Call for proposals 2027: PostExchange Initiative

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

You are eligible to apply for the grant if you completed your work exchange and homecoming training between 1 October 2021 and 1 October 2026.

The Post-Exchange Initiative aims to support you in building on the experience and knowledge gained during your work exchange and using them to contribute to positive change in your local community.

Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. All applications are assessed against the criteria in this call for proposals. Please note that meeting all eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.

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

The application deadline is 1 October at 12:00 (CEST).

You can apply if:

• you are a member of the Norec Network
• you have completed your exchange and homecoming training between 1 October 2021 and the application deadline
• you have relevant knowledge or experience related to the topic of your initiative
• you are collaborating with a Norec partner organisation (if your application is successful, the grant will be paid to the organisation, which will transfer the funds to you)
• you are available to carry out the initiative yourself and upon completion report on the results

Your proposed initiative should have a positive impact on the local community and contribute to one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

We particularly encourage initiatives that promote human rights, women’s rights and gender equality, climate and the environment, and anti-corruption.

Examples of activities could include:

• youth initiatives in sports, culture or education
• vocational training or microfinance courses for women
• courses, campaigns or community gatherings that share knowledge and raise awareness

To qualify for support, your initiative must:

• be carried out in Norway or in one or more of the countries on Norec’s partner list
• contribute directly to one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• build on the insights and experiences gained during your work exchange
• respond to an identified need within the local community
• have realistic goals and be cost-effective

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

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

We particularly emphasise:

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

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

You must submit both an activity report and a financial report to Norec within six months of receiving the grant.

• Applications must be submitted through the digital application form. A link will be sent to all eligible applicants at the end of August.
• The application deadline is 1 October 12:00 (CEST).