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Description of process

Selected NGOs at the concept paper phase prepare full proposals following closely the grants guidelines which are forwarded to them together with the approval letter. They are encouraged to write the proposals in cooperation with partners (NGOs, stakeholders, etc).

Cooperation with other NGOs/stakeholders
NGOs are encouraged to apply the cooperative, multi-stakeholder approach within the national grants. Besides the NGO cooperation they are expected to concretely involve other stakeholders and explain their role in the proposal. Indicators with which to measure the stakeholder’s involvement in the project implementation should be developed. In order to ensure the stakeholders’ involvement, the NGOs are encouraged to invite the main stakeholders in the full proposals development.

Financial Terms

• The national grants can vary from EUR 8,000-15,000 depending on the nature of the project and the number of partners involved. Setting a minimum amount is optional.
• NGOs can have one open national REC grant at a time. They should close the open grant successfully to be able to apply for another.
• Co-financing of national projects is recommended but not required. This extra condition would be subject to donor requirements. However, REC encourages NGOs to seek matching or supporting funds from other sources. For example, NGOs may wish to seek funds from other foundations, from state and local governments, or environmentally friendly businesses in their countries. In cases involving co-financing, the REC requires to have information on the budget and expenses of the full support (including co financing). In order to avoid “double billing” by the NGOs, the REC prefers to support the full costs of a certain activity within a project and not share it with the co-financing.

Project Period
The project period of the national grants must not exceed two years. Generally the preferred time frame of the projects is about 12 months. Projects must start immediately but not later than three months after the signing of the award agreement. Otherwise they will be closed out abnormally.

Submission deadline

NGOs should comply with the submission deadline given by the announcement and guidelines. The submission deadline should also be mentioned in the concept paper approval letter. The deadline indicates the date and the time for proposals to arrive at the REC office. This way the office can more easily manage the collection process and start processing proposals.

Related policies

• Equipment purchase policy
• Grants budgeting policy given in the guidelines

Supporting docs

• Annex II – National grants guidelines template

Financial