U.S. Embassy Banjul
Call for Proposals: Julia Taft Refugee Fund for FY 2023
Date Open: May 30, 2023
Deadline for Applications: June 29, 2023
Minimum Award Amount: $5,000
Maximum Award Amount: $25,000
Background and funding opportunity description
The U.S. Embassy in Banjul in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) is pleased to welcome proposals for the 2023 Julia Taft Refugee Fund from potential partners working to assist refugees in the Gambia. This support is meant to meet low-cost, critical gaps in refugee protection and assistance.
Eligibility criteria and funding guidelines
- The funds are meant to support sustainable (beyond one year) and quick impact projects that assist refugees or refugee returnees.
- Projects that include one-time cash or food distributions, for example, will not be considered.
- Funds are intended for projects that include a target beneficiary of at least 50 percent refugees, or stateless persons. Consideration for support is given to projects that benefit both populations of concern and their host communities.
- The fund is not meant as an emergency fund. Funds cannot be used to support NGO overhead or salaries.
- Applicants must be a registered organization (e.g.: NGO, community-based organization; faith-based organization).
- Local NGOs will be given priority.
Application package
Applications that do not include ALL of the components below will automatically be rejected.
1. Proposal (there is no specific form for the application, but each application must include the information listed in the Proposal Format section)
2. Detailed project timeline/calendar
3. Itemized budget
4. CV/resume of project manager and other key project personnel
5. Legal name and address of the organization
6. At least one reference/recommendation letter from other donors or stakeholders
7. Proof of national registration of the organization
8. Copy of bank statement or other proof of existing bank account
9. A copy of the signed code of conduct of the organization that is consistent with the six core principles from the Inter-Agency Standing Committee recommendations (these can be provided upon request)
*All applications should be in English. Review and Selection Process A committee at the U.S. Embassy Banjul, will review all application under this announcement based on the following criteria:
- Capacity of the organization: the organization has experience in implementing activities related to vulnerable populations and demonstrates the ability to implement the activities proposed.
- Sustainability Plan: the proposal demonstrates a clear sustainability plan beyond the life of the award.
- Cost Application: the proposed costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results.
- Monitoring and evaluation: the applicant should provide a clear monitoring and evaluation plan that includes specific, measurable, and achievable indicators.
Once the review process is completed, the U.S. Embassy Banjul will notify the successful applicants as well as the unsuccessful applicants. Prospective grantees will receive further instructions along with the notification of successful proposal. Once awarded, each grantee will be responsible for the program and financial reporting as specified in the award agreement.
*Please note that funding levels and availability are subject to appropriations from the U.S. Congress.
Type of activities that can be funded under this program
Below are just a few examples of the kinds of activities that can supported by this grant. Please make sure that there is a strong tie to the local context and that proposed activities build on the competencies / capacity of the proposing organization:
- Improve the mental health of the refugee community or families affected by statelessness.
- Provide shelter for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
- Support livelihood and vocational training program for refugees and host communities.
- Train refugees in running small businesses.
- Support sports programs.
Inquiries
Please contact PolEconBanjul@state.gov with any specific questions
Proposal Format
Proposals should be limited to two pages (not including attachments) and include the following information.
- Problem statement
A brief description of the primary problem that your project will address. You may wish to include as an attachment any relevant data (e.g., on the target demographic, information on numbers of past clients (for legal assistance projects), traditional media coverage and social media metrics (for public awareness projects)).
- Objectives
The objectives should be concise and directly correspond to the Problem Statement. Objectives should be specific, measurable, appropriate, realistic, and time-bound (SMART).
- Strategy
Provide a general statement of your approach to solving the problem. Why is this the best way to meet needs?
- Activities and Implementation
Describe major activities that will be carried out to reach the grant objectives, including time frames and sequencing.
- Monitoring and Evaluation
Describe how outputs and outcomes will be measured, providing indicators and a target number of beneficiaries as appropriate.
- Institutional Capacity Statement
Describe your organization’s capabilities and qualifications for implementing the grant, and why your organization is likely to succeed in implementing the grant.
In order to be considered for this funding opportunity, please submit your applications by email to PolEconBanjul@state.gov by June 16, 2023.