FAQ: Human Rights Defenders

For questions about the Grants Portal, please read Guide Grants Portal or contact support.grants.portal@norad.no.

Kindly note that in the interest of equal treatment of applicants, Norad cannot provide advice on the content of a concrete concept note or application. 

Errata

Q: Could you confirm if there is a minimum of countries that should be targeted in the proposed project submitted for this call? And if so, what is the minimum? 

A: There are no minimum requirements about the number of targeted countries in project proposals to this call.

A: The applicant must implement the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries.

Q: In the section “Who Can Apply for Grants?” the call states that “the applicant must implement the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA-eligible countries.” Could you confirm whether this requirement means that the proposed project itself must be designed to cover at least five countries, or whether it refers instead to the applicant organisation’s overall experience and capacity across at least five countries?

A: This refers to the applicant organisation’s overall experience and capacity across at least five countries.

A: The applicant organisation’s overall experience and capacity must be across at least five countries. Additionally, the applicant must implement the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries.

Budget

Q: The call for proposals states that “Norad’s budget template must be used” yet the Budget section in Norad’s Grant Handbook states that “Norad has no standard detailed budget template but may provide a template for the overall budget in some call for proposals.” Will Norad provide a budget template to be used in the submission process, or should applicants structure the budget following their own internal format?

A: The Grant Portal includes a template/table that all applicants should fill in as part of their application. For this call, there is no overall budget template. For the budget to be attached, applicants may therefore use their own detailed budget. Applicants should refer to the Budget section in Norad’s Grants Handbook where Norad’s requirement and preferences on budgets are detailed.

For core support applications, applicants should attach their organisation’s budget. The budget must cover the same period as support is applied for.

Q: If we apply for both Sida and Norad about joint funding, should we present the budget as we envision it as a jointly funded programme, earmarking the intended Sida/Norad components, or should we submit to Norad the components that we would request to only be funded by Norad?

A: The budget should cover the entire project period as well as the full costs of the project necessary to deliver the planned results, i.e. not only Norad’s contribution. Please refer to the Budget section in Norad’s Grants Handbook where Norad’s requirement and preferences on budgets are detailed.

Q: For core support, the organisational budget is requested for submission. Please can you specify which year(s) the budget should span? Whether it is for 2026 or a multi-year budget for the duration of the grant?

A: The budget must be for the same period as support is applied for. For core support, this should be the organisation’s budget.

Q: Does Norad require an award-specific audit?

A: Yes. Norad requires an award-specific audit for project and program support. Please see  Norad’s Grants Handbook for more information.

Eligibility Criteria

Q: Are UN agencies eligible for this call for proposals?

A: No, UN organisations and other multilateral agencies are not eligible. Potential grant recipients are international, regional and Norwegian civil society organisations (non-profit, non-governmental).

Q: Are local civil society organisations eligible for this call for proposals?

A: Potential grant recipients are international, regional and Norwegian civil society organisations. The applicant must implement activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries. Local organisations may not apply directly for funding under this call. However, local ownership is a criterium and the call states that “organisations that have strong local presence or collaboration with local actors in countries and regions where human rights defenders face significant risks will be assessed positively”.

Q: We are a human rights foundation supporting human rights work in developing countries and have funded projects in over 20 countries. Currently, we operate in six countries where we have maintained long-term partnerships for 10 to 20 years. Our operational model relies primarily on local consultants who support our grantees, rather than field offices. Are we considered an international organisation?

A: Yes.

Q: My organisation is a subgrantee within a grant that has just been awarded within the grant scheme on "financial integrity, economic justice and domestic resource mobilisation". Does this affect our eligibility to apply under the present call, as a lead or as a subgrantee?

A: It does not affect your eligibility. However, since the budget is limited, Norad will consider the totality of Norad/MFA-funded human rights initiatives.

Q: We are a local organisation that has a strong partnership with a regional for-profit organisation. Can they be the lead applicant?

A: No. Only non-profit international and regional civil society organisations are eligible to apply.

Q: The guidelines mention that applicants must have at least five years of experience and operations in a minimum of five ODA-eligible countries. Could you kindly confirm whether this requirement applies strictly to direct implementation by the applicant organisation, or if it could also be fulfilled through consortium arrangements with partner organisations in the region?

A: The applicant must have minimum five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas. In a consortium, all members of the consortium must be eligible to apply (international or regional civil society organisations) but all members do not individually need to have five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas as long as the totality of the consortium capacity is adequate.

Q: In the case of an application by a consortium and in regards to the requirement "Minimum five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas is required." Is this requirement imposed on each legal entity within a consortium, or can the requirement be spread throughout the consortium (i.e. different entities within the applying consortium have experience in one or two countries (and collectively reaching the five countries requirement).

A: The applicant must have minimum five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas. In a consortium, all members of the consortium must be eligible to apply (international or regional civil society organisations) but all members do not individually need to have five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas as long as the totality of the consortium capacity is adequate.

Q: Could you please confirm that a legally established international NGOs headquartered in a non-ODA country and complying with all other eligibility requirements would be eligible to apply? 

A: International NGOs headquartered in non-ODA countries are eligible if they comply with all other eligibility requirements.

Q: Partners who currently have an agreement with Norad under Chapter 152.70 are kindly requested to only apply for support for projects that commence after the conclusion of their existing agreement. We receive funding from another initiative, which includes Norad in its pool of donors, and which ends 31 December 2026. We are wondering if this prevents us from applying under this call? 

A: It does not affect your eligibility. We are open to receiving project proposals commencing from 1 January 2027. However, it is possible to apply for funding starting before that if the project proposal does not duplicate the existing efforts.

Q: We understand that the target countries for this grant are ODA-eligible countries. However, we work in a non-ODA country with individuals and groups particularly vulnerable to human rights violations, coming from ODA-eligible countries. We would like to clarify whether our organization could be eligible to participate in this call for proposals.

A: The target group for the grant scheme on human rights is the population in ODA-eligible countries, with a focus on individuals and groups particularly vulnerable to human rights violations and lack of protection. The target group for this call is human rights defenders. The proposal should demonstrate how it contributes to the overall objectives of the grant scheme and the call.

Q: Please could you advise whether including a small granting component to local NGOs to implement human rights projects is eligible under the grant conditions? By this we mean establishing a small granting mechanism as an activity within the grant as well as having sub-grantee local partners.

A: Yes. If the project falls within the purpose of the call cutting across the thematic priorities and the applying organisation is eligible for funding, then having small granting and subgrantees is possible.

Q: We are registered as a for-profit organization but operate fully non-profit with our activities and missions. Are we eligible to apply?

A: No. Potential grant recipients are international, regional and Norwegian civil society organisations (non-profit, non-governmental).

Q: Can one organisation be part of two applications for the above call if the applications are for two different regions?

A: Applicants may only submit, or be part of, one application.

Q: Are there specific requirements regarding organisational registration, prior donor partnerships, or international affiliations that we should be aware of?

A: All organisations must be legally registered. No prior donor partnerships or international affiliations are required. Requirements include necessary technical and administrative competence and capacity to implement the initiative, including effective routines for strategic knowledge management, relevant knowledge plans, and a system for monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning. The applicant must have prior experience in implementing projects of a similar scale and budget. The results of previous efforts within the scope of the grant scheme are relevant.

Q: Our organisation has 40 years experience in working in highly challenging contexts in two countries and with a number of different partners and donors but we do not work elsewhere. Would this mean we are ineligible to apply as we don’t work or have experience working in 5 separate ODA countries?

A: The applicant must implement the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries. Minimum five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas is required.

Q: As an intergovernmental organization within the UN system, we would appreciate confirmation on whether this definition precludes us from applying as a lead applicant under this grant scheme, or whether participation as a partner within a consortium led by an eligible civil society organization could be considered permissible?

A: UN organisations and other multilateral agencies are not eligible applicants. Potential grant recipients are international, regional and Norwegian civil society organisations (non-profit, non-governmental).

Q: As an organisation working in a sensitive context, we are prevented from registering due to our work with the LGBTQI community. Therefore, we do not have registered or legal documents. Can we apply without this documentation?

A: Norad recognises that obstacles may prevent organisations and groups from obtaining registration. However, for this call, organisations are not eligible to apply without registered legal documents. The applicant must be an independent legal entity. Accurate and complete information about the organisation must be provided.

Q: Concerning the possibility of applying for core support, could we apply for core support with a fiscal sponsor?

A: Potential grant recipients are international, regional and Norwegian civil society organisations (non-profit, non-governmental). The applicant must be an independent legal entity.

Q: Can we assume death penalty is considered a topic of interest? Or would it be advisable to place greater emphasis on the intersectionality of our work?

A: Norad cannot provide advice on the content of a concrete concept note or application in the interest of equal treatment of applicants. Projects/programmes, including partnerships, will be evaluated based on the relevance with respect to the requirements, objectives and priorities of the call for proposals.

Q: Given the size of the available funding and the limited number of grants, are “large-scale” projects (above 3 million NOK) or international NGO consortiums likely to be prioritised?

A: Norad cannot provide advice on the content of a concrete concept note or application in the interest of equal treatment of applicants. Projects/programmes, including partnerships, will be evaluated based on the relevance with respect to the requirements, objectives and priorities of the call for proposals.

Q: We are preparing an application under the open call for core support, and we are already working with local partners. Could you please clarify whether these partner organisations are required to register individually on the Norad portal in order to be eligible under this call, or if it is sufficient for them to be engaged as subgrantees without separate registration?

A: Subgrantees do not need to register individually on the Norad portal. Only the (lead) applicant needs to register and apply for this call for proposals.

Partnerships and Consortia

Q: Within our confederation, we have several affiliates (independent legal entities). Hence, I'm wondering if the requirement of "5 years’ experience within the thematic and geographical areas" refers to the applying legal entity, or for the federation’s experience within the countries included in the project? 

A: It refers to the applicant / the applying legal entity.

Q: It is mentioned that "Applicants may only submit, or be part of, one application". Does this relate to the confederation, or per legal entity?

A: This refers to the legal entity. However, Norad strongly encourages federations, umbrella organisations etc. to submit coordinated applications. Please note that Norad will enter into a maximum of 20 agreements.

Q: In the FAQs it states that “local organisations may not apply directly for funding under this call”. Can you please confirm whether or not local organisations can be part of a consortia application. 

A: Local organisations cannot be consortium members. All members of a consortium must be eligible grant recipients (i.e. legal entities as international or regional civil society organisations). We strongly encourage partnerships with local organisations, since the target group for the grant scheme on human rights is the population in ODA-eligible countries, with a focus on individuals and groups particularly vulnerable to human rights violations and lack of protection.

Q: Can we apply as part of a consortium with an eligible international or regional partner organisation?

A: All members of a consortium must be eligible grant recipients (i.e. legal entities as international, regional and Norwegian civil society organisations). We strongly encourage partnerships with local organisations, since the target group for the grant scheme on human rights is the population in ODA-eligible countries, with a focus on individuals and groups particularly vulnerable to human rights violations and lack of protection.

Q: What documentation would be required to demonstrate our role and capacity as a local implementing partner?

A: It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that any subgrantees / cooperating partners fulfil the requirements. Kindly refer also to the Grant Agreement template available in Section 10 of the Grants Handbook, that details Norads requirements for cooperating partners.

Q: Are there specific preferences regarding partnership models between international applicants and local organisations?

A: The partnership model depends on the nature of the work / programme. However, applicants working through partners must have operational guidelines for their collaboration with their local partners. Local ownership is a criterium. Please also refer to Norad’s Civil Society Principles.

Q: While it is understood that local civil society organisations are not eligible to apply directly under this call, would it be acceptable for an international organisation, as the lead applicant, to subgrant to local civil society organisations?

A: Yes. Local civil society organisations may indeed be implementing partners or sub-grantees. They do not need to independently fulfil the same eligibility criteria as lead applicants / consortium members. However, please note that it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that any subgrantees / cooperating partners fulfil the requirements. Kindly refer also to the Grant Agreement template available in Section 10 of the Grants Handbook, that details Norads requirements for cooperating partners.

Q: Can applicants include local civil society organisations as implementing partners or sub-grantees under this call, and if so, are sub-grantees expected to independently fulfil the same eligibility criteria as lead applicants / consortium members?

A: Local civil society organisations may indeed be implementing partners or sub-grantees. They do not need to independently fulfil the same eligibility criteria as lead applicants / consortium members. However, please note that it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that any subgrantees / cooperating partners fulfil the requirements. Kindly refer also to the Grant Agreement template available in Section 10 of the Grants Handbook, that details Norads requirements for cooperating partners.

Q: I am having trouble interpreting the following statements “Applicants may only submit one application” and “The applicant must be a legal person.” Are organisations limited in how many applications they can submit? If there is a limit, I’m wondering about the case of an international NGO with subsidiary country offices?

A: All legally registered organisations (international, regional and Norwegian) with their own governing structures can in theory apply. However, we recommend that you coordinate instead of competing, as we will enter into a limited number (maximum 20) of agreements.

Q: In terms of applicant’s risks and responsibilities towards Norad, is there a difference between the lead applicant’s follow up of consortia partners versus follow up of sub-grantees? 

A: The organisation that signs an agreement with Norad takes full responsibility for all funding and that expenditures and project management are in accordance with the agreement, regardless of partnership. When processing applications, Norad will therefore primarily assess the organisational strength (routines, systems, experience) of the (lead) applicant. 

Q: How do you define a regional civil society organisation?

A: A regional civil society organisation is a civil society organisation working in more than one country within one geographical region. Please refer to Norad’s Civil Society Principles. To be eligible for this call applicants need to implement the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries. Minimum five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas is required.

Q: How do you define an international civil society organisation?

A: An international civil society organisation is a civil society organisation working in more than one country. Please refer to Norad’s Civil Society Principles. To be eligible for this call applicants need to implement the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries. Minimum five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas is required.

Q: How do you define partner organisation?

A: Norad does not have a definition of partner organisation. We expect that applicants have a partnership strategy or principles that lay out criteria for partnerships. Please refer to Norad’s Civil Society Principles. 

Q: Can organisations based outside ODA be defined as a Partner?

A: Please see ODA eligibility and conditions for more information on ODA eligibility.

Q: The call for proposal specifies that “…Applicants may only submit, or be part of, one application”. Is it possible to be a partner in more than one application?

A: It is not possible for an applicant to be part of more than one application. This excludes applicants from being part of more than one consortium application. However, we recognize that partnerships may take many forms. We recommend that you coordinate instead of competing, as we will enter into a limited number (maximum 20) of agreements.

Q: Is it possible to be a service provider in more than one application? 

A: It is not possible for an applicant to be part of more than one application. Please refer to part III of the agreement template available in Section 10 of the Grant Handbook for regulations concerning procurement.

Q: Do all local partners have to be identified at the time of proposal?

A: Not all local partners need to be identified by the time of application. Information about known partners must be provided.

Q: Is it possible to apply for core support as part of a consortium? Or is it only possible to form a consortium if applying for project support?

A: Core support requires that the applicant must have established governance structures, systems, and processes required for receiving core support. There are no requirements in the call for proposals that prevent core support as part of a consortium if this is justified within the framework of the proposal.

Q: Is the target group only individual human rights defenders, or are civil society institutions working on human rights also eligible to apply?

A: Grassroots organisations, networks and family members of human rights defenders who directly support human rights defenders through protection, legal aid, psychosocial support, and advocacy are also relevant target groups of the call. Potential grant recipients are international, regional and Norwegian civil society organisations (non-profit, non-governmental).

Q: Can organizations based outside ODA be defined as a Partner?

A: The target group for the grant scheme on human rights is the population in ODA-eligible countries, with a focus on individuals and groups particularly vulnerable to human rights violations and lack of protection. The target group for this call is human rights defenders. The proposal should demonstrate how it contributes to the overall objectives of the grant scheme and the call.

Q: Is it possible for a single office in one country to submit a project to be implemented in four other countries where there are local offices? Would that project model be viable? That way, we can operate in five countries under a single project and within our network.

A: That is possible if the applicant implements the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries.

Q: Does Norad see "consortium member" and "implementing partner" as different levels of roles? The FAQ indicates that local organisations cannot be consortium members, but they can be implementing partners.

A: A consortium member can be an implementing partner, but an implementing partner can only be part of a consortium if they fulfil the eligibility criteria.

Q: What are the key differences in requirements, responsibilities, and expectations between a lead applicant and a consortium partner? What are the eligibility and capacity criteria for each role?

A: The lead applicant will enter into a formal Agreement with Norad. All consortium members must be eligible grant recipients (i.e. legal entities as international, regional and/or Norwegian civil society organisations).

Q: If we are a lead applicant, or a consortium member in one application, can we under a contract (subgrant) provide technical support in another project?

A: Applicants may only submit, or be part of, one application.

Q: Can an organisation apply for a combination of core support and project-based funding within a single application, or must applicants choose exclusively one modality (either core support OR project-based)?

A: Applicants can apply for either core funding or project-based funding.

Q: For membership-based regional organisations, can sub-granting to members for country-level implementation be proposed without members being listed as co-applicants or consortium partners?

A: Yes, as long as members are independent legal entities, they can be sub-grantees without being listed as co-applicants or consortium partners.

Q: Can a coalition receive core support? Would their strategy/ ToC need to be aligned/ unified? Or would only the lead applicant be eligible of core support?

A: The applicant must be an independent legal entity. To be eligible for core funding, the strategy/strategic plan must align with the objectives of this call.

Q: It would be helpful if you could provide information of the names of current grantees and the duration of their agreements.

A: Please refer to Norad’s website for information on Norwegian aid statistics and results.

Q: What are your expectations regarding the transparency of sub-grant terms and access to project information data?

A: Please refer to Section 10 of Norad’s Grants Handbook.

Q: Could you please clarify how evaluation of applications will be made, i.e., since applications can be both programme applications and core support applications, how will they be rated in a fair manner? Could you please share the scoring criteria?

A: Norad’s criteria and priorities are outlined in the call for proposals. Please also refer to section 5 of Norad’s Grants Handbook.

Q: Could our local implementing partners be listed as local implementing partners in the application of another international NGO under the same call?

A: Local partners can be listed as local implementing partners in the application of another NGO.

Q: Could local implementing partners who currently receive support from Norway also serve as our local implementing partners under this call?

A: Yes. However, Norad will consider the totality of Norad/MFA-funded human rights initiatives.

Q: Could you please clarify whether receiving Norwegian funding through a fund/initiative managed by another entity should be considered as currently receiving funding from Norway?

A: Yes. This does not preclude any organisation from applying if they fulfil the requirements of the call for proposals. However, Norad will consider the totality of Norad/MFA-funded human rights initiatives.

Q: In the call for proposals on human rights defenders (HRDs) it is stated that the organisations applying should have worked in a minimum of five countries and have at least five years of experience working in the region and on the thematic area(s). For organisations who do meet these criteria, is it still possible to in addition add HRDs from new countries to their networks and support mechanisms during the grant period? 

A: Not all partners need to be identified by the time of application. Information about known partners must be provided. Norad does expect that the applicants describe their system for selection and follow-up of new partners.

Q: Does a successful past partnership with Norway contribute positively to the evaluation of the application?

A:  For applicants who have previously received a grant from either the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Norad, performance and results from these partnerships will be included in the assessment. We recommend all previous results and accreditations or certifications by other donors be disclosed and submitted, as this may contribute to strengthening documentation of capacity and competence.

Q: Would partnering with one or more Norwegian-based NGOs be considered a positive selection criterion?

A: Potential grant recipients are international, regional and Norwegian civil society organisations (non-profit, non-governmental). Projects/programmes, including partnerships, will be evaluated based on the relevance with respect to the requirements, objectives and priorities of the call for proposals. Norad seeks to ensure a diversity of partners and will also consider the totality of Norad/MFA-funded human rights initiatives.

Q: Please can you advise whether actors other than civil society organisations would be eligible as sub-grantees for proposals submitted under the call?

A:  Actors other than civil society organisations, including state institutions, for example national human rights institutions, universities, and multilateral organisations, can be eligible partners as subgrantees. However, consortium members need to fulfil the eligibility criteria (i.e. legal entities as international, regional and/or Norwegian civil society organisations). Preference will be given to applications that contribute to the objectives of Norad’s portfolio on human rights defenders.

Q: Should consortium members create a separate account on the application portal, or should the lead organization submit the proposal through its existing account on behalf of the partnership?

A: The lead organisation submits the application on behalf of the consortium.

Q: We are based in a non-ODA country but have long-standing partnerships with over 50 organisations across ODA countries. We do not work through country offices; instead, we use a thorough assessment process. When we establish a partnership with a like-minded organisation in an ODA country, we then follow up on projects through visits and remote meetings. Based on this, do we fall within your definition of an international organisation?

A: An international civil society organisation is a civil society organisation working in more than one country. Please also refer to Norad’s Civil Society Principles. Norad’s Civil Society PrinciplesTo be eligible for this call, applicants need to implement the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries. Minimum five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas is required.

Q: What level of documentation will be required for giving micro/small grants to sub-grantees? Will we need to vet and check when we transfer funds to small organisations or individuals?

A: Please see the subsection on sub-grantees in Norad’s Grants Handbook.

Q: Would any transfer of funds between two entities in two different countries be classed as a sub-grant?

A: All transfers between different legal entities are classified as sub-granting. Sub-granting is when a Grant Recipient transfers funds to a partner the Grant Recipient is cooperating with to achieve the agreed project results. The partner (sub-grantee or cooperating partner) assumes responsibility for implementing a part of the agreed project. The sub-grantee is accountable to the grant recipient for the use of the funds provided.

Funding and Support

Q: We have registered our candidacy to participate at a UN conference. However, we are limited by financial means. Therefore, we are reaching out to you to see if you can assist us by funding the travel expenses of our representative.

A: Norad will enter into a maximum of 20 grant agreements based on this call for proposals. The tentative total budget is 600 million for the four-year period 2026-2029. Therefore, Norad will prioritise multi-year projects which will contribute to sustainable results within the three outcome areas.

Q: Will there be other calls for proposals concerning human rights?

A: Information about funding opportunities is available from Norad.no. Whether there will be more calls within this or related thematic areas is subject to available budgets and annual parliamentary appropriations.

Q: Can NORAD please provide instructions about how applicants proposals will be evaluated, including the criteria NORAD will use when evaluating technical and cost proposals?

A: Please refer to the criteria and preferences listed in the call for proposals, as well as “Assessment and Funding Decision” in the Grants Handbook.

Q: Can an interested organisation apply for an amount above or below the indicated grant ceiling?

A: There is no minimum or maximum grant size. However, the applicant must have prior experience in implementing projects of a similar scale and budget. Furthermore, all projects must be cost-effective. 

Q: What previous funding budget limits, if any, have been set as eligibility criteria for this call?

A: There is no minimum or maximum grant size. However, the applicant must have prior experience in implementing projects of a similar scale and budget. Furthermore, all projects must be cost-effective. 

Q: Is there a minimum or maximum grant size that proposers should request? Do you have guidance or ranges you recommend?

A: There is no minimum or maximum grant size. However, the applicant must have prior experience in implementing projects of a similar scale and budget. Furthermore, all projects must be cost-effective. 

Q: What is the grant amount allocated to each successful applicant organisation?

A: There is no minimum or maximum grant size. However, the applicant must have prior experience in implementing projects of a similar scale and budget. Furthermore, all projects must be cost-effective. 

Q: Could you please confirm that there is no cost-share (co-funding) requirement to the application? Also, will availability of cost-share (or lack thereof) affect the evaluation of the application?

A: There is no cost-share (co-funding) requirement to the application under this call and availability of cost-share (or lack thereof) will not affect the assessment of the application. 

Q: Are there any seed funding opportunities or alternative programmes within Norad or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway that support newly founded organisations?

A: All open calls for proposals are announced in the Grants portal, and applications are submitted via the portal. For further information about Norad and funding opportunities please also visit our website: For partners | Norad.no.

Q: My organisation is small and local but internationally recognised. Is it eligible?

A: Eligible applicants are international and regional civil society organisations (non-profit, non-governmental) who implement the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries.

Q: The call allows for both project/ programme support and core support. Given the nature of my organisation (independent, small-scale), would it be more appropriate to apply for project-based support at this stage?

A: Core support requires that the applicant has established governance structures, systems, and processes required for receiving core support, i.e. an overall strategy or strategic plan with a results framework, overall budget and financing model with annual reporting. Furthermore, the goals of the strategy/strategic plan must align with the objectives of this call.

Q: Can you please clarify the submission of a request for Core Support?

A: Core support requires that the applicant must have established governance structures, systems, and processes required for receiving core support, i.e. an overall strategy or strategic plan with a results framework, overall budget and financing model with annual reporting, and the goals of the strategy/strategic plan must align with the objectives of this call. Core support will be limited to activities that can be reported as ODA. Compliance must be demonstrable and independently verifiable.

Q: Can we include personnel costs in the budget for our project staff in headquarters? Or would it be only possible to invoice personnel costs at the implementation country?

A: All project costs can be included. Please also refer to “Budget” under “Application” in the Grants Handbook.

Q: Should we understand that it is expected or preferred that organisations present 4-year proposals or is it also possible to present 2-year or 3-year proposals?

A: Norad will enter into a maximum of 20 grant agreements based on this call for proposals. The tentative total budget is 600 million for the four-year period 2026-2029. Norad will prioritise multi-year projects which will contribute to sustainable results within the three outcome areas. However, we leave it to the applicants to define the necessary support period to achieve their goals.

Q: Is there a requirement for applicants to provide a financial or in-kind contribution to the proposal, and if so, what would be the expected amount or percentage?

A: There is no requirement to provide financial or in-kind contribution for this call for proposals.

Q: Our organisation is planning to apply for core support. Where/how can we provide information on which (of the three) outcomes specified in the call for proposal we propose to focus on through core support, as well as how we reach target groups? Can we provide additional documentation to clarify this, in addition to our institutional strategy, results framework, and budget?

A: It is possible to upload additional documentation to the Grants Portal.

Q: Could you please clarify – for core support grants – whether preference is likely to be given to organisations which have previously been awarded core support from Norad, or else have had substantial project support from Norad?

A: All applications will be assessed based on the prioritised objectives, target groups and defined criteria specified in the call for proposals. In assessing the applications, Norad will also consider complementarity between different proposals.

Q: Could you please clarify – for core support grants – whether preference is likely to be given to organisations that have previously been awarded core support from Norad, or have had substantial project support from Norad?

A: All applications will be assessed based on the prioritised objectives, target groups and defined criteria specified in the call for proposals. In assessing the applications, Norad will also consider complementarity between different proposals.

Q: What share of pass-through to in-country implementation and what management fee cap for the lead applicant does Norad view as good practice?

A: Financial distribution across the various segments of the partnership will depend on the added value of each segment and the nature of the partnership. The project or programme should use resources efficiently — balancing cost-effectiveness, relevance, and priorities to maximise results. For project or programme support, administrative costs (indirect project costs) must be limited to a maximum of 7 % of the actual project costs (direct project costs). Amounts beyond this must be specifically justified.

Q: Does Norad have an intended division between core and programme funding for this call for proposals?

A: Norad will also consider complementarity between different proposals. There is no intended division between core and programme funding for this call for proposals.

Q: In case we request project support and not core support, we are wondering whether human resources costs can count within project costs or if they must stay within the 7% of indirect costs?

A: Please refer to “Budget” under “Application” in the Grants Handbook.

Q: Is Norad looking to fund new and stand-alone initiatives or is it possible to submit a concept for a follow up for past/ongoing activities and/or to develop a project complementary to others we will be implementing as part of a wider multi-donor programme.

A: It is possible to submit a proposal that follows up or complements other projects in multi-donor programmes.

Thematic scope 

Q: Does this call cover freedom of expression and media freedom?

A: The purpose of this call is to support civil society initiatives that protect human rights defenders and strengthen their work, across the following thematic areas: Women’s rights and gender equality; non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; freedom of expression, media freedom, and cultural rights; freedom of religion and belief; workers' rights; rights of persons with disabilities; promotion of democratic development and rule of law principles.

Q: I’ve read the Norwegian MFA guidelines on supporting HR Defenders and would like to seek clarification if this is the definition that should be applied for this call, or if there is anything else that should be taken into consideration?

A: The definition of HRD applied by Norad and the Norwegian MFA originates in the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. Please refer to the portfolio document “Rationale and Knowledge Base” at Human Rights Defenders.

Q: We would like to know if our proposal covering activities such as […] is aligned with the objectives of your call for proposals.

A: Please refer to the objective of the call which is to protect human rights defenders and strengthen their work, as well as the three outcome areas. The applicant must document that their proposed project is in line with the objective of the call. In the interest of equal treatment of applicants in competitive calls for proposals with a set deadline, Norad cannot provide advice on the content of a concrete concept note or application, e.g. on the planned activities and outputs.

Q: Can a core proposal address all three outcome areas, or must it target only one?

A: A core proposal may address one, two or three outcome areas. Please note that core support requires that the goals of the strategy / strategic plan must align with the objectives of this call.

Q: Can one core proposal target more than one thematic priority? Is that allowable or advised, or is it preferable to focus on one?

A: An application for core funding may cover more than one thematic priority. This depends on the organisation’s strategy. An application for core funding must document that the strategy / strategic plan aligns with the objectives of this call.

Q: Could you please provide further guidance on what is meant by “complementarity”, specifically how you interpret “complementarity between proposals” in this call and how applicants should demonstrate it?

A: Applicants must demonstrate their competence and capacity to implement the proposed initiative, and the proposal’s alignment with the objectives of the call. Norad will, in assessing the applications, consider how the various project proposals complement each other. Furthermore, we will seek a balance across the three outcome areas, as well as a balanced distribution across the thematic priorities.

Q: As a human rights defender in exile, my work is focused on documenting and amplifying the voices of human rights defenders and civil society activists in Country X. Through Organisation Y, I highlight human rights abuses, including recent environmental protests, political imprisonment, and shrinking civic space. Could a project that primarily targets Country X and its regional linkages be considered relevant under this call, even if my registered entity is relatively new in the EU?

A: Eligible applicants are international and regional civil society organisations (non-profit, non-governmental) who implement the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries. Applicants must have minimum five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas.

Q: The guidelines highlight Outcome Area A (protection & emergency support). Would support activities for exiled human rights defenders and their families – including emergency legal, psychosocial, and relocation assistance – fall within the scope of this call?

A: The target group for the grant scheme on human rights is the population in ODA-eligible countries, with a focus on individuals and groups particularly vulnerable to human rights violations and lack of protection. Grants in this area will support actions ensuring immediate safety and resilience for human rights defenders and their families, enabling them to continue their work in the face of threats and risks.

Q: We would like to inquire whether initiatives with a strong focus on defenders working to protect the environment would fall within the scope of this call for proposals. Specifically, we are interested in supporting defenders who work on environmental protection and natural resource governance, and who face threats, restrictions, and violence as a result of their work. We wanted to clarify whether environmental defenders could be considered an eligible target group under this call's thematic priorities.

A: The purpose of this call is to support civil society initiatives that protect human rights defenders and strengthen their work, across the following thematic areas: Women’s rights and gender equality; non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; freedom of expression, media freedom, and cultural rights; freedom of religion and belief; workers' rights; rights of persons with disabilities; promotion of democratic development and rule of law principles. Human rights defenders working on environmental matters are recognized as a group facing severe pressures due to their work.

Q: Please can you confirm if it is the lead applicant that must have experience in all of the 7 thematic priorities detailed in the call, or if that experience can come from a combination of organisations in a consortium applying together?

A: There is no need for the lead organisation to have experience in all thematic priorities. In a consortium, all members of the consortium must be eligible to apply (international or regional civil society organisations) but all members do not individually need to have five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas as long as the totality of the consortium capacity is adequate.

Q: Does the call cover costs related to administration and coordination of relevant protection mechanisms for human rights defenders?

A: Protection measures such as temporary relocation and safe accommodation are relevant activities under Outcome area A in the call, and Norad will be able to cover project costs that are necessary to run protection mechanisms.

Geographical Scope

Q: The guidelines do not indicate any specific region or country but refers to ODA-eligible countries. Could you please indicate if NORAD will give priority or preference to actions implemented in NORAD's focus countries?

A: The target group for the grant scheme on human rights is the population in ODA-eligible countries, with a focus on individuals and groups particularly vulnerable to human rights violations and lack of protection. There are no identified focus countries for this call, but the ODA-eligible countries and regions where human rights defenders face significant risks are emphasised in the call. Accordingly, Norad will assess the problem analysis in the project proposals.  

Q: Is there a maximum number of countries that a single core proposal can target?

A: There is no maximum number of countries in a core proposal as long as it is aligned with the organisation’s strategy. However, we would expect that the strategy has a knowledge-based and meaningful thematic and geographical focus. Please also note that the target group for the grant scheme on human rights is the population in ODA-eligible countries.

Q: Regarding the eligibility requirement that the applicant must have five years of experience within the thematic and/or geographical areas: does this mean that the organisation must demonstrate five years of expertise in each country included in the proposed programme, or would regional experience suffice? For example, if an organisation proposes implementing a programme across five countries in Southeast Asia but has more than five years of experience in only 2/5 countries, would it still be considered eligible?

A: Regional experience may suffice, however, Norad will make an assessment of the organisation’s overall capacity and competence.

Q: Could you please explain what is meant by “Core support will be limited to activities that can be reported as ODA.” Does this by default imply that organisations that request core support should not be registered in non-ODA countries? Or can countries registered in non-ODA countries apply for core support with activities implemented in ODA countries? In this case, how does core support differ from project / programme support? 

A: Organisations registered in non-ODA countries may apply for core support if the activities are implemented in ODA-eligible countries. Core support is intended to enable support to the organisational strategic plan, though it is limited to expenses related to activities that can be reported as ODA. Compliance must be demonstrable and independently verifiable. Applicants must consider whether core support is relevant within these limitations.

Q: Who/what does 5 years of geographical experience refer to? Do the international, regional or Norwegian NGO need to have 5 years of experience implementing in the country of concern? Or does it refer to the working experience of the Local Partner? Alternatively, does the applicant need five years of experience working with the local partner? 

A: The applicant must have minimum five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas. The applicant does not need five years of experience working with a specific local partner.

Q: “The applicant must implement the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries”. How do you define the targeting of an ODA eligible country? We have network members that connect digitally from multiple countries across the region. Will this suffice or is In Real Life activities in-country needed to meet the criteria?

A: The applicant’s activities must have clearly defined, realistic, and measurable goals, as well as evidence-based justifications for why the activities will contribute to goal achievement in the targeted countries. Proposals submitted under this call should demonstrate how its goals contribute to the overall objectives of the grant scheme and the call.

Q: Norad’s Theory of Change (narrative part) for civic space (linked to in the call) states: “...Although relevant, support to civil society organisations in countries categorised as closed is expected to be less effective in reaching the objectives of this portfolio”. With reference to this, how will Norad consider countries such as Myanmar, Iraq and Kurdistan under this call?

A: Norad will consider proposals working toward the objectives of the call for proposals in all ODA eligible countries.

Q: Do all implementing countries have to be identified at the time of proposal?

A: No. However, in such cases, we would look for a strong rationale and criteria for selection of new countries in the project period.

Q: Is it a requirement to pre-identify all of the countries that activities will be implemented in / targeted by in the proposal? We see the flexibility of being able to provide emergency support (especially under outcome area 1) to HRDs from all eligible ODA recipient countries as essential to any kind of HRD-focused programme. This allows us to be responsive to the needs of HRDs as and when they arise. If we must name countries in our proposal, it is possible to also include more flexible activities that (such as an emergency grant pool) to support HRDs in emerging crises that may not have been covered by the countries listed in the proposal?

A: It is not necessary to identify all countries in advance, provided that selection of new countries has a rationale, and are based on relevant criteria. It is possible to include an emergency grant pool if it is justified within the framework of the proposal, and falls within the purpose of the call, and the use is based on relevant criteria.

Q: Are you looking for regional or multi-country proposals under the open call for proposals to civil society actors to protect and support human rights defenders?

A: Both regional and multi-country proposals are eligible, as long as activities take place in or target ODA eligible countries.

Q: If Norway does not have a permanent diplomatic representation in the implementation country, could this pose a problem or constitute an obstacle for an organization like ours that operates directly in the country?

A: There is no requirement for Norwegian diplomatic presence to implement a project in a specific country. The geographic eligibility criteria is dependent on whether the country is ODA eligible.

Q: Is it possible to participate from countries such as Nigeria, Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador?

A: Yes, as long as you fulfill the requirements in the call for proposals.

Q: Can some of the project activities be implemented outside the targeted ODA countries? This is because there are limitations to the scope of work that could be implemented on the ground as it would risk deportation, backlash or imprisonment on the communities that we work with.

A: The target group for the grant scheme on human rights is the population in ODA-eligible countries, with a focus on individuals and groups particularly vulnerable to human rights violations and lack of protection. The target group for this call is human rights defenders. The proposal should demonstrate how it contributes to the overall objectives of the grant scheme and the call.

Q: Will multi-country projects be given priority in your selection process?

A: The applicant must implement the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries.

Q: Would a single-country focus be considered equally competitive, or is there a preference for multi-country or regional proposals?

A: Norad will assess proposals against the specified criteria in the call for proposals. The applicant must implement the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries.

Q: Given that the call requires initiatives covering at least five ODA-eligible countries, would Norad encourage smaller organisations to establish regional or international partnerships to fulfil this condition?

A: Minimum five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas is required. Norad will assess among other criteria whether the initiative has local ownership.

Q: If we apply as part of a consortium that includes partners from five different countries, would that be considered as fulfilling the “five countries” requirement?

A: The applicant must have minimum five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas. In a consortium, all members of the consortium must be eligible to apply (international or regional civil society organisations), but all members do not individually need to have five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas as long as the totality of the consortium capacity is adequate.

Q: Do you only fund international organisations or NGOs that are registered in more than one country in the region?

A: Potential grant recipients are international, regional and Norwegian civil society organisations. The applicant must implement activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries. It is not a requirement that applicants are registered in all countries they work in or target.

Q: We have two entities and will be applying from our entity which is not yet five years old. Can we still apply given that we have nearly 10 years’ experience with the same thematic and geographical experience through both of our entities?

A: The applicant must have minimum five years of experience within the thematic and geographical areas.

Q: Would applicants need to ensure that all activities are implemented in ODA countries, or would it be possible to hold some activities in non-ODA countries or manage them from non-ODA countries (e.g. advocacy and networking visits and meetings for participants from ODA countries held in non-ODA countries, research and analysis activities coordinated from non-ODA countries, etc.)?

A: The applicant must implement the activities in, or target, a minimum of five ODA eligible countries. Please see ODA eligibility and conditions for more information on ODA eligibility.

Q: Which countries are considered ODA-eligible?

A: Please see ODA eligibility and conditions for more information on ODA eligibility and the DAC list of ODA recipients.

Application Formats and Attachments

Technical questions regarding the application form in the Grants portal can be sent to: support.grants.portal@norad.no.

Q: Where do we find the application form?

A: Proposals must be submitted through the Grants Portal. This is to make sure that all the required information is submitted with the application. When you have created a user profile and connected to your organisation or registered a new organisation, you will see the application form.

Q: Are there restrictions in terms of length (pages), font, etc. for drafting the project description?

A: There is no set limit for the Project description. Fields for descriptions have limits to characters and this is shown in each field.

Q: Is an activity plan a mandatory component of the submission, or is it optional?

A: This is optional: The call states that “Implementation plan/activity plan: Please upload the organisation’s implementation plan or similar, if such document exists.”

Q: Could you please provide us with a project proposal template for review and completion?

A: The application form includes a suggested template.

Q: What are the required documents and attachments that must accompany the grant application?

A: To apply for funding, you must create an individual user account and register your organisation in the Grants Portal. Information about required documents and attachments is available from the Portal.

Q: Does Norad require that applicants use a particular budget template, or should applicants use their own templates?

A: Please refer to “Budget” under “Application” in the Grants Handbook.

Q: Will Norad provide any further detailed instructions about the contents of applicants’ budgets?

A: Please refer to “Budget” under “Application” in the Grants Handbook.

Q: Should applicants submit a budget narrative with the budget?

A: Yes, the budget must show how the grant will be used to achieve the planned results. Please refer to “Budget” under “Application” in the Grants Handbook. There is a designated field for commenting on the uploaded budget in the Grants Portal.

Q: The Norad Grants Portal application template, under “Duration and Budget” indicates that “The table below sets out key budget categories. The intention is not to draw up two budgets. Rather, you should extract key figures from your detailed budget and fill them in using the categories below. Insert 0 for categories that are not relevant.” However, there does not appear to be any referenced tables provided. Can NORAD clarify this instruction?

A: The table will appear after you have selected the support period in the section above.

Q: Does NORAD require applicants to use a particular “Risk Assessment” template?

A: Norad does not have a standard format, template, terminology or methodology for risk management. Instead, applicants are encouraged to use their own internal systems. However, the risk analysis should ideally be presented through a matrix or table, where each risk (including the four cross-cutting issues) is identified and categorised according to the likelihood of occurring and consequences should it occur, based upon which a total risk score (risk = impact x probability) is calculated. Applicants are furthermore expected to outline planned mitigating measures and assess residual risk. Please also refer to “Risk management” under “Application” in the Grants Handbook. 

Q: Can we submit the proposal by email?

A: Proposals must be submitted through the Grants Portal. This is to make sure that all the required information is submitted with the application.

Q: If an organization would like to apply for core support, which channels should they use within the system? We have only been able to locate applications for program or project approach.

A: The application form in the Grants Portal is a standard form for project applications. Organisations that are applying for a) project / programme support should follow the guidance provided in the form, whereas organisations that are applying for b) core support, should upload their organisational documents instead of project documents, under the following sections:

• Detailed budget: Please upload the organisation’s budget here
• Project description: Please upload the organisation’s strategic plan here
• Results framework: Please upload the organisation’s results framework or similar
• Implementation plan/activity plan: Please upload the organisation’s implementation plan or similar, if such document exists.
• For the risk analysis, the organisation’s risk analysis – instead of a project-specific risk analysis – should be included in the fields specified. 

Other relevant information can be attached in at the end of the online application format under “Additional information”.  

Q: We’d like to ask whether there’s a cap on staffing costs. Does the call have a maximum allowable percentage for staffing costs in the budget? 

A: Please refer to “Budget” under “Application” in the Grants Handbook.

Q: Can applicants request recommendations or references from other bilateral donors or development agencies to support their application?

A: Applicants are encouraged to share information about accreditations or certifications awarded by other donors as it will contribute to documenting capacity and competence.

Q: Core vs. Project Format: The call text states that applications can be for either project or core support, but the application form and annexes appear designed exclusively for project applications (with fields for "project description," "project objectives," and "project results framework"). For core support applications, should we adapt these fields to describe our overall organizational strategy?

A: Yes. Organisations that are applying for core support should upload their organisational documents instead of project documents, under the following sections:

• Detailed budget: Please upload the organisation’s budget here
• Project description: Please upload the organisation’s strategic plan here
• Results framework: Please upload the organisation’s results framework or similar
• Implementation plan/activity plan: Please upload the organisation’s implementation plan or similar if such document exists.
• For the risk analysis, the organisation’s risk analysis – instead of a project-specific risk analysis – should be included in the fields specified.

Q: Could you please confirm whether, when applying for core support instead of a project, the risk assessment related to the four cross-cutting issues should also be reflected in the organisational risk matrix, or whether completing the table in the online application is sufficient?

A: The grant recipient must identify significant risk factors within the effort that may negatively impact the cross-cutting considerations and demonstrate how these will be analysed and managed throughout the entire initiative cycle. Norad will assess whether the applicant’s risk assessment and risk management provides sufficient assurance to avoid unintended negative effects. See also the relevant section on cross-cutting issues under Risk Management in the Grants Handbook.

Q: Does a project-specific audit report meet the requirement for “financial and audit reports,” or do we need to submit a full organisational audit to establish eligibility?

A: No. For organisations applying for project or programme support, the organisational financial and audit reports must be uploaded. For organisations applying for core support, the organisation’s financial and audit reports must be uploaded.

Q: Are there any page or character limitations for the Risk Analysis, Results Framework, and Implementation Plan Annexes?

A: There is no set limit for the Risk Analysis, Results Framework, and Implementation Plan Annexes or other documents. However, there is a maximum file size of 10MB for attachments. 

Q: The “Additional Information” section in the Norad proposal template asks applicants to include any other information of relevance but notes that it will not automatically be considered in the assessment of an organization’s application.  How should applicants use this section if it’s not evaluated as part of the proposal assessment?

A: Applicants may use this section to provide additional information of relevance to the application. Applicants are requested to explain the relevance of the attachments to the application. Non-compulsory information cannot be assumed to be considered in the assessment of your application.

Q: Could you please confirm whether documents uploaded at the organisation-profile stage can be replaced or updated later?

A: Uploaded documents can be replaced or updated before submitting the application. Once an application is submitted, you will not be able to replace or update organisational information or the application including the uploaded documents.

Q: Could you please clarify what is meant by "Organisation Number"? under the section ‘Contact Information’.

A: This refers to the registration number for the organisation in the country it is registered in and is in some contexts referred to as the national registration number.