Funding for the establishment and operation of a Knowledge Centre for Development Cooperation
To strengthen effective and knowledge-based development efforts through civil society, a Knowledge Centre for Development Cooperation will be established in 2026.
🔗 Read the call for proposals here (Grants Portal)
🔗 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) is therefore announcing a call for proposals for funding for the establishment and operation of a Knowledge Centre for Development Cooperation.
This call falls under budget line item 170.70 – Civil Society. This allocation covers initiatives aimed at strengthening civil society in developing countries, including their ability and capacity to promote development and societal change. The budget line includes the most important grant scheme for long-term aid channelled through Norwegian civil society. It is a global budget line with a broad thematic portfolio and also covers support for knowledge-related work for civil society.
The scheme shall contribute to achievement of objectives in priority thematic areas, as specified at any given time in the national budget and the Storting’s consideration of it. Priority areas are indicated in Prop. 1 S, budget line item 170.70 Civil Society.
Allocation is subject to the annual appropriations in the national budget.
Eligible applicants may apply for agreements of up to 5 years’ duration, where long-term agreements are the main norm. An application may include a clear plan for the start-up and operation of the centre, as well as concrete proposals for core activities, and an overall knowledge plan that justifies thematic and geographical priorities.
Competition for funding is strong. Norad sets high requirements for the applicant’s network, local knowledge, professional/scientific competence, financial management, research results, and added value.
Call for 2026. Application deadline is 12 February 2026 at 13:00.
To apply for support under this scheme, you must use the digital application form in Norad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Grants Portal.
Contact information:
Department for Knowledge and Innovation: kunnskap@norad.no