Call for Proposals for NSAC medium and large grants

19 August 2011

The Asia Foundation is now accepting concept notes under the non-state actor component (NSAC) of the Demand for Good Governance (DFGG) project funded by the World Bank. There are two categories of grants available: (i) thematic grants that will support innovative social accountability and governance projects in Cambodia; and (ii) partnership grants that will extend and support the work of the DFGG state institutions listed below.

Thematic Grants

The thematic grants window will: (i) support enhanced engagement with the commune/sangkat and district/khan councils in sub-national planning and project implementation and (ii) strengthen local education and health service delivery through targeted social accountability tools.

Partnership Grants

The partnership grants window of NSAC will provide funds to non-state actors to complement the activities of the following state institutions:

• Ministry of Interior (MOI),
• District Support Team (DST)/One Window Service Office Project, National Committee for Sub-national Democratic Development (NCDD-S), and the
• Arbitration Council Foundation (ACF).

What is the limit of the grants?

The grant ceiling for a medium-sized grant is $70,000 and the ceiling for a large-sized grant is $250,000.

What is the term for the grants?

The maximum implementation period for this round is 12 months. However, applicants are encouraged to suggest time frames that match the scope of work.

Who is eligible to apply?

The NSAC grants are open to all registered non-state actors (NSAs) working in Cambodia, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), networks, associations, community organizations, think tanks, universities, media and others. Applications from coalitions or a group of NSAs are encouraged. Coalitions must also be registered to apply. If a coalition is not registered, they must apply in partnership with a registered member organization. An organization must be registered by the RGC to receive grant funds.

How should I apply for grants?

The application process has four steps, including:

1. Applicants submit an initial concept note in the format provided by September 19, 2011. The concept note must include a reference letter.
2. Applicants short-listed by NSAC’s grant-making committee (GMC) will be invited by the NSAC Secretariat to submit full applications. The application format will be provided to short-listed applicants.
3. Following submission of the full application, all short-listed applicants may be invited to an interview with the GMC that will be scheduled in advance.
4. After the GMC has determined the list of finalists, the Foundation will undertake a due diligence process that includes financial and organizational assessments of all finalists. Subgrants will only be provided to the organizations that meet the requirements of the due diligence process.

In what format shall the concept notes be submitted?

All concept notes must be typewritten in English, following the format provided by the Foundation.

Closing date: September 19, 2011 at 5 pm

Submission: via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For more details on application process please see the How to Apply section of this website.

To download the grants terms of reference and concept note form please see the Call for Proposals section of this website.

Further information about the application process

To help applicants learn more about how to apply for grants, the NSAC secretariat will organize orientation workshops. The date and location will be advertised on: www.dfgg-nsac.org

Applicants can also contact The Asia Foundation by telephone at (023) 210-431, or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it