Have you recently been on a Norec exchange and come home bursting with a project idea? Then the Post-Exchange Initiative might be just what you are looking for! This year's budget is twice the size of last year's.

Until 1 October, eligible applicants can apply for funding through the Post-Exchange Initiative for 2025. The total budget this year is USD 40,000. 

“Looking at the success of last year’s pilot, we decided to double the budget. We were impressed by what last year’s applicants achieved with the funding they received,” says Norec Network Advisor, Tasle Torrissen Knapstad. 

The Post-Exchange Initiative is a grant scheme for small-scale projects and initiatives. Only people who have completed a Norec exchange can apply. The goal is to give former exchange participants the opportunity to bring to life ideas they developed during, or after, their exchange. 

The application process is simpler than for Norec’s other grant schemes. 

“We only need a straightforward budget and a short project description to process the application,” says Knapstad. 

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How much funding can you get?

Each project can apply for between USD 3,000 and 5,000. Grants are paid out as a one-time payment. 

To be eligible, you must have completed a Norec exchange between 1 September 2023 and 1 October 2025. 

This year’s focus areas are digitalisation and women’s rights, but this is not a requirement. All projects must, however, be linked to at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

“Last year, we had 145 applicants, and we hope for even more this year. We encourage anyone with a good idea to apply,” says Knapstad. 

Frequently asked questions

In early September, more than 100 people joined an information webinar on the scheme. 

If you missed it, you can watch the recording here.

In 2024, five projects received funding. These ranged from producing sanitary pads for young girls, to distributing seeds and beehives to farmers. 

Who can apply?

To qualify for Post-Exchange Initiative funding, the following criteria must be met: 

  • You must be a member of the Norec network 
  • You must have completed an exchange between 1 September 2023 and 1 October 2025 
  • Your project must be linked to your exchange in some way 
  • You must show good knowledge of your project’s topic 
  • The project must take place in Norway or a Norec partner country 
  • The project must support at least one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 
  • The project must be cost-effective and address a real community need 
  • You must have a partner organisation (funding cannot be disbursed to individuals)