoods for women and youth

• Address immediate drivers of violent extremism through empowerment and inclusion

• Promote stability, opportunity, and long-term development in vulnerable communities

• Facilitate community engagement, micro-savings, and partnerships with local authorities

Eligible Activities

Funded interventions may include:

• Skills development and capacity building: life skills, vocational training, and business development

• Entrepreneurship support: basic bookkeeping, financial management, mentorship, and business coaching

• Economic empowerment initiatives: micro-enterprises, small business support, and employment opportunities for youth

• Community cohesion programs: village savings and loan associations, local partnerships, and value chain engagement

• Collaboration with local authorities and institutions to ensure sustainable project impact

Who Is Eligible?

• Legally registered non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the target districts

• Organizations with capacity to manage grants up to USD 40,000 (or cedi equivalent) per project

• NGOs able to demonstrate administrative and financial management capacity and potential contribution (financial or in-kind)

• Organizations committed to peacebuilding, social inclusion, and community development

Funding Details

• Maximum grant per project: USD 40,000 (or cedi equivalent)

• Duration: Up to 9 months

• Implementation deadline: June 2026

• Eligible costs: Livelihood interventions, skills training, mentorship, project management, monitoring, and administrative costs

How to Apply / Application Process

1. Review the terms of reference (ToR) and ensure your NGO meets eligibility criteria

2. Complete the NGO Request for Information (RFI) template with organizational and financial details

3. Develop a project proposal aligned with program objectives, including:

   • Target beneficiaries and communities

   • Specific interventions and activities

   • Expected outcomes and impact on violent extremism drivers

   • Budget and financial management plan

4. Submit the proposal according to UNDP guidelines before the application deadline

5. Successful NGOs will implement interventions within one geographical area in the same region

Tips and Best Practices

• Clearly link activities to reducing violent extremism and promoting inclusion

• Include capacity-building elements for women and youth

• Demonstrate partnerships with local authorities and community organizations

• Ensure the budget is realistic and aligned with administrative capacity

• Incorporate monitoring and evaluation to track impact and sustainability

Why It Matters

• Supports economic empowerment and social inclusion for at-risk populations

• Addresses root causes of violent extremism in Northern Ghana

• Promotes community cohesion, stability, and resilience

• Strengthens local NGO capacity to deliver sustainable, high-impact interventions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who can apply for this grant?

• NGOs legally operating in the Builsa South, Sissala West, or Bole districts.

Q2: What is the maximum funding available per project?

• USD 40,000 or cedi equivalent.

Q3: How long can projects run?

• Up to nine months, with all activities completed by June 2026.

Q4: Are in-kind contributions from NGOs required?

• Yes, NGOs must demonstrate some level of financial or in-kind contribution.

Q5: Can the grant cover administrative costs?

• Yes, eligible costs include project management and administrative expenses.

Q6: Who are the target beneficiaries?

• Primarily women and youth in vulnerable communities at risk of radicalization.

Q7: How are proposals evaluated?

• Based on alignment with program objectives, feasibility, community impact, financial management, and sustainability.

Conclusion

The UNDP Northern Ghana Livelihood Grant provides local NGOs with a unique opportunity to promote economic empowerment, social inclusion, and peace in communities vulnerable to violent extremism. By implementing targeted interventions and building local capacity, NGOs can contribute to long-term stability, resilience, and development in the Upper East, Upper West, and Savannah regions of Ghana.

For more information, visit UNDP.