Call for Proposals for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs): Community Rights Action Grants (Third Year)
Background
The Community Rights (ComRights) project seeks to strengthen the capabilities of community-based organizations (CBOs) in Zimbabwe by fostering greater community engagement in governance processes. The goal is to promote people-driven development through active and effective participation at various governance levels. To achieve this, ComRights will award three (3) Community Rights Action Grants to CBOs operating in the project’s geographical focus areas: Hopley, Mutare-Odzi, Chivi, Gutu, Gweru, Kwekwe, and Cowdray Park. Each grant, with a maximum value of USD 12,000, will support activities over 9 months.
CBO proposals should focus on identifying key community issues and devising interventions to address them. Grantees will work closely with Community Rights Resource Persons (CRRPs) who collaborate with stakeholders to explore solutions to community development challenges. Throughout this period, the ComRights Program will provide support through methods like social lab approaches, peer learning, and networking, tailored to the CBOs’ needs.
Funding Priorities
The ComRights Program will prioritize initiatives that:
- Empower citizens at the community level to engage in service delivery, transparency, and accountability, and address broader community concerns.
- Strengthen the capacity of community members to design and implement advocacy strategies around local issues.
- Promote active participation of women, persons with disabilities, and youth in key democracy and governance decision-making processes.
- Ensure that gender-specific needs are considered during consultation and planning, with relevant, dedicated activities.
- Uphold and protect local community rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Eligibility Criteria
CBOs applying for the grant must:
- Be truly local to the specific area, with CBOs based in urban capitals and focusing on non-urban issues or programming in multiple provinces ineligible.
- Have a strong grassroots presence, community backing, and a track record of reliable community development.
- Demonstrate a history of work in their areas of interest at the community level.
- Focus on working with community members and stakeholders in ways that are sensitive to gender, disability, and social inclusion.
- Be registered (though registration is not mandatory).
- Show a commitment to learning and adapting to new ideas.
- Have the capacity to implement projects that deliver measurable results.
- Be willing to collaborate with like-minded organizations and individuals in collective action.
Community Rights Action Grant Mechanism
- Selected CBOs may receive direct funding or in-kind support, depending on their registration status.
- CBOs with experience in managing donor projects and financial reporting systems may receive standard grants.
- In-kind support will be provided to CBOs lacking formal requirements like bank accounts or registration.
Submission Format
Applications must be submitted by email to po@lrf.co.zw, copying me@lrf.co.zw, by 11 October 2024. Printed applications will not be accepted. Applicants should use the provided template, available for download here or request it via the provided emails.
The subject line of the email should include the acronym CRAG and the name of the applying organization (e.g., “CRAG – XSVT”). The time the email is received will determine the submission time. Applicants are responsible for any technical issues related to electronic submission. Late submissions will not be considered.
Timelines
- Submission deadline: 11 October 2024, 17:00hrs.
- Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 21 October 2024.
- Successful candidates will be informed by 22 November 2024.
Contact Details
For further clarification regarding the grants, please contact the Grants team at po@lrf.co.zw or me@lrf.co.zw.