Projects grants support programmes or projects working nationally through coalitions and networks. Individual organisations may also apply for funding for activities in a particular district or across several districts. Government agencies may also apply for project grants.

In line with the ENCISS policy for inclusion, gender-based organisations and organisations for people living disability are encouraged to apply.

What are they for:

ENCISS focuses on five thematic areas. In the second call for grants, applications focused on the thematic areas of decentralisation and youth are particularly encouraged although applications will be accepted and treated equally for all thematic areas.

• Projects demonstrating innovative approaches that could be replicated across Sierra Leone
• Projects addressing public policy issues through working in coalitions and networks
• Projects increasing the involvement and interaction between civil society and district level structures
• Projects encouraging the participation of poor and excluded groups in decision-making and policy monitoring
• Projects increasing the dissemination and communication of experiences and information among state, civilians and civil society

Project grants may support direct project costs but do not cover institutional costs. Coalitions and networks must demonstrate evidence of coalition building the proposed project and have a lead agency that would have contractual relations with ENCISS. Government agencies must be able to demonstrate how the project would improve working with CSOs in a sustainable manner on identified development issues.

Eligibility criteria

All organisations must be registered CSOs and government agencies in good standing.  In addition, all applications are assessed against the following criteria:

• Acquired competencies in relevant thematic focus of the organisation
• Annual reports for one year
• Demonstrate a good organisational governance system
• Evidence of a clear organisational strategy
• District/regional/national presence
• Demonstrate good financial systems
• Networks/coalitions should be governed by an Memorandum of Understanding or framework of engagement
• Organisational systems and procedures:

1. A one year work plan/programme/activity plan and an accompanying budget. Please note that this work plan/programme/activity plan should include media/communications/outreach activities
2. One previous annual statement of accounts, audited by a suitably certified person or entity
3. Financial and administrative systems should be capable of reporting on the total budgets of the organisation
4. Copy of legal registration in Sierra Leone (national or district registration) 
5. Overview of governance structure including contact details of board members and an organisational chart, policies and procedures manual
6. Annual activity report for the preceding year

For coalitions or strategic alliances to submit a proposal, at least one member, the "convener" or the "administrator", should meet the above qualifications. Coalitions and networks must have a formal Memorandum of Understanding signed by its constituents; the appointed Convener and/or Administrator NGO must be legally established in Sierra Leone.
 

To find out more, download the EoI application form and the guidelines below.