The DFID’s Civil Society Challenge Fund (CSCF), one of the major funding opportunities for UK-based nonprofit organizations and their partner NGOs in developing countries is now open to accepting grant applications. DFID offers a funding of up to £500,000 to grantees to implement projects and programs in developing countries in partnership with local NGOs. Although NGOs in developing countries cannot apply directly to this opportunity, yet their partnership with a UK-based applicant organizations is crucial. Therefore, Southern local NGOs can proactively begin seeking partnerships with UK organizations to jointly submit the project proposals.
The Fund will support the following activities:
- improve the capacity of Southern civil society to engage in the local decision-making processes
- improve the capacity of Southern civil society to engage in national decision making processes
- improve national linkages through global advocacy
- provide innovative service delivery
- provide service delivery in difficult environments
Although CSCF will offer 100% of the total proposed project costs, it still prefers to fund those organizations which are able to secure part of the funding from other sources. Project funding is available for a period of up to five years.
Applicant organizations should submit concept notes initially. The 2-page concept note (based on the form given) will give the underlying idea of the project. A logical framework also needs to be submitted along with the concept note. Detailed proposal will be requested later from only those applicants selected on the basis of the concept note. The deadline to submit the concept note is 31 May 2010. For more information, visit this link.
