Call for project proposals under Small Projects Fund 2021-2022 in Ukraine
British Embassy Kyiv invites project proposals to promote universal human rights, democratic participation, gender equality and respect for minorities in Ukraine.
The British Embassy Kyiv invites proposals for project work from 1 September 2021 to 15 March 2022, working through civil society organisations alongside government bodies in support of internationally recognised universal human rights and democratic participation, including gender equality, and improved respect for minority and vulnerable groups. The deadline for submitting proposals is 17.00 (Kyiv time) on 11 August 2021.
The programme will focus on the following areas:
Outcomes
- greater gender equality and inclusion for all members of Ukrainian society, taking account of the additional challenges posed by Covid-19 for vulnerable groups
- increased levels of protection and support for vulnerable groups (including but not limited to victims of gender-based violence, LGBT+, national minorities, people with disabilities (including children), and veterans) and improved social and economic integration of these groups through increasing access to training opportunities, economic activity and decision-making
- human rights are observed on the whole territory of Ukraine, violations are documented and countered, and victims are supported
Indicators
- increased awareness of the human rights situation in Ukraine, including in Crimea and non-government-controlled territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Human rights monitoring mechanisms strengthened and reflect developments in civil, political, economic, social, cultural, and gender equality rights of people in Ukraine
- identifying and responding to additional challenges posed by COVID-19 global pandemic and its negative influence on existing issues, including an increase in economic insecurity and gender-based violence (GBV) among population
- advocacy and civil society organizations, as well as vulnerable persons, equipped with greater knowledge of their rights and ability to advocate for policies which best meet the needs of minority and vulnerable groups
- understanding of human rights issues among general population improved, including by changing public perceptions and working with authorities and businesses to ensure fair treatment and representation of minority and vulnerable groups, and a greater understanding for the particular challenges they face (social, economic, psychological, internet security)
- vulnerable groups – including minorities, IDPs and veterans – supported in becoming agents of economic development including access to training, services and resources that can help integrate them to the society, the job market and to decision-making at the local, regional, and national level
- greater gender equality in Ukraine is achieved through promotion, advocacy, and training activities that tackle underrepresentation of women in various sectors, such as STEM, security, policy-making
- projects complement activity of the Government of Ukraine under relevant strategies, such as National Action Plan on Human Rights; Strategy for De-occupation and Reintegration of Crimea; National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security; Biarritz Partnership, and others
Notes
Successful projects should have sustainable outcomes and should clearly identify the change that will be brought about. They may also build on projects by other organisations, complementing their efforts. All bids should make clear how they complement existing activities supported by other donors and international partners, and how work in the regions complements national level activity.
The minimum indicative funding for projects is £15,000 and maximum £30,000. This may be in addition to co-funding and self-funding contributions; indeed this will be considered a merit. Our funding is for the UK financial year 2021-22 only (projects must be implemented and all payments made by 15 March 2022). Where appropriate, bidders are encouraged to describe how their project could be further scaled-up if additional funding became available.
Administrative costs (office rent, project management and bookkeeper rates, utilities, communications, stationery, bank charges etc) must not exceed 8% of the total project budget. We are unable to fund academic courses or research, English language courses, the purchase of IT or other equipment.
The British Embassy Kyiv reserves the right to carry out due diligence of potential grantees, including seeking references, as part of the selection process.
Bidding is competitive and only selected projects will receive funding. The Embassy reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids without incurring any obligation to inform the affected applicant(s) of the grounds of such acceptance or rejection. Due to the volume of bids expected we will not be able to provide feedback on unsuccessful bids.
Bidding process
Bidders should fill in the standard and include a breakdown of project costs in the (ABB). We will not consider proposals submitted in other formats. Budgets must be Activity Based Budgets (ABB), all costs should be indicative, in GBP (not Ukrainian Hryvna).
Successful bids must demonstrate Gender Equality Minimum Score 1 (according to the OECD DAC Definition and minimum recommended criteria for gender equality policy marker), have a gender equality objective explicit in the project documentation and an explanation of a positive impact of the project on advancing gender equality. If the project is designed with the principal intention of advancing gender equality, it must have outcomes on gender equality and outputs that contribute to these outcomes.
All projects or activities must align with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and assess climate and environmental impact and risks, taking steps to ensure that no environmental harm is done and, where relevant, support adaptation.
Successful implementers should be able to receive project funding in GBP (UK pound sterling) and open a GBP bank account for the project.
Proposals should be sent to the British Embassy Kyiv at Kyiv.Projects@fco.gov.uk by 17:00 (Kyiv time) on 11 August 2021. In the subject line, please indicate the name of the bidder. We aim to evaluate proposals by end August. Approved projects will commence in September 2021.
Evaluation criteria
Proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:
- fit to programme objectives – the extent to which the proposal addresses the issues
- quality of project – how well defined and relevant the outcome is and how outputs will deliver this change; ability to leverage bigger funding would be an advantage
- value for money – the value of the expected project outcomes, the level of funding requested and institutional contribution
- previous experience – evidence of the project team’s understanding the issue and of its regional activities, ability to manage and deliver a successful project, through work done to date in the area or in related fields
- gender-sensitive approach and alignment with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change - as indicated above; the proposals will be assessed by a mixed gender panel