Call for Small Grants - Enhancing Public Accountability and Trust In Lebanon

The Enhancing Public Accountability and Trust In Lebanon (EPATL) small grants program is an initiative managed by ARK with support from the United States Embassy in Lebanon. The objective of the program is to support the role of civil society to engage citizens in influencing change that results in or contributes to greater efficiency, responsiveness and/or accountability. This is to be achieved in part through capacity building and grants for CSOs and NGOs in Lebanon to implement advocacy projects. A total of $200,000 is allocated for distribution among grantees. Between 12 and 15 CSOs will be selected with an award ceiling of $30,000 and an award floor of $5,000.

ARK invites Lebanese CSOs and NGOs to submit applications for the pre-qualification round of the EPATL program. Following evaluation of proposals, selected CSOs/NGOs will then be invited to submit a full proposal. The submission requirements for the pre-qualification round are as follows:

1. A completed application form; including
2. A brief concept note (no more than one page) providing an overview of the organisation’s proposed project idea and the rationale for the project. This project must focus on one of the priority areas listed in this call.

To be eligible to receive a grant, organizations must meet the following criteria:
o Be not-for-profit;
o Be directly responsible for the preparation, implementation and management of the project;
o Propose a project that aligns with the objectives of the call for proposals;
o Be able to demonstrate a recent and stable track record and experience in advocacy and one of the priority areas listed below in this call for proposals; and
o Successfully pass a due diligence check and demonstrate sufficient capacity to manage financial and other reporting requirements (e.g. previous experience managing grants)

To be eligible for funding, proposed projects must demonstrate an ability and plan for sustainable and larger change than can be affected through direct service delivery or capacity building. This can include:

• creating sustainable change through advocating for changes to institutional laws and policies; and
• increasing people’s awareness of their rights and government’s responsibilities;
Furthermore, projects must focus on one of the priority areas listed below:
• Monitoring and efficiency of public policies and public services;
• Promotion of socio-economic rights;
• Advocating against social exclusion of the most vulnerable (refugees and migrants, disabled people, women, etc.);
• Youth employment and empowerment;
• Reducing inequalities socio-economic, regional and gender; or
• Citizenship, participation, governance, accountability and dialogue
The following project proposals are not eligible:
• actions only or mainly aimed at sponsoring participation in workshops, seminars, conferences and congresses;
• actions aimed only or principally at financing skills development, individual scholarships or training;
• actions causing any form of discrimination against individuals or groups based on their sex, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, religious belief, age or disability, health or economic status;
• Actions of partisan or religious nature.

Interested organizations must complete and submit the attached application form by 6pm on 14 May 2020 to [email protected]. Proposals from women’s organizations, women’s led organizations and organizations advocating for people with disabilities (PWDs) are particularly welcomed.