FAQ: Call for Proposal for Humanitarian mine action and protection against explosive weapons
Frequently asked questions - English only.
Budget and financial guidelines
Q: Will there be flexibility on the indirect cost allocation (overhead costs) if we can provide a justification.
A: No, indirect cost is set to 7 %
Q: Will you require a detailed budget for all years up front, or just for year one with a less detailed one for subsequent years?
A: The budget template has two sheets. Sheet 1 “overall budget” captures all years and must be filled now upon application. Sheet 2 “Breakdown” is for Year 1 (2026) only.
Q: Can for-profit actors apply as the main applicant or receive small-scale grants as a local partner under the call for proposal?
A: No. Only NGO’s organisations as defined in the call for proposals can apply. Recipients of sub-grants also need to fulfil the criteria for an NGO. Specific deliverables under the project that require expertise from for-profit actors will be subject to the procurement provisions that are part of the grant agreement between Norad and a grantee.
Q: Is there a minimum percentage for partners’ own contribution to supplement Norad’s funding?
A: This grant scheme does not have a requirement for own contribution. However, own contributions or co-financing with other donors is allowed. Other contributions should then be included in the budget.
Q: Could you please elaborate on the detailed budget breakdown requirements. Does the budget need to include: 1) A detailed budget for each country programme included in the proposal; 2) A consolidated budget that encompasses all country programmes (Window 1 & Window 2)
A: Please see budget templet link on this page: Humanitarian mine action and protection against explosive weapons | Norad.no
The budget template has two sheets. Sheet 1 “overall budget” captures all years and must be filled now upon application. Sheet 2 “Breakdown” is for Year 1 (2026) only.
No consolidated budget that combines both windows are needed. Window 2 must be a separate budget file using the recommended norad budget template.
We recommend using this template.
Q: Should the budget file also include a narrative budget?
A: There is no narrative section in the budget file, but in sheet 2 it is recommended to add narratives to each cost category.
Q: Does Norad require its projects to present a certain % of match-funding requirement?
A: For this call, there is not a match-funding requirement, however certain window’s priorities applicants with annual turnover above a certain threshold.
Q: Can project management costs, such as MEAL support functions, which might be at a regional or global level, be considered as actual project costs or are these expected to be included as part of administrative costs?
A:These will be considered direct costs if they can be directly linked to the implementation of this project. Please see more on this in Norad’s Grant Handbook Ch. 4.4: 4. Application | Norad.no.
Q: Will it be allowed to include costs for subcontracted local partners in our bids when it is appropriate to support localisation and complementary programming?
A: Yes, costs for subcontracted local partners can be covered as project costs.
Q: In the grant portal, the detailed budget guidance states ‘please note that some calls for proposals may require the use of a specific budget template (see call text)
A: Please see budget templet link on this page: Humanitarian mine action and protection against explosive weapons | Norad.no
We recommend using this template.
Q: Should budgets be developed in NOK only - or can we submit budget in EUR or USD?
A: Budgets should be in the functional currency or NOK. If another currency than NOK is used the totals shall still be in NOK and the exchange rate shall be displayed.
Q: Shall we include allocation for cross-country Mid-Term Review and independent Final Evaluation?
A: Yes, please refer to Norad’s Grant Handbook Ch.10 Part I. Specific Conditions NGO (ENG) (part 9)
Q: For National NGOs who are eligible to bid for projects under sub-window 1.1. in Lebanon and Colombia, the call text states that funding is tentatively between NOK 4 million and NOK 8 million. Would an application be disqualified if the budget exceeds this tentative amount?
A: No, this is the tentative budget allocation. All mandatory criteria (typically formulated as "must") needs to be met. For other criteria (including priorities/preferences), a comprehensive and discretionary assessment of all relevant criteria is conducted.
Application submission requirements and preferences
Q: Should proposals under Window 1 and 2 be submitted together or separately? If together, how does this affect page limits?
A: Yes, Proposals under Window 1 and 2 should be submitted separately.
Q: Should each country proposal prepare a separate version of these documents for upload? (E.g. if you submit a grant proposal that includes six countries, should the applicant prepare 6x Project description, 6x Results Framework, 6x Implementation Plan as standalone documents that are all uploaded to the portal)? Or should all country-contexts be captured and uploaded in a single, summarised document?
A: Proposals under Window 1 and 2 should be submitted separately. For a grant proposal that includes several countries (relevant for sub-window 1.1) should be captured and uploaded in a single, summarised document. This applies for all the files mentioned above (Project description, Results Framework, Implementation Plan, Risk Assessment)
Q: Can the same budget template file be used for Window 1 and 2?
A: No, a separate budget file must be made for each window as these applications are to be treated separately and will, if successful, lead to separate agreements.
Q: Is it acceptable for an applicant to continue to interact with Norway’s diplomatic missions regarding current project delivery during this call for proposals?
A: Yes, it is acceptable.
Q: One grant submission can include 5-10 countries (sub-window 1.1) and Ukraine (Window 2). Will the individual countries be assessed separately? If so, could a country proposal be unsuccessful whilst other country proposals are successful?
A: Applications under window 1 and 2 shall be submitted separately and will be assessed separately.
If the same organisation is applying to both sub-window 1.1 and window 2, the assessment of the organisational requirements will be done as one, but the projects will be assessed separately, meaning that it is possible that the organisation will be awarded a grant for one or both submissions.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of supporting documents that can be provided as part of the application?
A: There is a limit of maximum 10 supporting pdf documents to be included. We recommend limiting the number of supplementary documents to facilitate an effective assessment of applications. In general, all documents provided should be as concise and clear as possible.
Q: Application forms - Should an organisation create one application form in the Norad portal in which they upload their submissions under Window 1 and Window 2, or should these be separated into two grant application submissions?
A: If an organisation plan to apply for both window 1 and window 2. Separated application forms should be submitted.
Q: Please clarify whether this 30-page limit applies to a consolidated submission that contains ALL 5-10 country proposals (sub-window 1.1) and Ukraine (Window 2), or may each country-context submit a project description of maximum 30 pages?
A: 30-page limit applies to each application and is a recommendation. Proposals under Window 1 and 2 should be submitted as separate applications. The proposal should include all countries under one application in the same document (mainly relevant under sub-window 1.1)
Q: Would joining a consortium as a member (not as consortium lead) for Window 1.2 prevent an organisation from submitting a proposal to Window 1.1?
A: An organization may be eligible for funding as lead applicant for window 1.1, as well as cooperating partner in a consortium with another lead for window 1.2.
Q:What is the expected start-date for the project period?
A: As stated in the application form under the part duration and budget, start-date should be between 01.01.2026 and 01.06.2026.
Q: What are the required annexes in terms of country specific details for the selected countries
A: There are no required annexes for country specific details but can be included as additional information.
You indicate in your response, that the start-date can be between 1 January and 1 June 2026. It is also indicated in the CfP-document, that you will prefer projects planning for four year (i.e. 48 months). So, if we plan a start-date on e.g. 1 March 2026. Will a project period of 48 months, i.e. 1/3 2026 – 29/2 2030 be acceptable? Or should we plan/budget for a shorter project period of 46 months in that case, i.e. 1/3 2026 – 31/12 2029?
A: Preference will be given to to projects covering the four-year period, but a project may start a few months later. Funding is only available for the 2026-2029 period. However, each disbursement may cover an upcoming period of maximum 6 months, so a disbursement made in late 2029 could cover a few months into 2030.
Q: In the Word application form, section 7, "Description of the project/programme and anticipated results,", we would like to request clarification regarding the reporting of results for an ongoing project with Norad. Our current project is scheduled to conclude in December 2025, which is after the submission deadline for this call. As such, final results will not yet be available at the time of application. Could you please confirm whether it is acceptable to report partial results achieved to date, as well as results from previous project phases (under earlier extensions and addendums), in this section?
A: Yes, that is acceptable.
Q: Could you please confirm which documents are mandatory templates for the application?
A: The official application form becomes available after you have completed the registration process. Within the application form, you will also find a section for the “Project Description,” for which a suggested template is provided. This template can be uploaded as a document in the application portal. For the budget we recommend using the budget template linked on this page: Humanitarian mine action and protection against explosive weapons | Norad.no. We do not have mandatory logframe templates or application forms, besides those linked in the application form
Eligibility and partnerships
Q: Can local civil society organizations in two countries submit a joint project?
A: Yes, local civil society organizations may apply for several countries but will then be considered as an INGO. For INGOs priority will be given to application including activities in 5-10 countries as said out in the call for proposal.
Q: Does the requirement for registration in the country of implementation apply only to the lead organization of the consortium, or must all consortium members also be registered in that country?
A: All members of a consortium must be a legal entity, but there is no formal requirement of registration in a specific country.
Q; Regarding the turnover requirement stated in the call (“For national NGOs, preference will be given to organisations with a minimum average annual turnover of at least NOK 20 million during the last five years. Priority will be given to organisations in Colombia and Lebanon, subject to portfolio considerations (tentatively NOK 4–8 million per year)”). Does this turnover requirement apply only to the lead organization of the consortium, or must all sub-applicants meet this criterion as well?
A: No, the preference of annual turnover of at least NOK 20 million during the last five years will then relate to the lead organization.
Q: Will an organization be eligible for funding as lead applicant for window 1.1, as well as as cooperating partner in a consortium with another lead for window 1.2?
A: Yes, an organization can be eligible for funding as lead applicant for window 1.1, as well as as cooperating partner in a consortium with another lead for window 1.2.
Q: Will an organization be eligible for funding as lead applicant for interventions in several countries for Window 1.1, while also joining another consortium as cooperating partner - also within Window 1.1?
A: Yes, an organization can be eligible for funding as lead applicant, while also joining another consortium as cooperating partner.
Q: If a local NGO wishes to submit a proposal under sub-window 1.1., will they also need to bid for a minimum of three priority countries, or will they be allowed to bid for only one project, as long as they meet the minimum average annual turnover criteria (at least NOK 20 million during the last five years)?
A: As part of our grand bargain commitments, we wish to give the opportunity to strong local NGOs, they will not be required to work in several countries, only their own. However, the remaining criteria as well as the annual turnover criteria will be part of the assessment of local NGOs. We will priorities NGOs working in Colombia and Lebanon.
Q: In reviewing the eligibility criteria for Window 2 (Ukraine), we noted the requirement for applicants to have been certified and operational for humanitarian mine action in Ukraine for at least one year. Could you kindly confirm whether “certified” in this context refers specifically to being formally registered in Ukraine as a mine action operator?
Additionally, if an organization is not certified for Mine Action in Ukraine, would it be possible to participate as part of a consortium with a lead organization that meets this requirement? We also note that the call states all consortium members should fulfil the eligibility requirements. Could you please clarify if this applies strictly to every consortium member, including registration/certification?
A: We confirm that “certified” in this context refers specifically to being formally registered in Ukraine as a mine action operator.
All consortium members should be certified for Mine Action in Ukraine. However, the applicant can collaborate with other (not for profit) partners that cover different parts of the operation.
Q: We are looking to apply under sub-window 1.2 as part of two different consortia. Could you please clarify if this means we would be defined as 2 different applicants? Or would we be ineligible to apply twice within the same sub-window?
A: Yes, as long as the applicant is not lead of both consortia.
Q: Can national partners be included in multiple proposals?
A: Yes, national partners can be included in proposals from different applicants.
Q: Included in the list of suggested questions to respond to in the ‘comments’ section (max 5000 characters) is a guiding question that states ‘what is the status of other applications for grants, or of grants that have been awarded by other donors or sources of funding?’ Does this question apply to each individual country context that is included in the grant submission, or for the global organization?
A: Organisations with an existing grant agreement financed under this grant scheme or another scheme that fully or partially covers the same objective(s) of this call and the support period will not be prioritized
Q: “Preference will be given to grant recipients that are not already receiving support for humanitarian mine action under other grants schemes from the Norwegian government”. Does this include contracts with the Norwegian government that are due to expire in 2025, but after the submissions deadline?
A: No, this will relate to the implementation period, starting from 2026.
Q: Would a proposal submitted to a Norwegian diplomatic mission for mine action in a country included in an applicant’s proposal contravene this guidance?
A: It may affect the assessment of the proposal prioritization of applicants but does not contravene the guidance for this proposal.
Q: We would like to know if we can present a project for Colombia in partnership with a Local organization for mine action in Colombia only under the sub window 1.1? Could you please also clarify the budget for this case only one country and if this would also be for 4 years? Under the sub window 1.1. Or if there is a different specification for a project from a Local Organization for only Colombia?
A: If applying as national NGO, the national NGO needs to be the lead applicant if applying as consortium/in partnership with others. For all windows, grants may be applied for projects covering up to four years in the period from 2026 to 2029. Preference will be given to projects covering this four-year period, but also shorter project durations will be considered.
Q: Is there a limit to how many applications an organisation can be cooperating partner for? And the number of countries, an organisation can be included in proposals for as cooperating partner?
A: Norad only regards the lead-organisation as the applicant. Therefore, there are no restrictions on how many applications an organisation can be cooperating partner for. However, the overall portfolio composition will be part of the assessment and may affect the decision making. Please note that the preference for consortiums only relates to sub-window 1.2 - International policy and norm enhancement. There are no restrictions on the number of countries an organisation can be included in proposals for as cooperating partner, however, for sub-window 1.1 priority will be given to applications that include activities in 5 to 10 countries, whereof at least 3 of the prioritized countries.
Q:The ToR states that "preference will be given to proposals exceeding NOK 25 million and of maximum NOK 50 million per year." Could you please clarify the minimum and maximum budget range that would be considered for a local/national NGO applying under sub-window 1.1?
A: For local/national NGO applying under sub-window 1.1 preference will be given to proposals of tentatively between NOK 4 – 8 million per year for activities in their country, as set out in the proposal under sub-window 1.1. “who can apply”
Q: Regarding the eligibility for Window 1, sub-window 1.1 (Humanitarian Mine Action - Country-specific Interventions), could you please clarify the geographical requirements for a local or national NGO? Is a proposal that is focused exclusively on a single country—specifically, the NGO's country of operation—sufficient and eligible for consideration under this sub-window?
A: Yes, for local or national NGOs, preference will be given to applications for activity in the applicant’s own country. If several countries are included, they will be considered as an INGO. For INGOs, priority will be given to applications including activities in 5-10 countries as set out in the call for proposal.
Q: Could you please clarify if we, as an academic institution, are eligible to apply as a lead applicant under this call?
A: if you are registered as a non-profit non-governmental organization, and you meet the mandatory criteria ("must" criteria) applicable for all applications under all windows, as well as the mandatory criteria for the specific window you wish to apply for, then yes.
Q: If not eligible, would it be possible for us to partner with an NGO to apply?
A: If the answer to the first question is yes, then yes that is also possible.
Project design and assessment
Q: Will proposals be assessed based on the targets set for specific indicators? If yes, are there pre-defined KPIs that must be incorporated into each proposal?
A: No, the application will not be assessed by targets set for specific indicators. However, assessment of the realism and logic of why choosing the specific indicators and targets may be done.
Q: In cases where it is not appropriate to establish a specific target for an indicator, is it acceptable for an indicator not to have a set target, provided that progress against the indicator will still be monitored and reported?
A: Yes, in cases where it is not appropriate to establish a specific target, the target may be provided late
Q: What is Norad’s definition of an exit strategy?
A: Norad defines an exit strategy as a plan to ensure that the results of a project are sustained after the project ends or when Norad’s funding concludes. This may involve securing new funding, transferring responsibilities to other actors, or implementing other measures to maintain lasting impact. A good exit strategy also emphasizes building the capacity of local partners and promoting local ownership of results.
Q: Do applicants need to use the Green Field Tool as it is or can they use a version that they have adapted to meet their requirements?
A: We encouraged using the Green Field Tool for Mine Action where applicable to raise awareness on environmental issues and improve environmental practices. The applicant is free to use an adapted version if that is more suitable.
Q: Implementation plan /activity plan - the portal does not display any guidance or instructions for the submission of implementation plan / activity plans. Please clarify: What are the minimum requirements are for this document? Should the applicant provide a detailed implementation plan for the full project duration (4 years max.)?
A: It is not mandatory to provide an implementation plan for this call as a separate attachment. Norad does not have a template for implementation plans, nor are there any requirements regarding the length of the information provided. If the applicant wishes to include an implementation plan, it is desirable that the plan, as far as possible, follows the same format as the applicant uses for results frameworks, budgets, risk assessments, to facilitate comparison.
Please refer to the Grants Handbook for Civil Society and Other Private Actors | Norad.no for more information
Q:The tender states that the project description should include a results framework with baseline and targets. Is it acceptable that these are indicative and can be developed more fully during an inception phase?
A: Baseline and targets should be included and be as relevant and realistic as possible. However, in cases where it is not possible or appropriate to establish a specific target or baseline, they may be provided later. In such cases this should be explained and justified in the application. Please refer to the guidance in Norad’s Grant Handbook Ch.4 - application.
Q: Is it acceptable, where may not be appropriate to include a target (e.g. number of items of explosive ordnance), to provide a justification for why no target has been included for an indicator?
A: Yes, in cases where it is not possible or appropriate to establish a specific target, the target may be provided later. In such cases this should be explained and justified in the application.
Q: Do applicants need to have capacity in all the countries they identify in their proposal or only in the priority countries?
A: We recommend choosing countries where the applicant already has operational capacity and presence. If the applicant wishes to include a new country, this should be well justified.
Q: Do applicants need to do address at least 2 of the priority areas (mine clearance, victim assistance, risk education, and national advocacy and coordination) in each of the countries included in their proposal? Or, for example, can a proposal include a country in which only 1 priority area is addressed, but multiple priority areas are addressed across the portfolio?
A: The preference for applications covering at least two of the priority areas relates to the overall application, not for each country.
Q: Can Norad expand on what work it envisages being carried out under the National advocacy and coordination priority area?
A: National advocacy and coordination should in general be guided by the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).
Q: What weighting is given to the different assessment criteria for the review of proposals?
A: All mandatory criteria (typically formulated as "must") need to be met. For other criteria, a comprehensive and discretionary assessment of all relevant criteria is conducted. No applicant is guaranteed a grant, even if all the formal and material conditions outlined in this call are met.
Q: What is Norad’s definition of a cooperating partner in terms of contract delivery?
A: Please refer to Norad’s Grant Handbook Ch.10 Part II. General Conditions NGO . The Grant Recipient is the entity Norad enters into an agreement with and relates to when it comes to the follow-up of the agreement. A cooperating partner is contracted by the Grant Recipient, not by Norad directly. The Grant Recipient must ensure that the cooperating partner follows the same standards for financial management, reporting, control measures etc.
Q: Will it be a "all or nothing" review and allocation of grants - it is stated, that grantees can be asked to adjust their proposal. Will that mean, that we may be awarded some but not all of the included countries
A: Applications under window 1 and 2 shall be submitted separately and will be assessed separately. For application under sub-window 1.1 Norad will assess the proposal as a single unit. If an applicant is awarded a grant, the budget may be different from what is applied for, in this case the organisation will be asked to adjust the budgets in dialogue with Norad.
Q: To what level will e.g. livelihood activities, conflict sensitivity, peacebuilding, PSS and case management for VA, in integrated approaches with HMA be directly funded under the call?
A: We do not have strict guidelines for this but will depend on the organisation’s Theory of Change and how well the activities contribute to achieving the results. All projects must align with the objectives of the call for proposals and meet the other mandatory criteria set out in the call for proposals. All applicants must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of conflict sensitivity within the specific context of the project (see further information on that requirement in the call for proposals).
Q: Under sub-window 1.1., applicants must use the Sector-Wide Theory of Change for Mine Action. The call text states that at a minimum, the proposal must use key indicators that are shown in bold in the indicator bank for the relevant outcomes. However, some of the indicators that are shown in bold reflect reporting obligations for State Parties, rather than those that can be reported on by mine action operators. Please confirm that applicants can disregard the indicators from their Theory of Change and Results Frameworks that they are not able to report on.
A: Yes, the applicant should only select indicators relevant for their project, these can be different from country to country. If there are other relevant indicators not mentioned in the indicator bank, these can be included but should be explained.
Technical specifications
Q: There is page limit of 30 pages recommended for the project description, but no limits for any other documents. Is there flexibility on the length of other documents?
A: The 30-page limit is a recommendation; there are no technical restrictions to the lengths of the documents that are uploaded aside from the requirement that all attachments be in PDF format (unless otherwise specified in the field instructions) and not exceed a maximum file size of 10MB. However, we encourage all documents to be as concise and clear as possible to facilitate the effective assessments of applications. If applicants wish to provide additional information, supplementary documents may be attached as appendices; however, we also recommend that these attachments remain brief and focused.
Where text is to be entered into the text boxes, the maximum number of characters is indicated below the relevant text box.
Q: Can/should a visual description of the Mine Action Theory of Change be included in the upload?
A: Yes, this can be a part of the Project description. Please refer to the Project description guidelines document in the application form.
Q: Can photos, maps and diagrams be included in the submission files that support the body text?
A: PDF format should be used for all attachments, unless otherwise specified in the instructions to the field. photos, maps and diagrams may be included. Maximum file size is 10MB.
Other Questions
Q: Will there be annual process for Workplans and budgets for the coming year?
A: Yes, please refer to Norad’s Grant Handbook Ch.10 Part I. Specific Conditions NGO (ENG) (part 6)
Q:Will there be annual reporting, incl. audited financial reporting?
A: Yes, please refer to Please refer to Norad’s Grant Handbook Ch.10 Part I. Specific Conditions NGO (ENG) (part 6)
Q:Is the allocation fixed per country or is there flexibility to transfer funds between countries and years during implementation?
A: Allocations will be fixed per country, as per agreed in a grant agreement. However, there will be flexibility to transfer funds between countries and years during implementation. The Grant Recipient shall include a written explanation of any deviations that exceed both 10% of a budget line and NOK 15 000 (fifteen thousand). Please refer to Norad’s Grant Handbook Ch.10 Part II. General Conditions NGO (part 3)