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1.Are the independent media registered as businesses eligible to apply in the 3rd call for application?
Independent media is not covered by the 3rd call for applications.
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2.Should the organizations apply only in Kosovo or Albania as well?
NGOs from Kosovo should submit the documents at [email protected] whereas NGOs from Albania can get information on how to apply here
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3.Can an NGO from Kosovo apply in partnership with an organization from Albania?
As explained in the Call for project proposals and guidelines for application, projects shall be country specific and address challenges within the selected country. NGOs can apply for interventions only in their respective country, therefore, only partnerships with NGOs from Kosovo are allowed.
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4.Where can we access the templates for the 'Plan of Activities' and 'Budget'?
The templates are in the same Excel where the Logical Framework is, but on different sheets.
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5.Where can we access the templates for application in Albanian and Serbian language?
Templates for application are only in English language as for this scheme the applications are accepted only in this language. Templates can be accessed here
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6.If a project proposal includes infrastructure intervention in some institutions (such as Universities), as part of the bigger intervention, should we submit together with the project proposal the official permits (legal/construction) from the respective public authorities, or these permits should be submitted in a later phase, after the approval of the proposal?
Each document that is compulsory for the implementation of the project, and the achievement of its objectives, should be included in the application. As stated in section III. APPLICATION PROCEDURE - “When active participation/cooperation with other institutions, organizations or other entities is compulsory for the implementation of the project, the scanned copy of the Memorandum of Cooperation, Letter of support or any other document indicating clearly the commitment of the respective entity. In addition, consider that “interventions that are subject to multilevel dependency and approval, thus posing high risk for achieving result” will be considered as Ineligible interventions/activities”.
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7.Our organization is a local organization newly established. As a result of this our organization can’t provide the budget data as requested in the organization identity form. Does this represent a liability for us or are we eligible to apply for this grant?
Organisations that do not have relevant experience are not eligible to apply in this Call for Proposal. However, such organisations can enter as a partner organisation into a partnership with another leading organisation.
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8.Is it eligible to apply for provision of direct social services to the target-group?
Yes, if the provision of direct social services to the principal beneficiaries/target-group targets one of the thematic areas of the call for proposals, and aim to deliver concrete results that feed the overall goal of the programme. The proposal should seek proactive and direct contribution in the respective area.
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9.What type of activities are considered under “Activities which are of service nature and rather belong to the Technical Assistance”?
It refers to services and technical assistance for public institutions.
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10.Can an institution be a partner in application?
No, only partnerships with other NGOs are allowed.
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11.Can the project be composed of advocacy and research?
Yes, but the latter only if it is imperative for the achievement of the intended project results.
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12.What is the role of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Prishtina in decision making?
The Royal Norwegian Embassy will be consulted before any final decisions are made. The Embassy reserves the right to veto the project proposals.
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13.If a project contributes to more than one priority area will it be considered as an advantage in the application phase?
The proposed interventions (projects) should target only one of the thematic areas of the call for proposals.
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14.Should the applying organization co-fund the project?
Co-funding is not mandatory for this call for project proposals.
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15.Can an NGOs be partner in more than one application?
Yes but note that as explained in the Call for project proposals and guidelines for application an application may have only one lead applicant and one partner organization.
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16.Can an institution co-fund the project?
Yes but in case of co-funding, the co-funding proof (e.g. contract, decision, letter of commitment, etc.) should be submitted.
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17.Can a foreign government non-for –profit institution be a partner in the application?
The partner should be a non-govermental organization as per the definition of the Law on Freedom of Association in Non-Governmental Organizations in Kosovo. Moreover, branches of foreign and international NGOs registered in Kosovo are not eligible to apply.
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18. Should we deliver the application electronically or submit them in hard-copy?
Applications can only be sent in electronic form. NGOs from Kosovo should submit the completed applications at [email protected].
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19. If the organisation is newly registered and with less experience in the thematic area, is the experience of staff (management) of the organization considered?
Grants will be awarded to active NGOs with mission and demonstrated experience in the thematic area to which the application corresponds.
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20. Is the relevant experience of the partner’s organisation evaluated within the criteria “Demonstrate relevant experience in the thematic area”?
Relevant experience is a condition to be fulfilled by the lead implementing partner.
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21. Can you send us via email the criteria for application for the call for proposals?
Call for project proposals and guidelines for application and documents for application can be accessed here
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22. Are individuals eligible to apply for this call?
No. Domestic Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from Kosovo operating as per the Law on Freedom of Association in Non-Governmental Organizations in Kosovo are eligible to apply in this call.
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23. When submitting the budget of the project, do we have to include the own funding of the project or only budget financed by NOR call? In our case total budget is 65,000 EUR whereas 25,000 EUR own funding?
As presented in the budget template, the amount requested to be supported by the Norwegian programme for CS is to be presented in a separate column to the amount supported by other Donor (specify donor).
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24. Can one organization benefit from more than one grant?
Organizations may apply with only one application as a lead applicant. An application may have only one lead applicant and one partner organization.
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25. Since round table discussions and research and feasibility studies are not supported from this call, what activities can be proposed?
Conferences or round table discussions and Research and feasibility studies, especially as a tool to design the rest of the intervention will be supported only when they are imperative for the achievement of the intended project results.
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26. Can the awareness raising campaigns for sewage discharge be included in the project proposal?
Activities which are of service nature for public institutions and awareness raising campaigns without proper follow up will not be supported.
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27. Is it a problem if there is no equal gender distribution of beneficiaries in the project proposal?
For the principal beneficiaries, equal gender participation should be targeted. Whenever possible, a similar approach is to be followed also for the inclusion of under-represented groups.
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28. Should the responsible person sign the application?
Application should be signed by the Executive Director and Partner Organization if applicable.
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29. Are the activities that help reduce the unemployment of people with eye sight difficulties eligible?
Activities that contribute to the overall goal of the programme, those that target one of the five thematic areas and are in line with the rules of the call are eligible.
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30. Can training and campaigns be supported?
Activities that contribute to the overall goal of the programme, those that target one of the five thematic areas and are in line with the rules of the call are eligible
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31. Is partnership with another NGO mandatory and will partnerships have advantage?
Partnership with another NGO is not mandatory and partnerships between NGOs will not be considered an advantage.
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32. Is a project proposal similar to another one supported by KCSF eligible?
Same or very similar interventions to those supported by KCSF through other implemented grant schemes will not be supported.
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33. Are the schools eligible to apply for this call?
No. Domestic Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from Kosovo operating as per the Law on Freedom of Association in Non-Governmental Organizations in Kosovo are eligible to apply in this call.
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34. Should the year of establishment be presented and is it a condition for application?
All the information required in the Instructions and Application form should be addressed accordingly. Moreover, as presented in section II of the Call for project proposals and guidelines for application to be eligible for financing, among other conditions, applicants should have a mission that is in line with the thematic area to which the application corresponds, and show relevant capacity and experience with regards to the proposed project.
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35. Can NGOs that are implementing projects financed by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Prishtina apply in this call?
Royal Norwegian Embassy in Prishtina will be consulted before any final decisions are made. The Embassy reserves the right to reject the project proposals.
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36. Our mission is very broad, whereby we aim to include our network of expertise and task forces of professionals in specific thematic area i.e. environment. Can this present a problem for us to apply in this call?
The application is open to all interested NGOs. To be eligible for full evaluation of proposals, applicants should meet the following mandatory requirements: 1) The mission of the organization is compliant with the thematic area to which the application corresponds; 2) Demonstrate relevant experience in the thematic area; and 3) Project proposal is relevant to the thematic area. Evaluation of above listed requirements will be carried out by external Evaluation Board.
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37. Is the cooperation with local level (municipalities) considered as multilevel dependency?
The cooperation with the local level (municipalities) is not considered as multilevel dependency. Yet, it depends from the decision making competences in the selected area of work and the involvement of other stakeholders/parties.
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38.How much is (should be) the project’s grant in this call (minimum and maximum)?
The total proposed budget size of the applications to be financed by this programme must fall between the following thresholds: Minimum amount: EUR 25,000 (including audit costs) Maximum amount: EUR 30,000 (including audit costs)
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39.In case of partnership, do we need to submit the statute of partner or only of the lead organization?
Only the statute of the lead organization should be submitted.
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40. Are the grant beneficiaries of the first call eligible to apply?
Based on the guidelines for application the grant beneficiaries of the first and second call for application are not eligible to apply under this call be it as a lead or partner organization..
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41.If in the application form there are questions that are not applicable to us, what should we write?
In such cases write N/A.
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42.If we are to cooperate with other institutions in implementing the project should we submit the Memorandum of Cooperation?
When active participation/cooperation with other institutions, organizations or other entities is compulsory for the implementation of the project, only the successful applicants are required to submit the scanned copy of the Memorandum of Cooperation, Letter of support or any other document indicating clearly the commitment of the respective entity.
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43. Is only the application to be submitted in English?
The scheme operates in English language.
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44.What is included in the administrative expenses?
Administrative expenses can include costs such as: bank fees, rent, public utilities, communication, local travel, office material.
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45. Is waste prevention incorporated in the thematic area Environment Protection?
Yes.
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46. Should the statute of the organization be translated in English?
No. Application form, logical framework, plan of activities and budget should be in English.
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47. Can the project be implemented in specific municipality or it should cover the whole country?
Applicants may propose interventions that address relevant issues at local and/or central level.
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48. Are unions eligible to apply in this call?
No. Only Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) registered as per the definition of the Law on Freedom of Association in Non-Governmental Organizations in Kosovo are eligible to apply.
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49. What share of the budget can be allocated to human resources?
There is no limit in the budget to be allocated to human resources. However, note that the biggest share of the budget (>50%) should be dedicated to expenses related to direct project activities and up to 15% of the total proposed budget can be allocated to organizational capacity building.
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50. Do you support the Erasmus+ youth program in Kosovo?
No, not through this call.
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51. If during the implementation of the project, we face difficulties with the cooperating partner (institution) can we approach the donor for assistance?
Potential risks should be thought of from the very beginning of project design and as such they should be reflected in the application form and logical framework along with the proposed mitigation measures. If approached for such challenges, donor might provide suggestions but cannot be directly involved in solving the matter. Note that while listing potential risks and probability of occurrence, lessons learned from previous potential experiences should be taken into consideration.
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52. Can a non-Kosovar citizen be engaged in the implementation of the project, be it as a staff or consultant?
Yes, but their engagement should be in line with the legislation that regulates the employment of foreign nationals in Kosovo.
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53. Can an application that has been submitted to another donor for support, be submitted in this call?
Yes. Information on this should be presented in the application form (question: ‘Have you applied elsewhere with the same project?).
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54. As we understand more than 50% of the total budget should be allocated to direct activities while up to 15% to organizational capacity building. How should we distribute the remaining budget?
Allocation of the budget to organizational capacity building is not mandatory. It is subject to the needs of the organization and in case requested, a clear and concise plan justifying the request along with the benefits that this support brings to the organization should be provided in the application form.
Note that besides the above, no limit for other budget categories is set.
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55. We plan to use an instrument, which is relatively costly. Instead of purchasing it, we have reached a deal with one of our partners and they will offer it free of charge. My question is: Shall we consider the company as partner organization although it won't be involved directly in the project and there are no costs associated with this action?
The applicant may act alone or in partnership with another partner organization. Potential partner organization must satisfy the second eligibility criteria as applicable to the applicant himself: (2) Be registered as a domestic non-governmental/non-for-profit organization, according to the Kosovo legislation (branches of foreign and international NGOs registered in Albania and Kosovo are not eligible to apply);
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56. In what detail would you expect the applicant to make the implementation plan for the organizational and technical capacity building?
The Organisational Capacity Building section should be filled in accordance with the “Instructions on filling out the application for project grants”
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57. Please give us detailed information about the grant agreement mechanism: how would the first advance payment be settled. Would you require the applicant to pay in advance up to a certain amount before making any bank transfer? Or would you settle the first advance payment and in which % when the grant agreement is signed?
Grantees will not be required to make advance payments. The first advance payment will be disbursed to the grantee upon signature of the grant agreement. Percentage of the first payment is subject to the implementation period and budget.
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58. Are patients considered as a marginalized group in the third call for applications?
In itself patients are not regarded as marginalized or vulnerable group as they can belong to all categories of citizens. However, the sub-category of patients can be composed of excluded groups including for example the elderly, women, people with special needs or minorities then we are dealing with marginalized groups.
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59.In cases of a partnership, can the Project Manager be assigned from the partner organization?There are no specific limitations on this as long as the lead organization takes full responsibility for the implementation and management of the project, including the execution of all project costs.
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60.Are trainings for teachers eligible under the third call for application or they are considered as capacity building activities and thus are ineligible?Projects composed entirely of capacity building activities will not be supported through the third call. While the call does not provide suggestions for intervention so to not affect the proposals, regardless of the proposed intervention, and thematic area to which it relates, proposals should seek proactive and direct contribution in the respective area, with careful consideration of the ongoing situation and circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, applications should present clear, measurable and achievable project results for the principal and final beneficiaries.
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61.For the third call for application, is it possible for a project to last 6 months?For the third call for application, the duration for the implementation of the proposed projects shall be minimum 10 months and maximum 12 months. The implementation of the selected projects is expected to start in October/November 2021. If projects are proposed to commence later, they are to be finalized at latest by October 2022.
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62. Is an organization that is not registered entitled to apply?To be eligible for financing, applicants should be registered as a domestic non-governmental / non-for-profit organization, according to the Albanian and Kosovo legislation (branches of foreign and international NGOs registered in Albania and Kosovo are not eligible to apply).
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63. In cases of a partnership, can the Project Manager be assigned from the partner organization?There are no specific limitations on this as long as the lead organization takes full responsibility for the implementation and management of the project, including the execution of all project costs.
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64. Are trainings for teachers eligible under the third call for application or they are considered as capacity building activities and thus are ineligible?Projects composed entirely of capacity building activities will not be supported through the third call. While the call does not provide suggestions for intervention so to not affect the proposals, regardless of the proposed intervention, and thematic area to which it relates, proposals should seek proactive and direct contribution in the respective area, with careful consideration of the ongoing situation and circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, applications should present clear, measurable and achievable project results for the principal and final beneficiaries.
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65. For the third call for application, is it possible for a project to last 6 months?For the third call for application, the duration for the implementation of the proposed projects shall be minimum 10 months and maximum 12 months. The implementation of the selected projects is expected to start in October/November 2021. If projects are proposed to commence later, they are to be finalized at latest by October 2022.
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66. Is an organization that is not registered entitled to apply?To be eligible for financing, applicants should be registered as a domestic non-governmental / non-for-profit organization, according to the Albanian and Kosovo legislation (branches of foreign and international NGOs registered in Albania and Kosovo are not eligible to apply).