Call for Proposals: Julia Taft Refugee Fund for FY 2021
Date Open: December 13, 2020
Date Closed: February 12, 2021
Minimum Award Amount: $5,000
Maximum Award Amount: $25,000
Background and funding opportunity description
U.S. Embassy Panama City in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) is pleased to welcome proposals for the 2021 Julia Taft Refugee Fund from potential partners working to assist refugees in Panama. This support is meant to meet low-cost gaps in refugee protection and assistance.
Eligibility criteria and funding guidelines
- The funds are meant to support sustainable (beyond one year) projects that assist refugees of all nationalities in Panama.
- 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.
- Applicants must be a registered organization (e.g.: NGO, community-based organization; faith-based organization).
Application package
Applications that do not include ALL of the components below will automatically be rejected.
- Proposal (there is no specific form for the application, but each application must include the information listed in the Proposal Format section (no more than two pages)
- Detailed project timeline/calendar
- Detailed budget
- CV/resume of project manager and other key project personnel
- At least one reference/recommendation letter from other donors or stakeholders
- Proof of national registration of the organization
- Copy of bank statement or other proof of existing bank account
- 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 must be in English.
Review and Selection Process
A selection committee at the U. S. Embassy Panama City will review all applications received under this announcement based on the following criteria:
- Capacity of the organization: the organization has experience in implementing activities related to vulnerable populations and is focused on economic and social development 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 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.
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.
- Provide a shelter for 150 women and girls who are survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
- Support livelihood and vocational training program for refugees.
- Train refugees in running small businesses.
- Support health care for persons with disabilities.
- Support a women and girls’ empowerment project for urban refugees.
In order to be considered for this funding opportunity, please submit your applications by email to roscs@state.gov by February 12, 2021. All organizations are encouraged to submit their applications before the February 12 deadline. Please contact Carly Ros, roscs@state.gov should you need any additional information.
Proposal Format (no more than two pages)
Problem statement
Give a brief description of the primary problem that your project wishes to address.
Objectives
The objectives should correspond directly to the problem stated in your Problem Statement and should be concise. Objectives should be specific, measurable, appropriate, realistic and time-bound (SMART).
Strategy
Provide a fairly broad statement of your approach to solving the problem.
Activities
Describe the major activities that will be carried out to reach the grant objectives.
Sustainability Plan
Provide a brief outline stating how the organization proposes to sustain its activities beyond the completion and end of the grant.
Implementation Plan
Provide concise time frames and sequencing for the implementation of each activity
Monitoring and Evaluation Plan
Provide indicators and target number of beneficiaries you plan to achieve. Describe how outputs and outcomes will be measured.
Institutional Capacity Statement
Describe your organization’s capabilities and qualifications for implementing the grant. Present evidence to prove how and why your organization is likely to succeed in implementing the grant.
Detailed Budget:
The cost/budget application should be provided as a separate document. This should detail all direct costs associated with the implementation of grant activities with the equivalent in USD as well. Please provide a description of the costs included in the budget and how each expenditure or procurement contributes to project results.
Please also provide:
- Organizational Chart
- Resume of Key Personnel
- Copy of Proof of Registration
- Other attachments as deemed relevant by the applicant