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Post-Exchange Initiative

Post-Exchange Initiative

1. About the grant

Norec has established the Post-Exchange Initiative, a grant scheme for small-scale projects and initiatives led by former exchange participants. 

You can apply for the grant if you completed your exchange during the period 1 September 2023 to 1 October 2025. 

Through the Post-Exchange Initiative, you can use the experience and knowledge gained from your exchange to reach out to more people and contribute to positive changes in your local community. 

Grants are awarded through an application process. All applications will be assessed according to the criteria in the call for proposals, and in competition with other applications. Please note that you are not guaranteed a grant, even if you meet all requirements. 

The total budget for the scheme is USD 40,000. 

Application deadline: 1 October 2025, 23.59 CEST.

 

2. Who can apply?

  • You are a member of the  Norec Network.
  • completed your exchange and the homecoming training between 1 September 2023 and 1 October 2025 
  • have a good understanding of the topic your initiative or project concerns 
  • are collaborating with a Norec partner organisation (if you are awarded a grant, the organisation will receive the grant and forward it to you) 
  • are responsible for carrying out the project and reporting back 

3. What can be supported?

Your project should have a positive impact on the local community, with sustainable goals as the main focus. We particularly emphasise initiatives that promote gender equality and/or digitalisation. 

 

Examples of activities can include: 

  • youth projects in sports, culture or education 
  • vocational training or microfinance courses for women 
  • courses, campaigns, or community gatherings to share knowledge 

  

To qualify for support, your initiative must: 

  • directly address one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 
  • build on the insights and experiences you gained during your exchange 
  • respond to a concrete need in the local community 
  • have realistic goals and be cost-effective 

You can apply for grants between USD 3,000 and USD 5,000. 

4. How will Norec assess the applications?

Norec assesses all applications and selects those that best meet the objectives of the call for proposals. 

 

We particularly emphasise: 

  • the relevance of the project to the purpose of the funding scheme 
  • the need for a diverse portfolio, with variety in activities, themes, target groups and countries 
  • the necessity of the project in the local community 
  • the relationship between the grant amount and the expected results 
  • potential risks linked to the initiative 
  • relevance to Norwegian development priorities 
  • the potential for knowledge sharing within the Norec network 

5. What are the requirements for reporting?

If you receive a grant, you are responsible for managing the funds and ensuring that the planned activities are carried out as intended. 

You must submit both an activity report and a financial report to Norec within six months from the date you received the grant. 

6. How do you apply?

  • Applications must be submitted through the digital form (a link will be sent to all qualified applicants) 
  • Application deadline: 1 October 2025, 23.59 CEST.

 

7. Any further questions?

  • See the FAQs (section 8 below).
  • Contact us at network@norec.no if you have any questions.
  • Watch the Q&A video on YouTube via the link below.
  • Use our AI bot to get help with writing your application — just follow the link below.
  • Want to prepare in advance? You can download a PDF of the application form below. Please note: only applications submitted through the application portal will be considered. The link to the portal is sent to Norec Network members by e-mail.

 

Application form for Post-Exchange Initiative
Filnavn: Application-form-PEI.pdf
Størrelse: 57.65 KB
Post-Exchange Initiative Q&A session
AI bot for help with application

8. Frequently asked questions

1. What kind of activities can I include?

The activities depend on your project. Examples may include: 

  • gatherings to share knowledge with a specific group in the community 
  • courses, training or campaigns 
  • outreach activities or meetings 

We do not have a fixed list of activities. The most important thing is that the activities are necessary to achieve the goals of your project, and that they can be carried out with the resources you have available. 

2. What can the budget cover?

You can apply for coverage of costs that are directly related to carrying out the project, such as: 

  • equipment and materials 
  • training, courses, meetings or gatherings 
  • information and campaign measures 

Please note that Norec cannot cover salaries for employees or general operating costs for organisations. 

The partner organisation that assists you in receiving and distributing the funds will receive a fixed fee of USD 150. This is intended to cover bank fees, accounting costs and other administrative expenses.  

3. How long can my project last?

  • You must start planning and implementing the project within six months of receiving the grant. 
  • You must submit a report on the activity within six months. 
  • The activities can continue beyond this period, provided they are self-sustaining or are carried on in another way. 

4. When can I expect a response from Norec?

We aim to announce the grant recipients within four weeks of the application deadline.