Do you have a great idea that came to you during or after your exchange through Norec? We’re launching a new grant scheme that offers financial backing to help you bring your idea to life!

“This is a big step for us. The scheme, called the ‘Post-Exchange Initiative,’ and has been highly requested by former Norec participants. We are proud to finally be able to launch it”, says Tonje Polden Steinsland, Network Adviser at Norec.

Since 1963, over 12,000 people have taken part in exchanges through Norec. Many of them have asked for a financial grant scheme to implement ideas they developed during their exchange.

“We see that exchange participants return with lots of ideas, enthusiasm, and a desire to keep developing themselves and their local communities. With the Post-Exchange Initiative, Norec can help make some of these ideas a reality”, says Steinsland.

Simple Application Process

The Post-Exchange Initiative is starting as a pilot project, and only Norec participants who completed their exchange in 2023 or 2024 can apply this year.

“We’re starting small, but we hope this can grow and be an opportunity for Norec participants who completed their exchange before 2023 as well. The goal is to use the exchange experiences to create something new and foster development that benefits others”, says Steinsland.

The pilot project has a budget of 200,000 Norwegian kroner, and the application process has been made as straightforward as possible. You can easily apply through an online form, which takes 10-15 minutes to complete.

“We’re eager to see the ideas that come in”, explains Programme Adviser Dilanka Fernando, who will be involved in the selection process.

Think Creatively

The scheme is open to all kinds of ideas, as long as they meet some basic criteria.

“No idea is too small. It can be anything from starting a local football team to organising a conference. The key is that the project fits within the criteria we’ve set”, says Fernando.

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

  • You must be a member of the Norec network
  • You must have completed your exchange in 2023 or 2024
  • The idea/project must be related to your exchange in some way
  • You must demonstrate a good understanding of the topic the project will address
  • The project must be carried out in Norway or one of our partner countries
  • The project must align with one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • The project must be cost-effective and address a need in the local community
  • You must have an agreement with a partner organisation (the support cannot be paid out to individuals)

You can find all the criteria and more information here.

Positive Reception Expected

The application deadline is 13 October, and the decisions will be made by 11 November.

“The project or activity must be carried out within the first six months after the support is granted. You will also need to submit a report on what has been done”, says Steinsland.

She is eager to see how many will apply and is confident that the scheme will be well received.

“We believe the offer will be warmly welcomed. We have received many inquiries about such a scheme at the network gatherings we’ve held in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Norway, so we are confident that this is something participants have been waiting for”, says Steinsland.