Call for Expression of Interest: Democracy Fund

The Democracy Fund (DF) is a special fund implemented by the Multi-Agency Grants Initiative (MAGI), and administered by Hivos-South Africa. The Fund provides a responsive mechanism for the provision of small grant funding to organisations at community level that work to enhance democracy in South Africa.  The fund supports new or existing programmes, projects or campaigns that broadly aim to promote the Constitution (and the Bill of Rights in particular), freedom of expression and human rights.

The DF is calling for expression of interest from organisations seeking funding for work in the following priority areas:

• Human rights awareness, education and advocacy (particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups);
• Freedom of expression and media development (particularly citizen journalism);
• Labour rights;
• Civic participation.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Capacity building interventions that strengthen civic action/activism;
• Strategic workshops, consultations, litigation, demonstrations and grassroots mobilisation that promote principles of democracy and human rights;
• Awareness-raising, education and advocacy activities, including but not limited to production of publications and other media;
• Networking/network-building events and activities that aim to promote and support the amplified civic voice and joint civic action for democracy and human rights.

A concept note should be submitted, no longer than three pages in length that outlines the following:

• Organisational details (contact details, address, contact person, telephone and email addresses);
• Organisational background (including form of registration);
• Project details (outline of problem to be addressed and aim and objectives);
• Project implementation (including activities and anticipated results);
• Summary budget (up to a maximum of R250 000).

Grant Amount and Duration

The grant allocations will vary up to a maximum of R250 000 depending on the capacity to effectively manage the grant. The maximum funding period is 1 year.

Criteria

• Formally constituted (though not necessarily registered) civil society organisations (CBOs or NGOs) and networks with adequate administrative and financial systems may apply;
• There must be a clear outline of the participation of women in leadership and decision-making positions;
• We encourage a collaborative or partnership-based approach;
• A track record of financial management (organisations in existence for longer than a year must submit audited financial statements);
• Identifiable governance structure;
• Supported activities should be able to demonstrate measurable results and outputs.

Preference will be given to community based organisations. Successful applicants will be requested to complete a full proposal and budget.

For more information, refer to www.magi.org.za/democracy_fund.html.

Submit your complete expression of interest to jon@hivos.co.za.

For more about the Multi-Agency Grants Initiative, refer to www.magi.org.za.

To view other opportunities, visit www.ngopulse.org/group/home-page/other-opportunities.