YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND PARTICIPATION
Small Grants Scheme (SGS)

Small Project Grants under UNICEF Youth Development & Participation project

Guidance note
UNICEF Somalia Youth Development and Participation Project (YDP) has identified and agreed to support youth capacity development through the implementation of a Small Grants Scheme (SGS).

The main goal of YDP is to promote youth development & participation. The small grants scheme will facilitate and support capacity development within youth groups and support young peoples efforts towards community engagement and development. The general objective of a proposed project seeking funds from the SGS must be commensurate with the main goal of YDP as stated above. Therefore, the project proposal must formulate the general objective of the proposed project in such a way as to answer the following questions:

• • Does the project contribute towards youth development & participation
• How will the activities be continued after the grant comes to an end

This SGS will offer youth opportunities to contribute to the development of their regions and communities. Successful applicants are likely to benefit in terms of gaining experience, confidence and skills.

Who can apply:

• Funding is not available for individuals, only youth groups, networks or collaborations which must be voluntarily run
• Youth group members must reside within the regions the activities are to be implemented
• Children & youth must be actively involved in developing the project idea, making the application and managing the proposed project
• Activities should benefit children and youth aged 10-18 years old
• Only one award per youth group per year

How to apply:

• Read carefully the “who can apply” section
• Complete the application form (part of this note)
• Send your application form to the LOCAL PARTNER in your region/ zone as appropriate
• Dates for receiving are by: December 1st and May 1st every year
• Your group will be notified within one month if its been successful

Make clear in your application:

• How children and youth are and will be involved
• Why you think your idea fits this funding criteria
• What the benefits will be for your region/village
• What costs are involved
• How you will report on activities

NB: ALL SUCCESSFUL GROUPS MUST ACKNOWLEDGE SUPPORT OFFERED IN ALL PUBLICITY RELATED TO THE ACTIVITY TO UNICEF YDP

1. Small grants definition:
Currently, Small Projects are defined in the budget as being between $500 and $1,000 USD. Average grant size is $1,000 USD.

2. Completion
“Completion of the project” means the date on which all financial documents have been reconciled by the Youth Group/ s (YG) with the LOCAL MANAGEMENT panel.

3. Progress
Evidence and assurance that the YG has successfully managed the project according to the approved project management plan, including resources collected by the YG from community members have to be provided

4. Clear plan (6 months)
The YG is required to carry out a strategic plan with fellow community members to assess expenses in implementing the project, identify obstacles and emerging problems, assess resources and build vision. Of these, there must be an implementation plan for not more than six months.

5. The project must show evidence of addressing the following:

• Project serves youth within the region and promotes resource mobilization across communities or YG’s
• Project advances the common strategic needs of community or vulnerable groups
• Project promotes and effectively builds networking among youth.
• Project enhances capacity development of implementing youth group/s
• Project must specify what vulnerable groups are direct beneficiaries: (children, youth, IDP youth etc) and explain in the proposal how they will be benefiting from this project

Applications for Grant Aid will only be considered from YG’s which:

• provide a service for the benefit of youth
• are registered or have an agreed constitution/memorandum etc
• are run by youth aged 10-18 years old
• have, or are intending to introduce equal opportunities (for both boys and girls)
• Provide services seen as a priority within their region

In considering grant applications, the LOCAL PARTNER will give preference to organizations which can demonstrate:

• how their services support and/or complement the regions main priority
• how their services have met/will meet identified needs and
• that other sources of funding/ resources have been sought

NB: Generally, grant aid will not be given to more than one YG providing the same service in the region

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