Post-Exchange Initiative

1. About the grant

Norec is piloting a grant model for small scale initiatives by previous exchange participants who have completed their exchange in 2023 or in 2024. Through your own initiatives you can use the experiences and knowledge you gained during your exchange to expand your outreach and contribute to positive change in your communities.

This grant is application-based. Applications will be processed and assessed based on the criteria set out in this call for proposals. Applications will be assessed and weighted in relation to other applications received. Meeting all the conditions of this call does not guarantee a grant.

The total available grant for the pilot is 20 000 USD.

2. Who can apply?

• You have to be a member of  Norec Network.
• You must have finished your exchange in either 2023 or 2024.
• You must demonstrate a good understanding of the topic that the initiative will focus on
• You must partner with a Norec partner organisation. The organisation will receive and forward the grant to you if selected. You will handle implementation and reporting.

3. What can be supported?

Your initiative should aim to create a positive impact in the local community.

The initiative you are applying for must:

• be implemented in Norway or one or more of the countries on Norec’s partner list.
• Directly target one of the UN Sustainable development goals
• Be based on insights and knowledge gained during your exchange
• address a specific need in the local community, have achievable goals and be cost effective.

The minimum amount that may be applied for is USD 1 000 and the maximum is USD 5 000.

4. How will Norec assess the applications?

Norec will select the successful applications based on the following:

• How well the initiative responds to the objective of this call
• Variation in the scheme’s portfolio to include a diverse set of activities, subject-matter and target group in as many countries as possible
• The need for the initiative in the local community
• Value for money in relation to the expected results
• Risks associated with the initiative
• Relevance to Norwegian development priorities
• Scope for knowledge sharing within Norec Network

5. What are the requirements for reporting?

Norec Network members receiving funding from this grant scheme will be responsible for managing the grant and must ensure that the planned activities are carried out as planned. A narrative and financial report to Norec is expected within 6 months of receiving a grant and will be submitted using an online reporting template

6. How do you apply?

The deadline for this call for proposal is 13 October 2024 at midnight CET.

Application will be accepted only if  submitted via the online form. All applicants who are eligible for the grant will recieve an e-mail with a link to the form.

7. Any further questions?

Send an email to network@norec.no if you have any further questions.

Please check out our Frequently asked questions below.

8. Frequently asked questions

1. What kind of activities can I include?

Your activities will depend on your initiative. It could be gatherings to share knowledge with a specific target group in your community; outreach activities; research activities, educational activities and so on. We do not have a predetermined set of activities that fits this call. Most important is that the activities are an essential part of achieving the results you have envisioned for your initiative and can realistically be implemented with the resources and capacities you have available.

2. What can the budget cover?

Types of costs that you include in your budget will be completely dependent on the type of initiative that you are planning. You may need materials and equipment to implement your activities. You may also have costs related to conducting community meeting, trainings and campaigns. You can include the costs that you consider necessary to implement that specific initiative.

Norec cannot support the administrative costs of running an organisation or pay staff salaries. The only administrative support we provide is a 5% compensation to the partner organisation that will be supporting the previous participant to receive and forward the funds. This is to cover all bank charges, accounting costs and other administrative costs related to this.

3. How long can my initiative last for?

You will have to report on the activities and use of the grant within 6 months of receiving funding. So, the expectation is that you start planning for your initiative and start implementing the activities within this time frame. However, some initiative will be ongoing beyond 6 months and the plans that you have initiated will last for many years.

4. When should I expect to hear back from Norec?

We have a goal of reaching a conclusion and announcing those that will receive a grant within 4 weeks after the application deadline.