Support Programme for NGO Cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic Countries

Application round opens: 1 February 2023. Deadline: 15 March 2024 (23:59 EET). Applications are submitted via https://www.ncmgrants.org/ 

Purposes of the programme

The NGO programme is a Nordic instrument that supports the development of a strong and dynamic civil society in the Baltic Sea Region and helps expanding the capacity of NGOs in the Baltic States by sharing experience and knowledge with the Nordic partners.

The purpose is to promote:

• Network cooperation in prioritised areas
• Knowledge transfer for mutual benefit within different sector areas
• Experience exchange on best practices
• Capacity building within civil society

Requirements

It is a formal requirement that the applicant and relevant partners are Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The programme defines NGOs as “non-profit, publicly anchored, civic organisations that are neither owned nor controlled by public authorities, nor by private companies, and which have an open and democratic structure”.

At least three NGOs must be involved in a project for it to be eligible for funding. 2 different Nordic and 1 Baltic country or, alternatively, 1 Nordic and 2 different Baltic countries (NB 2+1 or 1+2).

Ukrainian NGOs operating in the Nordic – Baltic countries can be included as additional partner.

Eligible forms of project activities:

• Network activities, such as seminars and workshops with the aim to strengthen cooperation within the priority areas of the programme
• Study visits for exchange of experience
• Trainings, societal education projects
• Research projects

Applicants must clearly state the duration of the project. The maximum duration is one year. Activities carried out before the decision on funding from the programme are not eligible for funding from the programme.

Applicants should have good working knowledge in English. English is the language of application writing, reporting and the work language of all programme documents.

Priorities

Successful projects should reflect strategic priorities of the NCM Vision 2030:

• promote a green transition of our societies and work towards carbon neutrality and a sustainable circular and bio-based economy
• promote green growth in the Nordic region based on knowledge, innovation, mobility and digital integration
• promote an inclusive, equal and interconnected region with shared values and strengthened cultural exchange and welfare

In addition to the Vision, 2024 call gives priority for projects focusing on strengthening RESILIENCE within Nordic – Baltic societies:

• support for NGOs working on strengthening civil resilience: civil protection/defense, public safety, crisis management skills, etc.
• support for NGOs working on improving health and well-being of children and youth* (especially from socially vulnerable groups) through inclusion and sport and promotion of healthy and sustainable lifestyle
• support for NGOs working on integration initiatives for Ukrainian refugees. Primary target group – children and youth
• support for NGOs working on integration and educational initiatives for minorities. Primary target group – children and youth

*Children – up to 18 y.o./ Youth – up to 29 y.o.

Projects should also take into consideration cross-cutting themes: gender equality, children and youth, Agenda 2030.

Financial framework

The minimum grant is 10.000 EUR, and the maximum – 20.000 EUR. In some cases, projects where a bigger grant size can be motivated, the maximum grant for the project could be up to 25.000 EUR.

Eligible costs and financing:

• Costs related to network activities like seminars, meetings, and workshops
• Travel expenses (economy class)
• Accommodation (economy class) and per diems
• Expert fees
• Salary of the Project leader and Accountant

Proposals with a part of the budget financed by the applicant or a third party will be viewed favourably. Co-funding should be given as a monetary contribution, either directly by the applicant or indirectly through a third party (organisation/partner/donor/authority) towards the project. To be considered as co-funding the contribution needs to be directly linked to the budgetary framework provided and be an integral part of the application and the specific activities within this and provided before or during the implementation period. In-kind contributions, such as use of space, staff time or equipment, are not considered as co-funding.

Non-eligible costs:

• Infrastructure, regular activities, and administrative costs of the applicant
• Other costs which are not in harmony with the objectives of the programme

Payment procedures. 85% of grants are paid as advance payment. The remaining part is paid after an activity report (content and financial) has been submitted and approved.

Outcome of the application

Decisions can be expected no later than 6 weeks after the deadline for applying.

Decisions on grants are taken by the Directors of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Offices in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania based on the quality of applications, the budget frames of the programme and the following indicators:

• Purposes of the programme
• The criteria for support
• Consistency between the problems, objectives and activities, and results
• A clear division of tasks and responsibilities
• Sustainability: the proposals containing a description of follow-up activities are viewed positively.
• Cost-efficiency

All applicants will be informed about the outcome of the selection process. The decisions cannot be subject to appeal.

A grant should be used within twelve months after signing a contract.

All programme participants are to report on and evaluate their experiences. A report is to be submitted on-line using the electronic application and reporting system at www.ncmgrants.org no later than 30 days after the end date of the project. The report should consist of an activity report and a financial report.

Supported projects

More information about the call: https://www.ncmgrants.org/guidelines