Call for Project Proposals: John Bunyan Fund for Freedom of Religion and Belief

Deadline: 13 September 2019

The UK government is currently seeking project funding bids for research on those persecuted on account of their religion or belief.

75% of the world’s population live in countries with high government restrictions on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), with recent evidence suggesting religious hostilities are increasing everywhere except the Americas (Pew, 2014).  FoRB is often at the heart of today’s foreign policy challenges and the protection of individuals persecuted due to their religion or belief is a human rights priority for the UK government.   But it is often hard to define what practical assistance governments can provide to support individuals at risk.

In response to this challenge, and acting on the recommendations of the Bishop of Truro’s Independent Review of FCO Support for Persecuted Christians, The UK government is requesting proposals for short and targeted research or scoping projects which will:

• identify the main problems;
• scope what support is already being provided; and
• make clear recommendations about what practical steps the UK Government can make to bring about positive change.

Scope of Work

The bidder will identify the research area, or areas, and the methodology that they feel will best meet the objectives above. Areas may include, but are not limited to, the specific type of persecution, the religious or faith based community (or communities) of study, and a potential way forward. Activities may include case studies, scoping exercises, interviews, data research etc.

Bids must cover one or more of the following countries, as listed in the Independent Review conducted by the Bishop of Truro and his team: Algeria, China, Colombia, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam.

Funding Information

Project activity must be completed before 31 December 2019. The total amount of funding available is £201,401. Resources are limited and therefore, as a guide, the UK government anticipates costs per each country involved in the research project to be within the range of £8,000 to £12,000.

Project timeline

The UK government would expect projects to begin in October 2019. The work must be completed and paid for before 31 December 2019.  They are unable to pay upfront costs.

Eligibility Criteria

Bidders should have significant understanding of religious persecution in the countries they are proposing to report on.  An understanding of government programming would be an advantage.

Assessment

Bids will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Alignment with the above mentioned priorities and outcomes
• Clear practical focus leading to tangible next steps
• Outcomes are achievable within the funding period
• Clear monitoring and evaluation procedures
• ODA eligibility and promotion of gender equality
• Strong risk and financial management, including consideration of safeguarding risks
• Overall value for money

How to Apply

Please complete the relevant ‘full project proposal’ document according to the total cost of project and the ‘activity based budget’ spreadsheet. Once completed, please send it at the address given on the website.

For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/john-bunyan-fund-for-freedom-of-religion-and-belief-call-for-bids