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MATRA 2023 | Call for Concept Notes | News Articles

News | 19-01-2023 | 10:15

MATRA for European Cooperation Embassy Program 2023

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Tirana invites non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to submit concept notes. Matra program Before February 20, 2023.

Abbreviation for Matra maatschappelijke Transformie, which means “social change”. This is part of the Dutch support for current and potential Her EU Candidates and countries of the Eastern Partnership. Matra supports countries meeting the conditions required by the EU accession process (such as the Copenhagen Criteria and/or the Association Agreement with the EU). The Matra Fund aims to complement the work of the European Commission and help countries strengthen democracy, rule of law and stability.

The Dutch government attaches particular importance to the Matra program because of its focus on strengthening and promoting common European values. A value that connects European countries and bridges cultural diversity. Supporting strong pluralist democracies that respect the rule of law, human rights, democratic processes and good governance is central to this programme. The general aim is to contribute to social change leading to sustainable and stable relations between government and citizens.

I. What kind of projects are covered?

The Matra program is demand driven. It supports NGO initiatives that are aligned with our policy priorities. In 2023, the Matra program will support a total of 4-5 new projects in the following areas:

  1. Rule of Law/Law Enforcement

Your proposals should focus on reforms that are part of the European integration agenda in the area of ​​rule of law and judicial reform, and should aim to strengthen the capacity of judicial institutions.

Specific topics of interest to the Embassy:

  • Help improve judicial efficiency, accountability, transparency and professionalism.
  • Strengthen the capacity of governance bodies and/or municipalities to help develop strategies, regulations, knowledge, skills and monitor performance.
  • Raise public awareness and strengthen citizens’ access to justice through legal education and legal aid for the general public.
  1. Organized Crime / Cyber ​​Crime / Money Laundering / Financial Management / Data Protection

Your proposal should fit the context of Albania’s EU integration process and strengthen the role of civil society in fighting organized crime and money laundering. The field particularly welcomes projects that raise public awareness and accountability by encouraging informed, evidence-based public debate.

Specific topics of interest to the Embassy:

  • Strengthen monitoring and evaluation of agency/government activities to combat organized crime, cybercrime and money laundering;
  • Strengthen policy dialogue between governments and civil society on combating organized crime and/or money laundering;
  • Engagement of youth and communities to discourage criminal tolerance and prevent involvement in criminal activity.
  1. Migration

Your proposal should address the risks and consequences of illegal immigration from Albania to EU countries. Focusing on the impact and role of women in areas affected by irregular (youth) immigration, there is a need to inform and raise awareness of visa-free regimes and the limitations and conditions of irregular immigration.

Specific topics of interest to the Embassy:

  • Raising awareness about the impact of irregular migration on women who have social/economic/childcare responsibilities after their families have migrated;
  • Raising awareness about the consequences of irregular migration and the security challenges women may face in their communities.
  • Mapping and raising awareness of the role of women in motivating families to undertake irregular migration.
  • Mapping and raising awareness of the role of women in preventing family illegal immigration.
  1. Democratization, Good Governance, Fighting Corruption, Citizen Engagement

Your proposal should not only contribute to a more competent and responsive public sector to the needs of its citizens, but also advance and respond to the requirements of the EU integration process. It should aim to improve a more efficient, accountable, transparent, inclusive and effective administration at the national and local levels.

Specific topics of interest to the Embassy:

  • Strengthening independent government oversight bodies and/or institutions. Priority will be given to projects that focus on accountability, promote public engagement and strengthen inclusiveness in anti-corruption strategies/action plans and priority-aligned decision-making processes.
  • Strengthen cooperation among various stakeholders (national and local governments, civil society organizations, the private sector and citizens) when addressing key reforms within the framework of the EU integration process.
  • Strengthening the role of women in both decision-making and effective implementation.
  1. Freedom of Expression, Independent Journalism, Media Freedom and Literacy

Freedom of expression is an essential component of a well-functioning democracy and free society. The general public, and journalists in particular, should be able to express themselves freely both online and offline. Overall, the project aims to provide civil society and journalists with access to tools to combat disinformation, misinformation and fake news and/or promote ethics, fact-checking and independence. need to focus.

Specific topics of interest to the Embassy:

  • We support the independence of journalists and media organizations in a variety of ways. It has a particular focus on combating disinformation and misinformation, promoting ethical reporting, and fostering a culture in which freedom of expression is taken for granted.
  • Raise awareness of those who threaten or attack journalists, fight impunity, and contribute to enacting effective legislation and providing a safe haven for intimidated journalists.

II. What are the minimum requirements?

  • Applications will only be considered if the format provided by Embassy is used (Appendix A – Concept Notes).
  • Applications must be related to the specific Matra and HRF objectives highlighted above. Please specify the objectives (1 to 5) that your application is focused on.
  • Only NGOs that are officially registered and have audited accounts in the last two years are eligible to apply.
  • The project needs to reinvigorate local ownership of the issues that are at the heart of the project.
  • If collaboration with government authorities/independent bodies is anticipated, outreach to relevant stakeholders should be undertaken prior to submission of the concept note. In addition, a brief description of previous experience (including agreements, MoUs, etc.) regarding cooperation with governmental authorities/independent bodies should be included in the concept note if so.
  • Applicants should preferably contribute to the project (financially or in kind). This should be clearly specified in the activity and budget overview.
  • Project duration is 24-36 months and must start by June 2023.
  • The total project budget should be in the range of EUR 70.000 to EUR 140.000. Make sure your budget meets the following minimum requirements:
    • No more than 20% of donations can be allocated to payroll.
    • Less than 10% of donations can be allocated for administrative expenses (rent, utilities, office supplies, telecommunications, bank charges). Only administrative costs that are directly related to the project are eligible for financial support (e.g. percentage of rental costs for office space directly used for project activities).

III. The following proposals take precedence.

  • It is gender sensitive and promotes human rights as a cross-cutting theme.
  • We take inclusivity seriously and ensure that all groups in society have equal access to project results. In this sense, we encourage organizations to initiate activities in areas of high need. In some cases, this means activities outside the capital.
  • It clearly states how the results lead to sustainable improvements.
  • Be cost sensitive, seek in-kind donations wherever possible, use partnerships with the business community, work with volunteers, and more.
  • Use innovative methods to address issues (engage the private sector, use broad coalitions that share common concerns, utilize digital tools, have a clear media strategy).

IV. NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING UNDER MATRA EMBASSY PROGRAM:

  • humanitarian aid;
  • commercial activities;
  • business registration organization;
  • Projects with a predominantly academic focus, i.e. feasibility studies, research, etc.
  • Projects involving only or most of the delivery of goods or materials.
  • infrastructure or construction projects;
  • scholarships or educational programs;
  • social program.

V. Co-financing with other donors is possible if:

  • Applicants provide statements from other donors about their motivations for funding project activities.
  • A clear and transparent description of the division of activities and how various donors contribute to these activities will be provided.

VI. Application method:

  • Applications should be submitted to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Tirana. tir@minbuza.nl By 24:00 on February 20, 2023;
  • The Embassy will only consider proposals submitted according to the format set out in Appendix A.
  • Proposals must meet minimum requirements.
  • The application is English language;
  • Once the concept note is approved, the applicant will receive a notification and invitation to submit the full project proposal package. We plan to complete the selection for this phase by mid-March 2023.
  • Concept Note Application Form MATRA 2023

https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/latest-news/news/2019/12/10/call-for-concept-notes—matra-2020-albania MATRA 2023 | Call for Concept Notes | News Articles

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