Response to Requests for Clarification
In case of inconsistencies or errors in this FAQ compared to the call for proposal text and/or the grant scheme rules for “170.70 Strategisk kunnskapsforvaltning” the information in the call for proposal/grant scheme rules shall prevail.
Q: Who can apply/Who are eligible/Are we eligible?
A: Potential grant recipients under this scheme are Norwegian and foreign non-profit research institutions. Research institutions are organizations dedicated to systematic, scientific research investigation and discovery, aiming to advance knowledge, solve problems, and foster innovation in a specific field. The applicant must be a legal entity. Accurate and comprehensive information about the organizational form must be provided. All applications must comply with the OECD/DAC criteria for Official Development Assistance (ODA). Eligibility will not be assessed prior to submission of a full proposal, and no applicant has a legal entitlement to funding under this scheme, even if they are deemed eligible. This applies even if all formal and substantive criteria for the award of a grant are met.
Q: We are a non-profit NGO/a small aid project/organization in country xxx, can we apply?
A: This call is aimed at research institutions and a call for a Knowledge center for aid only. The call explicitly states that we are looking for a highly competent research environment with documented research contributions in Norwegian and international development research, including randomized controlled impact studies. So, if your proposal does not describe the development and management of such a center in detail, it will fall short in the assessment compared to other proposals. Note here that Norad expects to enter into only one (1) grant agreement based on this call. In any case, eligibility will not be assessed prior to submission of a full proposal, and no applicant has a legal entitlement to funding under this scheme, even if they are deemed eligible. This applies even if all formal and substantive criteria for the award of a grant are met.
Q: I wish to have access to the Grant Portal for our application / Applicants are required to be affiliated with an eligible organization in order to proceed. We kindly request your guidance on this requirement, as well as any further information on the appropriate process and possible support.
A: The applicant must be a legal entity. Questions related to technical issues with the Grants Portal and how to register your organization must be sent to: support.grants.portal@norad.no
Q: Does Norad cover indirect costs? Can such cost exceed 7%?
A: Yes, Norad covers indirect operating costs. Support for indirect operating costs shall be limited to a maximum of 7% of the actual operating costs. Rates beyond this will seldom be accepted and must thus be specifically justified.
Q: We understand that the call is intended for a highly qualified lead applicant, but we would like to express our strong interest in participating as a partner in a consortium application. Could you kindly advise whether Norad is aware of Norwegian institutions or consortia currently seeking partners for this call, or the best way for our organization to signal availability and readiness to join a consortium application.
A: We encourage consortia to apply, but we cannot help facilitate the establishment of consortia for this call.
See also: frequently asked questions