Objectives
The UK supports the rights of human rights defenders to carry out their work and voice their opinions freely and safely, as well as efforts in defending and supporting journalists. Additionally, the UK recognises the importance of strong democratic institutions. The British Embassy Manila is seeking a proposal which supports the following objectives:
Human Rights Defenders
- promote a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders, in which their rights are protected and respected on a national and/or regional scale
- empower and increase access to justice and legal support/assistance for human rights defenders
Media Freedom
- strengthen the legal and regulatory environment in which freedom of the press is protected and respected on a national and/or regional scale
- empower and increase access to justice and legal support of journalists to advance media freedom and promote an inclusive media sphere
Political Reform
- Promote democratic values through reforms that strengthen democratic institutions, including building the capacities of vehicles for political participation, such as political parties, emerging movements, and civil society organisations
All bids should be in pounds sterling (GBP). Bidders are strongly advised to limit their proposals within the indicative funding brackets:
- Up to £20,000 for Human Rights Defenders
- Up to £20,000 for Media Freedom
- Up to £20,000 for Political Reform
Proposals covering more than one objective are welcome.
Approval process
Project bids will be shortlisted and approved by the British Embassy Manila’s Programme Board. To apply for funding, interested organisations must submit a concept note (see attached template). The concept note should provide the information required to enable the programme team to make an initial assessment of whether the bidder will be able to qualify for the funding.
If the concept note is successful in the first stage, the bidder/s will be asked to submit a full proposal and an activity-based budget (ABB). There is likely to be a short turnaround time for this.
Managerial and financial aspects
- Any organisation can apply for funding. We do not accept project bids submitted by individuals
- Please note that payment will be made in arrears. The Embassy cannot make pre-payments. Successful bidders should make payments and be reimbursed by the Embassy. The implementer must have an active bank account in the name of the organisation to which we can transfer reimbursements electronically.
- Organisations must prove that they are able to manage the project sum in a satisfactory manner. The Embassy may request reports by auditors.
Exemptions
We regret that we are unable to fund:
- academic courses
- charitable activities
- commercial activities
- infrastructure or construction projects
Co-financing
A partnership framework to support the broader engagement of a project is welcome and can strengthen your bid. Please make sure to specify your other source(s) of funding in the concept note.
Evaluation of project bids
The aim of the project should be concise, feasible and sustainable. The expected outcomes should be measurable and the target group should be clearly defined and involved in project implementation.
The assessment criteria will include the following:
- financial and operational capacity
- relevance
- methodology
- sustainability
- value for money
- impact
Reporting
The Embassy will require monthly financial reports and quarterly project progress reports (narrative and financial) from implementers. The first payment will be made upon the receipt of a monthly financial report. When the project has been completed, the implementer shall prepare and send a final report to the Embassy within the period specified in the contract.
Timeline
Deadline for submission of concept note is 3 June 2024.
Successful bidders will implement their project from July 2024 (TBC) until 15 March 2025. All payment requests and reporting should be finalised by 31 March 2024. You are advised to plan project activities accordingly.
Completed should be sent by email to [email protected].
Bidders will be informed of the result in the week commencing 17 June 2024.
