Australian Embassy
Federated States of Micronesia

Australian Grants

FSM Women's Community Grant 

CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST 


The Australian Government’s New International Development Policy calls for new strategies to refocus and bolster commitment to Gender Equality.  This strongly aligns with the commitment of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to Gender Equality, as emphasized by President’s Simina address to the UN General Assembly to commit to increasing women’s voices.  

In this effort, the Australian Embassy in the FSM is pleased to announce a one-off community grant for women’s and other local organizations committed to the advancement of gender equality across FSM.   

A key purpose of the grant is to build momentum and support responses to issues raised and outcomes at the FSM National Women’s Conference, which took place in Kosrae from 27 November to 1 December 2023.  

This commitment is also in line with 2023’s 16 Days of Activism theme, ‘UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls’.  

Similar to Australia’s Direct Aid Program, we are looking for sustainable projects that advance the outcomes of the National Women’s Conference, by supporting women and girls across the FSM and targeting the following areas: 

  • Promotion of women’s leadership  

  • Elimination of violence against women and girls 

  • Women’s economic empowerment  

  • Partnership building to increase ownership and effectiveness of gender equality efforts in FSM  

  • Promotion of women’s health including for people living with a disability.  

Funding 

Funding of up to USD20,000 is available for each of the four FSM states - Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap – by successful applicants, for projects of up to 24 months’ duration.   

Who can apply: 

Legally incorporated women’s groups and non-governmental organizations in FSM which are committed to advancing gender equality.  

Proposals that demonstrate a unified, partnership approach will be strongly considered. Joint applications that maximise the impact of potential projects are encouraged. 

As a general rule, the following costs will NOT be funded:  

  1. Start-up capital or seed money 

  1. Micro credits and loans  

  1. Staffing or sitting fees 

  1. Fundraising, donations or prizes 

  1. Household effects and personal items 

  1. Applications from private individuals  

  1. Construction of major facilities or other major infrastructure (eg, residents, roads, buildings, classrooms etc) 

  1. International or domestic travel, overseas study tours, offshore training or per diem expenses 

  1. Meetings, seminar, or conference attendance 

  1. Activities which are for promoting religious or political purposes 

  1. Scholarships  

  1. Major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that do not have a clear development benefit. 

  1. Purchases of vehicles, trailers and machinery such as tractors, outboards motors and boats  

  1. Items of a recurrent nature (eg. Spare parts, supplies, maintenance and repairs, replacement, equipment, gasoline oil, salaries and wages).   

How to apply: 

To apply, you must complete an application online via https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/FSMWomen  

All applications must be submitted by midnight on Wednesday, 31 January 2024.  All EOIs will be treated in strict confidence. 

For more information contact: 

Kenye Rikin, Senior Program Manager, Australian Embassy – Federated States of Micronesia 

Email:  [email protected]  or Phone: (691) 320-5448 

 

 

Australian Grants

Direct Aid Program (DAP) Guidelines

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible, small grants scheme available to non-government organizations and community groups to support small-scale sustainable development projects and activities within their groups or communities.  DAP applications with a focus on health, education, poverty alleviation, and/or gender equality are being prioritized.

Funding limit of grants is USD$20,000.00 per application.  The 2023 round is now open until 11.59pm (Pohnpei time) 4 February 2024.   

How can we apply?

DAP applications must be completed on our online link https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/FSMDAP2023-24 

For more information, please contact us by email: [email protected] or Phone: (691) 320-5448 ext. 110

Guidance

Submissions should demonstrate a commitment on the part of the local authorities and/or people who will be the beneficiaries to implement and sustain the project.  DAP projects should be designed to benefit the whole community and must always respect human rights and gender equity as well as being environmentally sound.

Preference in funding will be given to projects addressing the following:

  • Education (e.g., basic education, teacher training and workshops)

  • Health (e.g., improving access, community preventative health education campaigns)

  • Women (e.g., skills training for income generation, addressing gender issues)

  • Youth (e.g., training in job and life skills)

  • Minorities and disadvantaged groups

  • Environment (e.g., recycling, environmental health awareness)

  • Community development (e.g., training/ organizational strengthening in planning, leadership, and project management.

Generally, the following costs will NOT be funded:

  • Micro-credit schemes or loans

  • Staff salaries, consultant fees, allowances, accommodation expenses

  • Purchases or rentals of land, assets or other property

  • Major sporting tournaments or cultural displays that don’t have a clear development benefit.

  • Landscaping and other cosmetic work around town squares and other public buildings

  • Start-up capital or seed money

  • Staffing or sitting fees

  • Household effects and personal items

  • Fundraising, donations, or prizes

  • Applications from private individuals

  • Items of a recurrent nature (e.g. spare parts, supplies, maintenance & repairs, replacement equipment, fuel, oil, salaries & wages)

  • Construction of major infrastructures (e.g. roads, buildings, classroom etc)

  • International or domestic travel, overseas study tours, offshore training or per diem expenses

  • Meeting, seminar, or conference attendance

  • Activities which are for promoting religious or political purposes

  • Scholarships

  • Purchase of vehicles, trailers and machinery such as tractors, outboard motors and boats

Assessment of Applications

Proposals will be assessed by the DAP Committee based on:

  • Conformity with the objectives and guidelines of the DAP program

  • The costs and developmental benefits of the proposal

  • The appropriateness of the expenditure proposed

  • Achievable and sustainable outcomes

  • Soundness of the project’s objectives and design