The European Union seeks proposals for actions and initiatives that support civil society organisations (CSOs) in Lesotho to contribute to an inclusive, participatory, empowered, and independent democratic space in the country.
Priorities and funded actions
Actions funded under the new call should aim to achieve the following objectives and priorities:
The first priority of the call is to put in place an innovative and differentiated funding mechanism for civil society organisations in Lesotho, through financial support to third parties (which will represent at least 65% of the action’s budget). The action will adopt a differentiated approach according to the different types of CSOs (size, level of capacity, mission, etc.)
A second priority is to strengthen the capacities of local CSOs to engage in policy dialogue at a national level as well as their capacity to engage in dialogues, the implementation and monitoring of national development plans and programmes. Actions that will improve the capacity and ability of local civil society partners to uphold and promote an enabling environment for dialogue and policy influence at a national level will also be looked on with favour.
The third priority is to strengthen the capacities of local CSOs, particularly local women-led and youth-led CSOs, to engage in actions aimed at achieving gender equality (for example, tackling gender-based discrimination, gender-based violence, etc.), promoting the inclusion and participation of people living with disabilities in national programmes and promoting the inclusion of youth as well (economic, social, political, etc.).
Funding
Grants requested under this call for proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum amounts:
- Minimum amount: EUR 2,200,000.
- Maximum amount: EUR 2,457,000.
Information session and applications
An information session will be organised on 18 January 2023 to help applicants familiarise themselves with the system of online submission.
To participate in the session, interested applicants should send an e-mail to [email protected] by 16 January 2023 indicating the name(s), surname(s), nationality(ties) and email address(es) of the persons who are going to participate as well as which organisation they will be representing. A maximum of two participants per organisation will be allowed to participate.
The deadline for submission of Concept Notes is 15 February 2023 at 09h00 (Brussels time) / 10h00 (Maseru time).
The full Guidelines for Applicants showing the application procedures, requirements and further documents for this call for proposals are available on the internet site below.