Request for Applications (RFA)

Under Sida Funded Program No: RFA 2025/001

Funding Opportunity Title: Human Rightivism Project

Announcement Type: Request for Applications (RFA)

Funding Opportunity Number: RFA 2025/001

Issuance Date: 22 MAY 2025

Deadline for Questions: 12 JUNE 2025

Deadline for Submission: 20 JUNE 2025

Online Info Session: 05 JUNE 2025

Submit Applications to: [email protected]

REQUEST FOR APPLICATION SCOPE

The Community Development Fund (CDF), under the Human Rightivism Project supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), invites civil society organizations (CSOs) across Kosovo to submit applications for small grants focused on advancing labor rights and improving mental health. This Request for Applications (RFA) aims to support targeted, community-based initiatives that address systemic challenges, promote inclusion, and enhance the dignity and rights of marginalized populations. The scope of this call is firmly rooted in strengthening grassroots engagement, policy advocacy, and service innovation in two critical thematic areas: labor rights and mental health.

1. OBJECTIVES FOR MENTAL HEALTH

This funding component aims to promote, protect, and improve mental health and well-being, especially for marginalized and at-risk groups.

Key objectives include:

• Expanding access to mental health services for underserved populations, including adolescents, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
• Supporting the establishment or growth of peer-support groups, especially within community-based or institutional settings.
• Promoting alternative and inclusive mental health support models, such as anonymous therapy, art therapy, and rights-based, community-rooted care.
• Raising public awareness on mental health rights, while addressing stigma, misinformation, and discriminatory narratives through campaigns, education, and storytelling.
• Developing and disseminating educational curricula and materials focused on the prevention of bullying, sexual harassment, and suicide.
• Strengthening the capacities of mental health professionals and support staff, including those in public institutions or community homes, focusing on ethical care, non-discrimination, and psychosocial well-being.
• Encouraging collaboration between CSOs and public mental health institutions to advocate for reforms aligned with internationally recognized standards.

2. OBJECTIVES FOR LABOR RIGHTS

This funding component supports improving awareness, protection, and enforcement of labor rights, particularly for vulnerable and informal workers.

Key objectives include:

• Promoting awareness and education on labor rights and protections, particularly among informal workers, migrant workers, youth, and other marginalized groups.
• Supporting grassroots organizing and unionization efforts, including legal support, advocacy training, and collective bargaining awareness.
• Enhancing access to legal aid and mechanisms for redress for victims of workplace exploitation, discrimination, or unsafe working conditions.
• Facilitating public campaigns and research initiatives to inform and mobilize around fair labor practices, workplace safety, and social protections.
• Conducting legal and policy analysis to identify gaps in labor law enforcement and propose reforms aligned with international standards.
• Building the capacity of labor inspectors, watchdog entities, or civic monitors at the local and national level to increase oversight and accountability.
• Empowering workers and community organizations to document violations and advocate for better enforcement mechanisms, particularly in high-risk sectors.

Applicants may propose projects that address labor rights or mental health individually or present integrated approaches that cross-cut both themes. All proposals must demonstrate a clear problem analysis, measurable objectives, and a sound implementation strategy. In addition, they should reflect cross-cutting priorities such as civic engagement, inter-community collaboration, human rights education and monitoring, combating discrimination, and evidence-based advocacy.

AWARD INFORMATION

CDF will award up to 15 grants in the amount up to 15,000 EUR. All award activities must have a period performance up to 12 months. CDF may choose to fully fund or incrementally fund the selected application(s). The number of awards and amount of available funding are subject to change and CDF reserves the right to make no awards as a result of this RFA.

ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION

A public information session will be held on June 5, 2025, at 10:00 via the CDF Zoom platform. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89274489778?pwd=GDbEdw1KX5AhJSREaEb2oFRFmqq4pj.1

Meeting ID: 892 7448 9778

Passcode: 574391

It is essential that you visit our website https://kcdf.org/procurement/ for the complete Request for Application (RFA) or request it via email at [email protected]