Civil societies learn more about EU grants for projects |09 July 2016

A representative from the European Union (EU) delegation in Mauritius, project manager Rajesh, met candidates to give details of the call of proposals which will be implemented soon under the 600,000 euros the EU has earmarked for projects to be undertaken by civil societies in Seychelles.

The 600,000 euros have been earmarked exclusively for the civil society organisations. It was agreed for Seychelles 100,000 euros as a minimum to 300,000 euros per project. But the proposer has to make a personal cash contribution of ten per cent the amount.

“If a project is launched alone, the EU contributes 90% towards it. But if assisted by a regional civil society, EU contributes 75% of it,” said Mr Rajesh.

The guide lines for the call of proposals are in the process of being finalised at the EU headquarters in Brussels and will be available to the civil societies in about a week or two.

The candidate has to submit a project in their specific areas which should be based on improving their own advocacy or consisting of a component they can do to help the community or that has an impact on the livelihood of the people.

“The first thing we are doing is informing the umbrella organisation about the call of proposals. This is the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS). Then it is published in the newspaper. The candidate has to launch his/her proposal 90 days after the date of publication,” explained Mr Rajesh.

The projects are to be launched online. It can be submitted by one local civil society or a local society can pair with a European or regional one.

He urged all civil societies to consider the type of action that will be eligible as soon as the call for proposals comes out.