Call for Project Proposals: Women, Peace, and Security (Philippines)

The European Union-funded GPACT Women, Peace, and Security Small Grants Programme supports community-led projects in the Philippines that advance gender equality and peacebuilding. Grants start from PhP20,000 and focus on localizing the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS). Eligible applicants include civil society and women-led organizations with at least one year of experience.

Overview

The Women, Peace, and Security Small Grants Call is part of the Gendered Actions on Peace, Advocacy, and Community Transformation (GPACT) Project, funded by the European Union and implemented with partners such as VSO.

The programme supports grassroots organisations to implement community-driven initiatives that strengthen gender equality and peacebuilding across selected regions in the Philippines.

Key Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Localize the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS)
• Strengthen civil society and women’s organisations
• Promote gender equality and inclusive peacebuilding
• Support community-led and adaptive projects
• Enhance participation in WPS policy implementation

Geographic Scope

• Covers 47 cities and municipalities
• Implemented across 4 regions in the Philippines
• Targets 184 local organisations

Funding Details

• Minimum grant size: PhP20,000
• Supports small-scale, community-led projects
• Funding tied to capacity building and WPS implementation

Priority Focus Areas

1. Gender Equality & WPS Agenda

• Women’s participation in peacebuilding
• Gender-responsive governance
• Inclusion and empowerment

2. Capacity Building

• Training for civil society organisations
• Leadership and advocacy skills
• Institutional strengthening

3. Community Engagement

• Local dialogue and participation
• Inclusive decision-making
• Grassroots peace initiatives

Examples of Eligible Projects

Projects may include (but are not limited to):

• Financial literacy training
• Proposal writing workshops
• Gender sensitivity or GEDSI training
• Training of trainers on WPS
• Men-led community dialogues

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative:

• Strengthens grassroots peacebuilding
• Empowers women and local organisations
• Enhances local implementation of national policies
• Builds inclusive and resilient communities

It plays a critical role in advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda at the local level.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Civil society organisations (CSOs)
• Women’s rights organisations
• Community-based organisations (CBOs)

Key Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be registered and accredited
• Operate within GPACT-covered areas
• Have at least 1 year of experience in relevant work
• Demonstrate experience in WPS or gender-related initiatives

Organizational Requirements

• At least 60% of members must be women or girls
• Must maintain separate organisational bank accounts
• Must demonstrate sound financial management practices

Application Limit

• Organisations may submit multiple proposals

How the Programme Works

Implementation Model

1. Funding is provided to selected organisations
2. Projects align with regional WPS action plans
3. Capacity building is integrated into implementation
4. Monitoring ensures accountability and results

Expected Outcomes

• Increased local participation in WPS processes
• Strengthened organisational capacity
• Improved gender equality outcomes
• Enhanced community-level peacebuilding

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm eligibility and location coverage
2. Identify a community need aligned with WPS
3. Develop a proposal including:
   • Project objectives
   • Activities and timeline
   • Expected outcomes
4. Ensure compliance with financial and governance requirements
5. Submit proposal under the GPACT Small Grants call

What to Emphasize

• Strong alignment with WPS and gender equality
• Community-driven approach
• Feasible and impactful activities
• Clear outcomes and sustainability

Tips for a Strong Application

• Focus on local impact and participation
• Align with NAPWPS priorities
• Include measurable indicators
• Demonstrate organisational capacity
• Highlight inclusion and diversity

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak connection to WPS objectives
• Lack of community involvement
• Poor financial planning
• عدم compliance with eligibility criteria
• Vague or unrealistic project goals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who funds this programme?

The European Union under the GPACT initiative.

2. Who implements the programme?

Partners including VSO and local CSO networks.

3. What is the minimum grant amount?

PhP20,000.

4. Who can apply?

CSOs, women’s organisations, and community-based organisations.

5. Can organisations submit multiple proposals?

Yes.

6. What is the key focus?

Gender equality and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS).

7. Are small community projects eligible?

Yes, the programme is designed for community-led initiatives.

Conclusion

The GPACT Women, Peace, and Security Small Grants Programme offers a valuable opportunity for grassroots organisations in the Philippines to drive meaningful change.

By supporting community-led, gender-responsive initiatives, the programme strengthens local peacebuilding efforts and advances inclusive development aligned with national and global WPS priorities.