The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Latvia has announced the third call for project proposals in support of the diaspora in 2018. In order to promote self-organisation among the diaspora, strengthen its identity and maintain its link with Latvia, the internal regulations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Procedures for supporting by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Latvian diaspora and projects developed by the diaspora organisations”, have been adjusted.
The deadline for submission of the diaspora project proposals at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is 6 August, and priority will be given to projects dedicated to the centenary of proclamation of the Republic of Latvia. The assessment of applications will take place in mid-August. An additional deadline of 1 October has been planned, subject to the availability of funding in support of the diaspora.
The adjusted procedures envisage a more effective and transparent system for the assessment of projects. The applications will be evaluated against more detailed criteria – project justification, quality and the budget – and the conformity of the projects with the Foreign Ministry’s objectives for allocating the diaspora funding, results to be achieved and target audiences, as well as budget adequacy in relation to the planned activities.
The adjusted regulations do not considerably change the requirements set to applicants. However, it should be noted that a classification of eligible and non-eligible costs has been developed and reporting procedures have been simplified for projects awarded less than 700 EUR, 10% of the total project’s budget can now be allotted to unforeseen expenses, and applications should specify the planned activities and co-financing, if any.
