The National CSR Foundation, established in 2016 under the Foundations Act, is the central public funding agency for non-governmental/non-profit organisations working with the poor and vulnerable. It receives, manages and allocates CSR funds collected by the Mauritius Revenue Authority in accordance with section 50L of the Income Tax Act.
The mission of the Foundation is “to empower and improve the wellbeing of people living in conditions of poverty and vulnerability through impactful and sustainable stakeholder partnerships.”
Allocation of funds by the National CSR Foundation is governed by the core philosophy of promoting social inclusion, equity and sustainable development. Funding is, furthermore, determined by a new framework set out in the Foundation’s Policy and Guidelines on Funding.
The National CSR Foundation adopts to guide funding decisions.
This essentially means:
- Committing to the realisation of basic human rights as a means of addressing the multidimensional nature of poverty and vulnerability
- Funding for results and outcomes by investing in social services, programmes and projects that demonstrate improved social outcomes, especially for those who are most in need
- Ensuring accountability, transparency and monitoring, evaluation and learning are built in the processes of funding.
Objectives of the General Call for Proposals 2018
The objectives of this Call for Proposals are:
- To enhance access to basic social services, programmes and projects to individuals and families under the Social Register of Mauritius (SRM) and vulnerable groups as defined by the Charter of the Foundation
- To support the actions of non-governmental/non-profit organisations working to improve the lives of poor and vulnerable groups
- To address emerging and persistent social needs and problems through social innovation projects
- To foster collaborative partnerships with and among non-governmental/non-profit organisations and the private sector
- To instill rights-based and outcomes-oriented approaches to project and programme design and in delivering services to beneficiaries
- To promote actions contributing to national policy objectives and SDGs relevant to the priority areas of the Foundation
Application for Funding
The National CSR Foundation invites applications for funding from eligible non-governmental/non-profit organisations under two specific funding instruments:
Funding Instrument 1: Partnering with Non-Government Service Providers
Adequate access to basic social services and programmes are necessary to address social disadvantages and inequities and break down the barriers to social and economic participation of the poor and vulnerable. The Foundation will provide funding support to non governmental/non-profit providers of services and programmes that meet the needs of target beneficiaries. Priority will be given to interventions that enhance access, quality and effectiveness of services to the poor and vulnerable groups and that are complementary to social services provided by public institutions.
Funding Instrument 2: Investing in Social Innovations
Innovation is essential to help solve emerging and long-standing social problems and to address unmet social needs of poor and vulnerable populations. The Foundation will fund social innovation projects that demonstrate innovative ideas and methods, having the potential to deliver better social outcomes. Proposals in the field of social innovation may comprise, for example, the use of research and evidence in programme and project design, new technical approaches and organisational processes and the promotion of collaborative partnerships.
Eligibility
Organisations registered with the National CSR Foundation are eligible to apply for funds. They should ensure that any proposed intervention is in line with their core objects, service/activities and competencies. Organisations applying for funds should demonstrate the necessary experience, knowledge and expertise in fields related to their proposals.
Collaboration with Private Sector Foundations
Private sector foundations that are registered with the National CSR Foundation and deliver their own services and programmes directly to beneficiaries may apply for funding under Funding Instrument 1: Partnering with Non-Government Service Providers.
In addition, the National CSR Foundation will consider proposals for innovative projects from the private sector for co-funding under Funding Instrument 2: Investing in Social Innovations. Private sector foundations registered with the Foundation should submit a Concept Note including, inter alia, the rationale and description of the proposed intervention, a summary of budgeted expenditures, the amount and sources of funds already secured and funds requested from the National CSR Foundation. Concept Notes will form the basis of further discussions leading to the elaboration of full applications for funds.
Financial Allocation
The indicative budget for this General Call for Proposals is Rs250 million. Funds allocated will range from Rs100,000 to Rs3 million per proposal. Applicants may submit more than one proposal. The maximum number of awards, i.e. the number of proposals approved for funding by the Foundation will be limited to three per applicant.
Priority Areas of Intervention
Proposals should address the following ten priority areas of the Foundation.
- Socio-economic development as a means of Poverty Alleviation
- Educational support and training
- Social housing
- Supporting people with disabilities
- Dealing with health problems
- Family protection including gender-based violence
- Leisure and sports
- Environment and sustainable development
- Peace and nation-building
- Road safety and security
Proposed interventions are to be guided by the National CSR Foundation’s Framework for Action towards social inclusion, equity and sustainable development.
Target Groups
The target beneficiaries of proposed interventions should be:
- Individuals and families under the Social Register of Mauritius (SRM)
- Vulnerable groups as defined by the Charter of the National CSR Foundation
How to apply
Applicants are required to submit 3 printed copies and 1 soft copy (either on CD or pen drive) of their applications which should be made on the prescribed Application Pack and include the necessary annexures. Applications may be hand delivered or sent by registered post in a sealed envelope to the address below:
Secretary General
National CSR Foundation, 7th floor, Garden Tower
La Poudrière Street, Port-Louis
The closing date for the submission of applications is 31 August 2018 at 15.00.
INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE
The National CSR Foundation will provide the necessary information and guidance in order to assist applicants. Special arrangements have been made including:
● Thematic information sessions by priority areas of intervention
● Information session/Meeting with Private Sector Foundations
● Face to face individual meetings on appointment
● Dedicated Helpdesk to deal with specific queries
INFORMATION SESSIONS
The Foundation will hold information sessions to guide applicants through the application process. Interested applicants are invited to book a slot for the information sessions scheduled below. Seats will be limited to only one representative by organisation and allocated on a first come, first serve basis. All bookings should be made through the National CSR Foundation Helpdesk (preferably by email), indicating the session chosen and the names of the organisation and the participant respectively.
Venue: Lecture Theatre, National Empowerment Foundation, 5th floor, Garden Tower, Port Louis
| Date | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Socio-economic Development Social Housing | Wednesday 25 July | Session 1: 10.00 – 12.00 Session 2: 13.00 – 15.00 |
| Educational Support & Training | ||
| Early Childhood Education Remedial Education Non-Formal Education | Thursday 26 July | Session 3: 10.00 – 12.00 |
| Special Education Needs Schools | Thursday 26 July | Session 4: 13.00 – 15.00 |
| Life skills and literacy Technical and Vocational Training Other Education and Training | Friday 27 July | Session 5: 10.00 – 12.00 |
| Dealing with Health Problems | Friday 27 July | Session 6: 13.00 – 15.00 |
| Supporting People with Disabilities | Monday 30 July | Session 7: 10.00 – 12.00 Session 8: 13.00 – 15.00 |
| Family Protection including Gender-based Violence | Tuesday 31 July | Session 9: 10.00 – 12.00 |
| Leisure & Sports Environment & Sustainable Development Peace & Nation Building Road Safety & Security | Tuesday 31 July | Session 10: 13.00 – 15.00 |
| Private Sector Foundations | Wednesday 1 August | Session 11: 10.00 – 12.00 |