FAQ: Financial integrity, economic justice and domestic resource mobilization
Frequently asked questions:
Norad receives several questions, from potential applicants, that are already answered under FAQ, please check the FAQ before you post your question. Please also ensure that the information you are planning to ask for is not present in the call for proposals. Norad will not be posting answers on the FAQ in the period 16th to 22nd April.
Q: Some organisations have sent us applications or concept notes.
A: Just the information asked for in the call for proposals should be submitted. Only applications sent through the portal will be considered.
Q: Do proposals in a critical context such as the Sahel region have a chance to be funded, given the current severe restrictions and the associated risks for civil society and journalists?
A: Countries in Sahel are also part of this.
Q: Can the proposal be implemented in two specific countries only?
A: As per the call for proposal at least three ODA-approved countries in Sub-Sharan Africa should be included.
Q: Does the min. criteria of 3 countries apply to the organization's general engagement/track record, or to the number of countries to be addressed in the proposal?
A: The applicants should identify civil society partners that will be part of this funding period.
Q: The guidelines state that "each objective will be assessed separately and competitively". Does this mean, if we would like to address more than one objective, should we best submit 2 different applications, that they can be assessed per each objective or can we submit an integral proposal, which addresses 2 or even all 3 of the objectives?
A: Only one application should be submitted.
Q: Can NORAD please confirm that by “organisation’s strategic plan and theory of change” it refers to the strategic plan and theory of change that the organisation intends to use for this application/ the implementation of this programme specifically instead of the wider strategy of our organisation?
A: Pease upload the strategic plan and theory of change that the organisation intends to use for this application.
Q: Can NORAD please confirm in which sections of the application should we present our approach, showcase our track record, etc? Should it be part of the Strategic Plan section?
A: The approach should be included in the strategy section.
Q: I would like to inquire whether it would be possible to submit a single project proposal that covers both the MENA region and Sub-Saharan Africa, or if it would be better to submit two separate proposals, one for each region.
A: Only one application should be submitted.
Q: Can local civil society organizations working in governance and anti-corruption apply for a grant for proposals to advance advocacy and public discourse leading to financial integrity and domestic resource mobilization.
A: The applicants should strengthen civil society in at least three ODA-approved countries in Sub-Sharan Africa towards the objectives presented in the call for proposals including its ability and capacity to promote development and system change.
Q: It is stated that “years of experience within the thematic field applied for is required”, could you please clarify what these thematic fields are?
A: Preference will be given to organisations that can demonstrate a track record of results under the objectives presented in the call for proposal and can document that the objective in the organisations strategy and theory of change.
Q: While the call emphasizes public finance systems, it also mentions broader goals such as human rights, democratization, gender equality, food security, and inclusive growth. Could you please confirm whether projects must exclusively focus on public finance, or whether it is possible to address other areas aligned with the overall objective of the grant scheme?
A: Preference will be given to organisations that can demonstrate a track record of results under the objectives presented in the call for proposal and can document that the objective in the organisations strategy and theory of change.
Q: Does the proposal have to cover a minimum of three countries, or would a single-country initiative be considered?
A: Singel country initiatives will not be considered.
Q: Is Papua New Guinea, Pakistan or other non-African countries eligible?
A: The applicants should strengthen civil society in at least three ODA-approved Sub-Sharan Africa countries.
Q: Could you please specify which countries are included (or not) in the Norad definition of “Sub-Saharan Africa”?
A: All proposals must comply with the OECD/DAC criteria for official development assistance (ODA). There are different classification of SSA but generally World bank list Open Knowledge Repository or UNESCO TWAS grouping of Sub-Saharan African Countries can be used.
Q: Is possible to apply only for other regions/countries and not including Africa?
A: The applicants should strengthen civil society in at least three ODA-approved countries in Sub-Sharan Africa but also other regions and countries are eligible in addition.
Q: Is it mandatory or preferred for lead applicants to have previous grants from NORAD? I see this listed under the Results criteria: “Previous track-record from earlier agreements with Norad”. However, in the Organisation and Administration section, it states: “To document capacity and competence, organisations that do not already have an agreement with Norad, should submit annual audited accounts for the last three years” – thus implying applications will be accepted from organisations without prior NORAD track record.
A: It is not mandatory to have had previous grants from Norad, but where there has been a previous agreement we will use the experience from the partnership to inform the process.
Q: Is there a preference for lead applicants or members of the consortium to include Norwegian NGOs/entities?
A: No such preference
Q: Would an application on supporting civil society to advocate nationally and internationally for improved climate finance?
A: As long as the alignment with the objectives in the call for proposals is clear and understandable it will be considered
Q: Would it be permissible for one of the participating chapters in my organisation to be included in this proposal if they are already implementing another NORAD-funded project?
A: Organisations with an existing grant agreement that fully or partially covers the objective of this call, and the support period will not be prioritized. This also applies to organisations holding such grants through an umbrella organisation.
Q: Je vous écris pour vous demander si notre organisation peut postuler en français.
A: Applications should be submitted in English
Q: Do the same eligibility criteria, as listed in section 4, also apply for African collaborating partners ?
A: The eligibility requirements mainly relate to the Norad’s agreement partner but awarded grant recipients will be held accountable also for the implementation that takes place by its collaborating partner organizations. Not all eligibility criteria will apply for collaborating partners, but several must be met, for sub-grantees for instance:
- own legal personality or a sufficient legal hosting arrangement
- expertise and administrative capacity
- not-for profit
- ethical guidelines
- risk system
- cross-cutting issues
Q: How should applicants with a strategic civil society partner (Plusspartner) approval interpret if their thematic approval is relevant for this call for proposal?
A: Plusspartners do not need to not to re-submit previously submitted documentation, but will be assessed alongside other applicants. Please provide updated and additional information if relevant.
Q: Is it possible to have a meeting with Norad to discuss what we should prioritise in our project proposal?
A: As this is a competitive call, Norad will therefore not have meetings with partners to discuss content of proposals, nor provide other guidance regarding the proposal.
Q: Can INGOs apply ?
A: Yes, INGOs are eligible. Potential applicants include are civil society actors such as network organisations, non-governmental organisations, trade unions and independent media. Organisations must have activities and partnerships in Sub-Sharan Africa, but does not exclude applications that cover other regions as well. INGOs can apply if they meet these and all the other requirements in the call for proposals.
Q: Should the application aim for results in at least 3 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) Countries, or that the organization itself operates in three SSA countries? Can the proposal include countries in Asia and or LAC as well?
A: The applicant should strengthen civil society in at least three ODA-approved countries in Sub-Sharan Africa including its ability and capacity to promote development and system change. Preference will be given to organisations that can demonstrate a track record of results under the relevant objectives and can document that the objective in the organisations strategy and theory of change. The proposal might include countries in Asia and LAC.
Q: The applicant organisation is based in an African country and asks if they need to have partnerships in three ODA approved countries to qualify to apply in this call for proposal?
A: The organisation needs to operate or have partnerships in two additional Sub-Saharan Countries in addition to the country where the organization is based
Q: We see that we need to send our audited accounts for the last two fiscal years. Can we send our audited accounts for 2022 and 2023 as the audit for 2024 is not ready yet?
A: Yes, please submit your audited accounts for 2022 and 2023.
Q: We would like to know if private companies can participate in a consortium or can be subcontracted by the grant recipient? Could you give us more details about the eligibility criteria to be a potential grant recipient.
A: Potential grant recipients for this call are non-profit, non-governmental organisations. If applying as part of a consortium, please note that all members must be eligible grant recipients.
Q: Are UN Agencies eligible to answer to this call for proposal
A: No. This call is for non-profit, non-governmental organisations, please see “Who can apply for grants” in the call text.
Q: Can you confirm the deadline is May 6, 2025 at 13h00 CET ?
A: Yes, that is the correct deadline.
Q: Is my organisation qualified to apply?
A: Several organisations have asked this question. Information regarding qualifications and preferences are presented in the call for proposals. No applicants are entitled to a grant, even if they meet all the formal and practical criteria. Norad plans to enter in to up to 8 agreements. Norad will not conduct pre-application assessments of organisations.
Q: The information asked for seems to be limited, will the applications be assessed in a two-stage application process?
A: The application will be assessed in a one stage process. Preference will be given to organisations that can demonstrate a track record of results under the relevant objectives and can document that the objective in the organisations strategy and theory of change.
Q: Are organisations currently implementing a NORAD–funded grant eligible to apply?
A: According to the call, organisations with an existing grant agreement that covers the support period will not be prioritized. Organisations that have agreements that end in 2025 will not be affected by this as the grants will cover different periods.
Q: Does being part of one proposal automatically discount a second application?
A: Organisations with an existing grant agreement that fully or partially covers the objective of this call, and the support period will not be prioritized. This also applies to organisations holding such grants through an umbrella organisation. That means that if one application is granted the other will not be prioritised.
Q: Can a lead applicant also participate as a co-applicant in another consortium?
A: : According to the call, organisations with an existing grant agreement that fully or partially covers the objective of this call, and the support period will not be prioritized. This also applies to organisations holding such grants through an umbrella organisation. That means that if one application is granted the other will not be prioritised.
Q: Can a co-applicant (a local CSO based in SSA) participate in multiple consortia?
A: Yes. However, it might affect the prioritisations of the applications.
Q: Does applying for multiple objectives impact the evaluation? For example, if an organization addresses three objectives instead of just one, does that provide any advantage in the evaluation process or vice versa?
A: Each objective will be assessed separately and competitively. Please focus on demonstrating a track record of results under the objective(s) where the organisation has cutting-edge expertise and document that the objective(s) in the organisations’ strategy and theory of change.
Q: Is Norad aiming at awarding a certain number of grants per objective of the call?
A: Norad has not decided how the 8 agreements will be divided between the 3 objectives.
Q: Does Norad have specific priority countries within Sub-Saharan Africa for this Call?
A: The call for proposal does not specify any priority country among the Sub-Saharan Africa countries.
Q: Are Norad existing strategic partners prioritized for this Call?
A: A minimum of five years of experience within the thematic field applied for is required. Preference will be given to organisations that can demonstrate a track record of results on one of the objectives in the call for proposals and can document the objective in the organisations strategy and theory of change. Norad aims to signing up to 8 agreements. Currently Norad holds more than 8 outgoing agreements within the thematic field.
Q: Questions regarding content and set up of results framework, budget allocation, maximum amount that it is possible to apply for etc.
A: Applications will be assessed competitively in relation to other applications. The assessment will be based on criteria in the call for proposals. Preference will be given to organisations that can demonstrate a track record of results on the objectives presented in the call for proposals and can document the objective in the organisations strategy and theory of change. Norad plans to enter in to up to 8 applications and expect stiff competition, therefore we will not present additional information regarding how the application should be presented.
Q: When can applicants can expect to hear if their application was successful and when you anticipate the grant period will begin?
A: According to plans funding will be available for 8 organisations in the first quarter of 2026. Notifications of grant can be expected during the second half of 2025.
Q: What does ‘domestic resource mobilization’ refer to in the call for proposals? Does it refer to domestic resource mobilization for civil society organizations (CSOs) or does it have a wider meaning that relates to the respective country’s overall development?
A: Domestic resource mobilization refers to strengthened resources for governments from domestic sources.
Q: Will the total amount of 180 million NOK be distributed among 8 grantees for projects that can last up to three years?
A: Yes, Norad aims to distribute 180 million NOK among 8 grantees over a three-year period.
Q: Will these 8 agreements, in turn, include grant schemes for organizations in the Sub-Saharan African countries?
A: Potential applicants must have activities and partnerships in Africa. Norad does not expect grant schemes for organisations.
Q: Should applicants produce and upload a detailed activity description?
A: The organisations’ strategy and theory of change is central along with other documents asked for in the grant portal. Please ensure that the information asked for is provided. Detailed information regarding activities is not necessary.
Q: In what format should documents be uploaded?
A Please provide budget in excel or PDF other documents should be provided in PDF.
Q: Several organisations have asked where to provide their project-description?
A: Please up-load the organisation’s strategy. The organisations that can document that alignment with the objective(s) in the call for proposals with the organisation’s strategy and theory of change will be prioritised.
Q: It possible to upload a document highlighting the consortium set up and strategic plans of the different consortium members?
A: Yes, please upload those documents under the Additional information section in the application form.
Q: Several potential applicants have asked for clarifying of the objectives in the call for proposal, or clarifications regarding the thematic expertise, geographic presence in Sub-Saharan Africa, established partnerships in Sub- Saharan Africa or other requirements.
A: The objectives and the requirements are described in the call for proposal. The applicants should be prepared to meet the requirements as they are presented and to direct their application towards one or more of the objectives as they are presented. No applicants are entitled to a grant, even if they meet all the formal and practical criteria.
Q: The application form says, "Upload the budget for the core support application”. Should we provide a project budget, or will the overall organisation's budget be sufficient? Do Norad have a suggested template for budgets?
A: Provided that all overall organisation budget is detailed enough, it can be sufficient. Norad can only support costs that complies with the OECD/DAC criteria for official development assistance (ODA). Norad aims at providing core support. However, for organisations with a broad range of activities, Norad’s support might be earmarked to wards those that contribute to reaching the objective(s) in the call for proposal. Norad does not have a template for budgets
Q: If we respond negatively to the questions “Could the organisation’s operations have negative impact on human rights/discrimination of women and girls/environment?” is it still required to fill the table of Risk/Probability/Consequence/Risk-reducing measures?
A: Please explain that the project does not have risks for negative impact on human rights/discrimination of women and girls/environment.
Q: The call for proposal says that “Protection measures for environmental human rights defenders should be specified in the budget.” Is this required for all applications, even those that do not envisage working with environmental defenders?
A: Please explain that the project does not have risk for negative impact on environmental human rights defenders.
Q: Could you kindly confirm whether a local organization in the Sub-Saharan region is eligible to apply for without a Norwegian partner?
A: A Norwegian partner is not needed.
Q: Organisations with existing agreements, including those that receives an agreement through this call for proposal and including those who are a partner in an umbrella organisation, will not be prioritised. Does this indicate that applications will be assessed on a rolling basis? And is it possible to say something about how much would be weighed in the assessment of applications?
A: All applications will be processed after the closing date for the call for proposals and approximately 8 will be selected on a competitive basis against the criteria. Organizations that already have funding through this grant scheme for the project period will not be prioritied.
Q: Can a lead organization for an application participate in the application of another organization?
A: Yes, a lead organization for an application can participate in another application.
Q: Can Norad confirm whether “own contribution” funds are required from the applicants as a criterion of eligibility?
A: Own contribution is not required. The applicant must document that the organisation has sufficient other income in addition to public funding or other non-committed funds.
Q: Can the applicants use other currency for the budget, rather than NOK?
A: Norwegian kroner should be used in the budget
Q: The call for proposal says "A gender analysis should be conducted to inform the project, with an emphasis on ensuring gender-sensitive project design." Do you mean this gender analysis should be conducted already at proposal stage and that we should provide information on the conducted gender analysis and its outcomes already in the proposal or is the gender analysis a requirement that can be completed at the beginning of the project i.e. after the proposal has been selected?
A: The applicant must adequately document how the organisation addresses the four cross-cutting issues. Applications will be assessed competitively in relation to other applications.
Q: Could you share with us your definition of 'economic justice' that is referred to in the call?
A: Norad does not have any definition 'economic justice'. Applications will be assessed competitively in relation to other applications. The assessment will be based on criteria in the call for proposals
Q: Can Norad clarify whether it will accept applications wherein local civil society project partners are provided with small subgrants in line with the proposed project’s sustainability and capacity development approach?
A: Yes we accept that local civil society project partners are provided subgrants