FAQ Stage 2: NICFI Civil Society

Please note that the deadline for asking questions to skog@norad.no  is 18. August. The next update of this page can be expected 22. August.

Application Process

Q: The letter inviting us to submit a full proposal state: “The application must be based on the previously submitted concept note and must include the information provided in the concept note”.  We would like to confirm what is meant here; if we incorporate all the work and objectives mentioned (outcomes and outputs) would that suffice?

A: Yes, this is sufficient. It is important that you keep the same outcomes, however, adjustments in outputs to achieve the planned outcomes may be considered.

Grants portal and formats

Q: Is there a budget format? Should the budget have greater detail than what was submitted at the concept note stage?

A: Please use the budget format shared on the website for the call. Norad may request more detailed information (spot checks) when processing applications.

Partners and sub-grantees (eligibility)

Q: Can the lead organisation be replaced by another organisation at this stage, and the original lead organisation move into a co-lead role? 

A: No. Norad has made a preliminary assessment of the lead applicant in Stage 1, meaning that it must be the same lead applicant in Stage 2.

Q: Are all funds distributed to one project co-lead who is responsible for distribution, or separated to different consortium co-leads from the start? 

A: The agreement will be with the lead applicant and funding will be transferred to the lead applicant, who is responsible for distribution, monitoring and reporting on all funding. (See also FAQ Stage 1).

Q: Can we add a new consortium partner?

A: The lead applicant may add a new partner (consortium partner or sub-grantee), as long as it does not change the content of the proposed project. Please note that the lead applicant/Norad’s contract partner takes responsibility for all funding from Norad.

Budget and costs

Q: Norad has asked us to remove a country from our multi-country proposal. Can we add the budget from the removed country to other countries in the proposal?

A: No, please revise and reduce the budget accordingly.

Q: Is there a cap on how much of the budget can be outsourced to consultants or third parties? 

A: There is no cap, we will consider the budget when we process the application.

Geographic priorities

Q: Can we make changes to selected priority countries? 

A: Unless changes are requested by Norad in the invitation letter, please make no changes to selected countries.