FAQ: Policy engagement, knowledge development and innovation for a strengthened humanitarian sector
Frequently asked questions - English only.
Eligibility Criteria
Q: The call for proposals states that all proposals must comply with the OECD/DAC criteria for official development assistance (ODA). Can Norad share guidance, so that we can do a self-assessment of our proposed project against these criteria?
A: Part 1 of Norad’s Statistical Classification Manual outlines the OECD/DAC criteria for ODA eligibility.
Q: The call for proposals includes a condition that “organisations that already have an ongoing agreement with Norad for grants from this scheme or for similar objectives either directly or through an umbrella organisation, will not be prioritised for support.” We have an ongoing agreement with Norad for a project with the same objectives. Does this mean that we are not eligible?
A: You are still eligible and can apply for support. However, your project will not be prioritized.
Q: Core vs. Programme Format: The call text states that applications can be for either programme 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 organisational strategy? For programme applications, should we read “project” as “programme”?
A: Yes. For programme applications, you should read “project” as “programme”. For core support applications, organisations 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: Please upload the organisation’s risk analysis instead of a project-specific risk analysis
Other relevant information can be attached at the end of the online application format under “Additional information”.
Q: The call for proposals states that the applicant must be an independent legal entity. What does this mean?
A: An independent legal entity is an organisation that has been formally established and registered according to the laws of its country. In order to be considered independent, an organisation must have its own governance structure, typically a board or other governing body that oversees its operations.
Q: Our organisation is a member of a large international confederation. Can more than one of member organisations of the same confederation submit separate application?
A: Yes, unless otherwise stated in the call for proposals, Norad will accept applications from multiple members of the same confederation or other membership-based associations.
Q: Must all sub-grantees and other partners meet the full list of criteria for applicants as stated in the call for proposals?
A: No, this is not the case in general. Some call for proposals, however, may target a specific category of aid organisations, for example civil-society organizations. In this case, the sub-grantees must also meet this specific criterion, i.e. be civil-society organisations. Non-eligible organisations may, however, participate in procurement processes and enter into commercial contracts with the grant recipient and sub-grantees.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of sub-grantees or other partners?
A: No.
Q: Can organisations based outside Norway apply?
A: Yes, non-profit non-governmental organizations can apply without a Norwegian counterpart.
Application Process
Q: Can we have a meeting with Norad to discuss aspects of our project proposal?
A: Norad will, as a general rule, not have meetings with partners on the content of a proposal as our calls for proposals are competitive. For select calls for proposals, Norad may organise an information session for potential applicants. If so, Norad will inform about this on our website.
Q: We would like to submit two programme proposals. Is this possible?
A: Yes, organizations may submit more than one application to this call for proposals if it is applying on behalf of distinct programmes under its organization.
Q: We are a group of organisations, which have designed a joint consortium project. Can Norad enter into separate agreements with each organization or will possible funding for the project be channelled through one of us, i.e. the consortium lead organisation?
A: Norad welcomes joint applications. We will, however, only enter into a grant agreement with one grant recipient, to whom all funds will be transferred. The organisation that signs the grant agreement with Norad will have to take full responsibility for the implementation of the project. The applicant/lead organisation is expected to enter into sub-agreements with its partners, and flow down key requirements from Norad. All funds must be audited.
Q: Against what criteria will Norad appraise and score applications?
A: The criteria are listed in the call for proposals. You can also read more about this topic in the chapter Assessment and Funding Decision in the Grants Handbook. The Application Form
Q: Where do we find the application form?
A: All proposals must be submitted through the Grants Portal. Proposals that are not submitted through the Grants Portal will be rejected. When you have created a user profile and connected your profile to your organisation - or registered a new organisation, in case your organisation has not been registered before - you will be able to access the application form. If your organisation has been registered on an earlier occasion, you will need to review and update the information about the organisation.
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 in the Grants Portal and is listed in the call for proposals.
Q: Are there restrictions in terms of length (pages), font, etc. for the application?
A: Kindly consult the application form in the Grants Portal. Fields for descriptions have limits to characters and this is shown in each field.
Q: Can we submit the application in another language than Norwegian or English?
A: No, Norad does not accept applications in other languages. The Grants Portal has application forms only in Norwegian and English.
Q: Could you please clarify what is meant by "Organisation Number" under the section ‘Contact Information’?
A: This refers to the organisation’s official registration number in the country it is registered. In some context this is referred to as the “national registration number”.
Q: Our guidelines for protection from sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH) are included in our staff code of conduct. Do we need to upload the code of conduct twice, i.e. both under the question “Does the organisation have a code of conduct or similar ethical guidelines?” and under the question “Does the organisation have guidelines for protection from sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH)?”?
A: Yes, we strongly advise that you upload the code of conduct twice. Applicants that do not fulfil the organisational requirements will be rejected.
Q: The call for proposals requests information (or upload attachments) that there is no corresponding question/text field or “upload file button” for in the Grants Portal. How do we submit this information to Norad?
A: You can add this under the section Additional Information. Here, you can both write text and upload attachments.
Q: What is considered a ‘good’ risk management framework:
A: Detailed informed about risk management can be found on the Norad’s partner page, here: 4. Application | Norad.no A strong risk management plan typically considers:
- All material negative impacts across its operations and partnerships, informed by stakeholder views
- The potential for unintended outcomes and plans to limit the potential for negative outcomes, including those related to protection and accountability to affected populations
- Impact risks, including the risks associated with the organization not carrying out its proposed work
- Conflict sensitivity
- The four cross-cutting issues, as described in the call for proposals.
Budget
Q: Does Norad have any rules related to eligibility of costs, direct vs. indirect costs, and other aspects related to budgeting?
A: Yes. You can find information about this in the Grants Handbook on Norad’s website.
Q: Can we get support for indirect operating costs?
A: For core support, no additional support is provided for indirect operating costs. For programme support, administrative costs must be limited to a maximum of 7% of the actual programme costs.
Q: What is core support costs?
A: Core support is direct support to the partner organization’s general operations, based on their strategic plan, as opposed to a specific project or programme of an organization.
Q: Can Norad provide additional guidance on the coverage of staff-related costs?
A: Norad will cover salary costs that are necessary, reasonable and in line with the local market/benchmarks. See further details in the Grants Handbook.
Q: Can we apply for funding to cover the costs for the development of the project proposal?
A: No, Norad does not cover costs related to proposal development.
Q: How should currency conversions be handled in the budget?
A: The currency used in the budget should be the functional currency of the organization. i.e. the currency that is mainly used by the organization. Please read more about this in the Grants Handbook.
Q: Does the stated budget of NOK 22 million and NOK 2 – 5 million per partner/proposal, refer to the three-year period (1 January 2026 – 1 January 2029), or annually?
A: Annually.
Audit
Q: Does Norad require that grant recipients contract an external audit firm to undertake an audit of the project, and if so, how often?
A: Annual audit(s) must be carried out by an independent chartered/certified or state-authorised public accountant (auditor). Norad will cover the costs for the audit(s), so do remember to budget for this.
Whom to contact for additional questions?
Q: Whom can we contact for technical questions related to the Grants Portal?
A: Technical questions regarding the application form in the Grants portal can be sent to: support.grants.portal@norad.no.
Q: Whom can we contact for questions related to a specific call for proposals?
A: Kindly contact the thematic unit responsible for the specific call for proposals: policycall@norad.no