Cambodia Disability Inclusive Development Fund (CDIDF) Application Guidelines 2014 Page 1 of 12
APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR THE CAMBODIA DISABILITY INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT FUND Cambodia Disability Inclusive Development Fund (CDIDF) The Cambodia Disability Inclusive Development Fund (CDIDF), managed by UNICEF, invites applications from all International and national non-governmental organisations (I/NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) to submit proposals for funding of activities. The Cambodia Disability Inclusive Development Fund (CDIDF) forms part of the broader joint programme Disability Rights Initiative Cambodia (DRIC), funded by the Australian Government and implemented by UNDP, UNICEF and WHO. Set within this framework and the work led by UNICEF on inclusive local governance and community development, the fund is designed to support small and medium scale projects that will increase the availability and quality of services for persons with disabilities as well as the support from local decision-makers in reducing barriers to participation. The purpose of the fund is to promote the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) framework, inclusive local development practices, and consolidate and share lessons learned and best practices from community-based activities. CDIDF objectives CDIDF is part of the UNICEF-led Inclusive governance and inclusive community development component of the Disability Rights Initiative Cambodia (DRIC) which aims to Increase capacity of and collaboration between subnational decision makers, civil society and communities to achieve the rights of persons with disabilities. The specific objectives of the CDIDF are to: I. Strengthen collaboration between stakeholders in selected provinces, districts and communes as well as across each level of the sub-national governance system. II. Deliver quality community based services to persons with disabilities, in particular women and children. 2014 CDIDF priorities Each year, CDIDF will identify funding priorities that proposals should support. Only proposals that directly address the priorities will be considered for selection. The 2014 funding priorities for CDIDF are: I. Disability sector work that engages and strengthens the link with local decision makers and commune councils to achieve inclusive local development. II. Support to work in gap areas this means gaps in service availability, gaps in geographic coverage, gaps in specific types of disability and gaps as identified by applicants in support Page 2 of 12
for persons with disabilities. The following are examples, however applicants are not restricted to these: services in screening and early detection, early childhood interventions, access to education for children with disabilities, psycho- social disabilities, support for intellectual disabilities, services for women with disabilities, services related to visual and hearing impairments and disability related services in remote areas. Geographic focus areas The CDIDF will only support proposals for activities in the following provinces: Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Kandal, Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Prey Veng and Svay Rieng. Special consideration will be given to applications that address Bringing persons with disabilities and other community members together Family and community based support in caring for children with disabilities Page 3 of 12
Adolescents with disabilities Early childhood care and development Violence against persons with disabilities, in particular girls and women Emergency and community resilience Applications CDIDF encourages partnerships within the disability sector. Applications where organisations partner with smaller NGOs or CBOs in their applications are encouraged; the partnerships should demonstrate organisational support throughout the life of the grant between the two or more applicants. Joint applications for funding, or partner applications, must clearly indicate who is responsible for what activity and administrative duty, including: governance, management, reporting and M&E. All applications should include how the applicant(s) will address: Disability Inclusion and gender equity: how the project will include persons with disabilities and contribute to gender equity. Sustainable benefits: how benefits will be maintained beyond the term of the proposed support. Governance capacity: organizational structure of the applicant, finance systems and management-leadership capacity, history of CBR activities. Learning and knowledge sharing: capture lessons during implementation and ensure organizational capacity building, reflection and learning. Applications should follow the template provided which includes a suggested length for each section of the proposal; applicants are encouraged to be clear and concise. Maximum grant and duration Maximum grant: up to US$100,000 for a grant period of maximum 2 years. A minimum grant: US$10,000 over 1-2 years. Applications will be closely reviewed for capacity to manage the funds and activities in two categories: proposals of less than US$50,000 and proposals over US$50,000. In the proposal, applicants should pay careful attention to matching capacity with the amount of funds requested. This means, there should be alignment in the organization s capacity to manage the funds requested and deliver the scale of activities in line with the amount of funds requested. Applicants should clearly demonstrate organisational capacity and experience in their proposal. Smaller organisations or those with less experience and/or organisational capacity are encouraged to request for less than US$50,000. Eligibility criteria International and national non-governmental organisations (I/NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) that are: Page 4 of 12
formally registered in Cambodia (MoI or MoFA) working in the grants scheme target geographic areas Complying with the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) guidelines (work that contributes to: support services to persons with disabilities; support for children with disabilities; organisations which seek to empower persons and give voice to persons with disabilities; etc.) Existence of an oversight Committee or Board Clearly defined organisational mandate Sound institutional/operational capacity to deliver the proposed project: admin/finance, M&E, reporting, child protection and social welfare services Ability and willingness to work with government at any levels Ability and willingness to work with other organisations The project is aligned with the 2014 funding priorities Participation in UNICEF led training activities (pre-agreement finance training, budget and financial governance) Non-Essential Criteria: NGO has an MOU with MoSVY or other Government Ministry Organisation s financial contribution A current relationship with Government (commune, district or national level) A beneficial relationship with other community based organisations Key principles of CDIDF Empowerment of children and persons with disabilities and their families for CDIDF, empowerment is: having a say and being listened to, self-power, own decision-making, having control or gaining further control, being free, independence, being capable of fighting for one s rights, and being recognized and respected as equal citizens and human beings 1. Empowerment aimed to strengthen and increase persons with disabilities community participation is key. Partnerships between actors (government and non-government) strengthening relationships, reducing duplication and increasing coordination through partnerships is important for more effective support to and work with persons with disabilities. Direct results for persons with disabilities key to CDIDF is results with direct impact on the lives of persons and families with disabilities. These impacts should be measurable and captured through reporting and personal change stories. Accountability partners in CDIDF take full responsibility for the work and funds committed to in the proposal. Effectiveness - will help to make partner NGO/CBO's more responsive to stakeholders and this is crucial if the NGO/CBO is to become a more effective and successful organisation. The 1 Empowerment Component, Community Based Rehabilitation Guidelines, World Health Organization, 2010 Page 5 of 12
Board/Committee is also likely to benefit from the new perspectives and ideas that arise from being more in tune with the needs and views of your stakeholders. Respect - significantly, having accountability, transparency and consultation processes in place will gain the trust and respect of those who take good governance seriously. Trust - community support is imperative for the continued existence and success of any community organisation. Those who take their responsibility for good governance seriously are far more likely to receive the support of the community. Activities ineligible for funding 2 Infrastructure, excluding reasonable accommodation or adaptations to allow physical access Projects without future sustainability plans Overseas training High International staff or Advisor costs Commercial activities Costs within the proposed budget Activity costs must directly relate to the results stated in the proposal Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) needs to be integrated into the budget and programme with an average target of 7% of the total budget value Procurement costs to be administered by the applying organisation cannotnot exceed a total of US$1,000. Procurement above US$ 1,000 must be done in consultation with UNICEF Supply section. Programme support costs administrative/overhead costs, in principal, should not exceed15% of overall project budget Salaries, per diems and volunteer reimbursements, need to be in line with the law, guidelines and decrees of the Kingdom of Cambodia Grant application package requirements: Completed proposal form Completed budget form (reflecting work plan) Completed work plan (reflecting budget) for the activities to be funded Annual schedule of activities (including activity, data and location, objective, indicators, desired outcome and evaluation method) Evidence of registration Organisational diagram/structure sheet Constitution (if it exists) Organisational Child Protection Policy (if it exists) Supporting documents e.g. bank statement from 2014, previous audit report, annual reports, reference letters, etc. 2 The above listed activities are in principal. This may be considered and discussed depending on direct relation to delivery of outcomes. Page 6 of 12
Organisation selection criteria Selection Criteria Evidence Detailed Explanation Registered in Cambodia Constitution and clearly defined mandate Board and adequate board oversight Demonstrated capacity to deliver projects Registration Copy of the constitution Mission statement Organisational chart Board/Committee description Past project sheets, stories from beneficiaries, reports or evaluations Reference letters from past partners or donors Applicant organisations must be legally registered with the relevant line Ministry. Proposals must identify clearly the mandate or mission of the organisation and it must be relevant to the proposal - vision, mission, and strategic plan, clarity about objectives and strategies for undertaking any project. Applicant organisations must have a functioning Board operating in Cambodia and overseeing policy and finance - or commit to a timetable for establishment of a Board as a condition to continued funding. Applicant organisations can demonstrate past performance in delivering projects within budgets. Proposals must include project description sheets with referees (donor and beneficiary). Procurement and financial management policy and systems Monitoring and Evaluation Systems Bank statements for 2014 Past financial reports to donors Past audits (where possible) Sound record of bookkeeping, basic records, ledgers, cash-books and audit. For organisations requesting grants of more than $50,000, in the first year, will be required to show an up to date external financial audit. Under $50,000, UNICEF will assess organisational financial governance. Adequate Staffing and commitment to managing, retaining and developing staff, including gender equity Proposals detail ways in which they will utilize and develop existing Cambodian assets and capabilities. Page 7 of 12
Payment of grants to successful applicants Payment of grants to successful applicants will follow the financial procedures established by UNICEF. Payments are made in tranches on a quarterly basis. Guidance and information on how to use the financial templates will be provided to successful applicants. All transfers to grantees will be made by bank transfer. Grantees must provide bank details at the grant agreement stage. UNICEF monitoring activities UNICEF, in coordination with its DRIC partners, will closely monitor each project and this will include: Support to grantees with M&E technical assistance and feedback Assessment of project progress against the work plan Assessment of success in meeting objectives and impact of activities Assessing proposed variations to project activities and associated budget implications Direct contact with and accompaniment of grantees Quarterly financial reports 6 monthly activity reports Project monitoring visits (spot checks) Page 8 of 12
Submission of proposals Proposals, work plans, budgets and schedules of activities should all be submitted preferably in English. Where this is not possible, Khmer language applications will be accepted. If the application is in Khmer, applicants must have a 1 page summary in English with key information in the proposal. All proposals must be submitted using the application package forms. The application package is be found attached or be accessed as: http://www.unicef.org/cambodia/overview_22939.html. Applications can be submitted electronically to CDIDF@unicef.org or by mail or delivery, in 2 hard copies to: Attn: Chhignim Kuoch, Community Development Officer Cambodia Disability Inclusive Development Fund United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) No. 11, Street 75, Sangkat Sraschark, 12201, Phnom Penh, Cambodia The deadline of the submission for proposals is: 30 September 2014 *********************** Late proposals will not be accepted ***************************** Contact Information for the UNICEF Cambodia Disability Inclusive Development Fund: For additional information regarding the application process and proposals, please do not hesitate to contact the CDIDF Focal Point: Ms. Chhignim Kuoch, Community Development Officer Tel: (855-23) 426 214/5; 427 957/8 (Ext. 128) Mobile: (855-12) 912 331 Fax: (855-23) 426 284 E-mail: CDIDF@unicef.org United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) P.O. Box 176, No. 11, Street 75 Sangkat Sraschark, Phnom Penh 12201 Page 9 of 12
Selection process and timelines All documents related to the call for proposals will be made public. The call for proposals will be open for one month. Submissions may be in English or Khmer. If the application is in Khmer, applicants must have a 1 page summary in English with key information. UNICEF will hold an information session on the small grants scheme once a year when the call is made public. All proposals received will be acknowledged by email where possible. All stages of grant assessment are documented and transparent. Step Process Date 1 The UNICEF announces Call For Proposals in media which includes funding criteria and priorities for funding. Receiving the application and determining who meets the eligibility criteria. a) UNICEF will not notify applicants that do not meet 2 the criteria or the funding priorities. b) UNICEF may contact applicants where further information is required. c) Applicants who meet the criteria and funding priorities will proceed to assessment steps. 3 UNICEF Grants Team may undertake an applicant site visit where necessary. The Independent Selection Committee assesses the 4 applications and makes final recommendations to an internal UNICEF panel. Internal UNICEF panel reviews the recommended 5 applications from the Independent Selection Committee and validates the selection process and technical assessment. Contact potential successful grant recipients to follow-up on 6 documents and to participate in the require finance training prior to signing agreement. 7 Prepare a Project Cooperation Agreement 8 Approval and signing of the Project Cooperation Agreement 9 Disbursement of the first tranche of the grant 10 Training/mentoring as agreed in the Project Cooperation Agreement, monitor activity and reporting as agreed in the agreement, and provide support to reporting to the partner organisation. Page 10 of 12
Flowchart of the key selection steps Page 11 of 12
Evaluation of proposals submitted to CDIDF Selection Criteria Detailed Explanation Weighting Quality of the project design and Compatibility with 2014 priorities and overall objectives of the CDIDF Capacity to govern and manage the grant as per agreement Utilising and developing existing assets and capabilities Value for money Learning value/capacity building Disability inclusion and gender equity Sustainable benefits Community engagement Do no harm The proposal states explicitly how it will support the 2014 funding priorities and more broadly the CDIDF objectives. 30 This includes information in the application about the organizational structure of the applicant, finance systems and management-leadership capacity. The proposal details ways in which they will utilize and develop existing Cambodian assets, local community resources and capabilities. The costs listed in the proposal and budget are in line with the expected benefits. The proposal has a mechanism to capture lessons during implementation and ensure organizational capacity building, reflection and learning. The proposal states explicitly how it will include persons with disabilities and contribute to gender equity. There are measures in the proposal to ensure the benefits are maintained beyond the term of the proposed support. The proposal should include how it will work with key stakeholders of the project this includes persons with disabilities, care givers, local decision makers, other service providers, etc. A risk assessment is conducted to guard against the proposal having negative consequences to beneficiaries and communities. 15 10 10 5 10 10 10 Not scored where insufficient, mechanisms will be developed with applicant organisations Total 100 Page 12 of 12