Poland launches tender to manage €41.5 mln NGO-fund

The NGO fund - the biggest-ever of its kind in Poland - will support NGO activities within the three focus areas of democracy and civil society, environmental protection and sustainable development, and equal opportunities and social integration. The NGO fund will be established by a joint contribution from the two financial mechanisms, and a 10-percent contribution from the Polish government.

Due to the size and scope of the Polish NGO fund, suitable bidders may also apply to administer a separate focus area. The successful applicant or applicants will detail the implementation procedures of the fund, including announcing calls for proposals and assessing applications from potential end-recipients. Under the NGO fund, a minimum 37.35 million euros will be used directly for grant support.

The Polish NGO fund will operate within a special framework document, which was developed in close cooperation with the NGO sector to ensure that the fund would incorporate the requirements and wishes of the Polish civil sector.

Under the terms of the tender announcement, potential block grant intermediaries have until 8 March 2006 to submit their proposals, while Polish authorities aim to decide a shortlist by end-April.

In order to view the official tender document (in Polish), please click here.

In order to view an English translation of the tender document, please click here.

In order to view the framework document for the Polish NGO fund, please click here.

In the case of any differences between Polish and English versions of the tender announcement, the Polish document is official and binding.