Call for proposals on global security issues

1  General information about the grant scheme

Grants under this scheme are awarded in accordance with the criteria set out in these grant scheme rules.

The grant scheme is an application-based scheme. Applications are processed and considered on the basis of the guidelines and criteria set out in the call for proposals.

No applicants are automatically entitled to a grant under this scheme, even if they meet all the formal and practical criteria.

2 Objectives and target group

The objectives of the grant scheme are to:

• strengthen transatlantic cooperation and dialogue on security policy issues;
• promote policies within NATO that ensure the continued political and military relevance of the Alliance;
• increase knowledge of relevant security policy issues, including conventional, non-conventional and hybrid threats and challenges, and enhance awareness of their consequences for Norwegian interests;
• reduce the risk of radicalisation, violent extremism and terrorism;
• reduce international organised crime and illegal trade;
• improve maritime security;
• ensure that the internet remains open, secure, robust and free.

The target group for this announcement grant scheme is:  The general public, in particular decision-makers and the academic community, in Norway, other NATO countries, and internationally.

3 Performance criteria

The Ministry is required to report annually on the results achieved under the scheme in  chapter 118.71 of the budget proposal. The reporting on results from projects funded under this grant scheme should indicate how Norwegian funds have contributed to the achievement of the grant scheme’s objectives and, where appropriate, explain why any further Norwegian efforts are needed in this area.

The following indicators are to be used to measure results under this scheme:

• the number of relevant analyses/seminars/workshops on how to improve security policy dialogue and strengthen NATO, and any positive feedback on their benefits;
• the number of relevant analyses/seminars/workshops and reports on security policy issues and the consequences for Norwegian interests, and any positive feedback on their benefits;
• the number of relevant analyses/seminars/workshops/reports and participation in concrete activities that have led to changes that have helped reduce the risk of radicalisation, violent extremism and terrorism;
• the number of relevant analyses/seminars/workshops/reports and participation in concrete activities that have led to changes that have helped reduce international organised crime and illegal trade;
• the number of relevant analyses/seminars/workshops/reports and participation in concrete activities that have led to changes that have helped improve maritime security; and
• the number of relevant analyses/seminars/workshops/reports and participation in concrete activities that have led to changes that have helped reduce the risk of international cybercrime.

4  Allocation criteria

a) Potential grant recipients

Potential grant recipients under this scheme are:

• Norwegian and international institutions carrying out research, education and analysis;
• Norwegian organisations and NGOs;
• international organisations, including UN organisations.

For this announcement Norwegian and international institutions carrying out research, education and analyses will be prioritised.

b) Applicants

Applicants must document that the following criteria are met:

• The applicant must be an independent legal person. Accurate and complete information about the nature of the organisation must be provided.
• The applicant must have the necessary expertise and administrative capacity to be able to implement the project(s).
• The applicant must demonstrate good insight into the issues concerned and must have set clear, achievable objectives for the project(s).
• The applicant must have established close ties with potential partners. Information about partners must be provided.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will assess applicants’ expertise and capacity in the relevant field as well as their administrative capacity. For applicants that have previously received a grant from the Ministry, experience from previous allocations, including reporting, financial management and performance, will form part of the assessment.

c) Types of project

Grants may be awarded for the following types of project:

• competence-building and research in the areas of transatlantic cooperation and security;
• competence-building, analyses and research in the areas of combating radicalisation and preventing violent extremism and terrorism, with a particular focus on efforts aimed at vulnerable groups such as women and young people;
• competence-building and research aimed at reducing international organised crime;
• competence-building, research, legal investigation, and other types of activities that promote maritime security; and
• competence-building, research and other types of activities aimed at combating international cybercrime.

For this announcement competence-building and research in the areas of transatlantic cooperation and security will be the main objective.

All projects must meet the following criteria:

• The project must be in line with the objectives of the grant scheme and must seek to meet a specifically defined need.
• The project must have clearly defined, realistic and measurable goals, and applications must include a description of the current situation (baseline) and indicators that will make it possible to measure and report results.
• The project must be cost-effective, and this must be reflected in a detailed budget. The grant recipient must not make a profit from the grant.

In its assessment of the application, the Ministry will attach importance to the following

• Risks and risk management
• Relevance to the objectives of the grant scheme
• The extent to which the project takes the cross-cutting issues into account
• Local ownership, sustainability and exit strategy
• Relevance to Norway’s strategies and policy documents for the area concerned
• Relevance to the recipient country’s own plans and priorities
• General guidelines for Norwegian aid funding

5 Cross-cutting issues

The following four cross-cutting issues must be taken properly into account in all projects:

• Human rights, with a particular focus on participation, accountability and non-discrimination
• Women’s rights and gender equality
• Climate change and environment
• Anti-corruption.

Grant recipients must identify material risk factors that may have a negative impact on the four cross-cutting issues, and must analyse and manage these risks throughout the project cycle. The Ministry will consider whether the grant recipient’s risk assessment and risk management are sufficient to avoid unintended negative effects.

Application process and deadline

The application is to be sent electronically on the relevant application form for small scale grants to: post@mfa.no with a copy to the Section for Security Policy and North America (Seksjon.for.sikkerhetspolitikk.og.Nord-Amerika@mfa.no), with clear indication that the application is for a grant under the grant scheme for global security measures.

Enquiries may also be sent to  the Section for Security Policy and North America (Seksjon.for.sikkerhetspolitikk.og.Nord-Amerika@mfa.no) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PO Box 8114, Dep. 0032 Oslo, Norway.

Application deadline: October 20.