Funding Principles, Criteria And Guidelines For Voluntary Welfare And Non-Governmental Organisations

PREAMBLE

The Tsunami Reconstruction Facilitation Committee (TRFC) would like to extend its invitation to all relevant Singapore-registered Voluntary Welfare Organizations (VWOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to apply for funding under the Tidal Waves Asia Fund for works or projects that will benefit the people affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami. For better focus, the Committee will only consider project proposals for Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Maldives. Preference would be given for projects in Meulaboh, Indonesia and regions of Hambantota and Ampara in Sri Lanka.

To ensure that the Fund is used in the most effective and impactful way, funding guidelines have been developed. These guidelines are intended to facilitate and encourage agencies to propose projects that will both meet immediate and long-term needs, such as those of equipping locals with knowledge and skills to continue the work when the agencies leave.

It is hoped that through this Fund and the work of VWOs and NGOs, the locals would be able to restore their lives and rebuild their community.

1. Principles for Funding

1. Projects to be considered by the Committee shall be projects to be carried out in the areas directly affected by the Indian Ocean Earthquake/Tsunami that would help restore normalcy to the affected areas and their populations.
2. Priority shall be accorded to meeting needs for community facilities destroyed or damaged by the earthquake/tsunami or for equipping locals with knowledge and skills in re-establishing their lives and livelihood.

2. Project Proposal Guidelines

1. All requests for funding made to the Committee are to be supported by written proposals and a proposed budget according to the application form and submitted in soft copy.
2. Where possible there could be an element of co-payment by the operating agency for both direct and operating cost. Funding guidelines are provided in para 4.
3. When submitting the project proposal, the following information is requested:
   1. Clear objectives and deliverables,
   2. Implementation Plan and Time Line (Please note that the Committee is prepared to fund the project in phases according to specific milestones and deliverables),
   3. Exit Plan,
   4. Detailed budget forecast - airfares/local transportation/accommodation, material cost for project, other costs (include non-funded and co-funded items), and when these costs would be incurred,
   5. Any other information required by the Committee upon request.
4. The Committee shall give favourable consideration to joint projects between Singapore agencies and responsible agencies of the affected country.
5. The Committee may at its discretion co-opt or appoint experts or consultants to assist in the review of projects.

3. Project Evaluation Criteria

1. Effectiveness and Impact of Project: Application needs to illustrate the viability of the project, in terms of a clear plan with feasible outcomes and deliverables, other committed sources of funding for non-funded and co-funded items, sources and commitment of staff and volunteers in project implementation, availability of specialised manpower and equipment (dependent on project), etc;
2. Sustainability and Exit Strategy: The proposal needs to outline the means by which the project can remain sustainable throughout its execution. The exit strategy of the project should preferably be provided, to ensure that the project outcomes can be sustained by the local community;
3. Co-operation and synergy with local authorities/community organizations of host countries: Local community organisations and authorities should be involved in the projects where possible. This would help to ensure long-term sustainability of the projects, and help build up local capability and capacity, which is critical for the affected community in the longer term.

4. Project Funding Guidelines

1. Direct Expenses: Direct expenses would include purchase of supplies, purchase of construction materials, etc for affected areas. Two parameters are proposed:
   1. Purchase of goods and/or services should be for the direct benefit of the affected community.
   2. As a rule of thumb, funding can cover up to 80% of total direct expenses although in some cases, some flexibility will be considered. In exceptional cases, e.g. purchase of specialised equipment, full funding can be considered.
2. Operating Expenses: The fund will provide some aspects of the operating costs such as transportation, accommodation and essential supplies for staff/volunteers of your agency. Need to indicate clearly which expenditure items are to be self-funded, to receive co-funding or to receive full-funding.
3. Funding to Local Communities: Donated funds should not in general be used by VWOs to send money to the affected countries. Supplies should be bought and handed over to the intended recipients in the affected countries where feasible. Such purchases should as far as possible be made in the affected country and approved by an authorized personnel from the VWO.
4. Other Sources of Funding: As the applying agency is expected to co-fund the execution of the project, other sources of funding and quantum of such funds should be clearly stated.
5. Acknowledgement: The project shall be considered a gift to the affected country from the people of Singapore and the agency should not collect any fees from the beneficiaries. Where feasible, the agency should incorporate some form of acknowledgement that the project is a gift from the people of Singapore, e.g. plaque, and how this would be done should to be clearly stated in the application. If the project is approved by the Committee, all publicity related to the project will have to be done in conjunction with the Singapore Red Cross.

5. Project Approval and Monitoring

1. All projects approved by the Committee must comply with the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief.
2. The Committee shall monitor the projects funded by Singapore Red Cross pursuant to its recommendations. The Committee may recommend to increase, reduce or cease funding of any project should the need arise and inform Singapore Red Cross Council accordingly.
3. The Committee reserves the right to reject any proposals for funding without stating any reasons.
4. The Committee usually meets twice each month. Organisations that submit full and complete applications can expect to be invited for a presentation to the Committee to clarify queries that may arise.