European Commission Funding Support for Strengthening Civil Society in Sri Lanka

The European Commission has issued a call for proposal under the “Non-State Actors and Local Authorities in Development” thematic programme with overarching objective of supporting “operations aiming at promoting an inclusive and empowered society in partner countries in order to benefit populations excluded from policy making processes, strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations, and facilitate interaction between State and Non-State Actors in different contexts.”

“The specific objectives of this Call for Proposals are:

1) Strengthening the voice and capacity of civil society organisations and other Non-State Actors in Sri Lanka, as a precondition for a more equitable, open, democratic and peaceful society.

2) Facilitating interaction between State and Non-State Actors in different contexts in Sri Lanka, in particular through strengthening the ability of Non-State Actors to influence policy.

3) Strengthening the capacity of Non-State Actors to support and represent vulnerable groups, such as those affected by armed conflict, human rights violations, discrimination or exclusion.

Priority Areas

Proposals for activities that aim to facilitate inter-community involvement are particularly encouraged. Proposals should explicitly demonstrate how people from a range of backgrounds are involved in the project as beneficiaries, participants of project activities, and as project staff.

Applicants are required to demonstrate equal gender participation at all levels of the project.

Beneficiary and target group participation at the project design stage is encouraged.

Whenever possible, particular attention should be paid to cross-cutting issues such as the promotion of gender equality, disability, human rights and democracy, the protection and promotion of children’s rights, integration of environmental questions, respect for the rule of law and fight against HIV/AIDS.”

Only concept notes need to be submitted initially based upon the given format. PADOR registration is necessary for all applicants. The concept notes can be submitted by mail to the local office of the Delegation of the European Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The submission deadline is 30 April 2010. For more information, visit this link.