Call for Proposals: Community Initiatives to Prevent Violent Extremism in Al-Basra Governorate

Overview

Al-Mesalla Organization for Human Resources Development, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Committee for Preventing Violent Extremism in Iraq, announces an open call for proposals from registered local NGOs. The program will support 2 grants Al-Basra Governorate, with each grant amounting to IQD 3,930,000.

Grant Objectives

• Prevent violent extremism at the community level.
• Contribute directly to the priorities outlined in each governorate’s action plan.
• Strengthen the leadership and participation of women and youth.
• Build local capacities in peacebuilding and social cohesion.
• Generate lessons learned and best practices based on community experience.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a registered local NGO operating in Iraq.
• Have a proven presence and operational capacity in the selected governorate.
• Apply for only one governorate and only one grant.
• Demonstrate relevant experience in peacebuilding, youth engagement, women’s empowerment, or community development.
• Preference will be given to women- and youth-led organizations.
• Be able to responsibly manage grant funds and fulfill reporting requirements.

Administrative & Financial Requirements

• Audited financial report for 2024 (or the latest available year).
• Compliance with Al-Mesalla’s organizational policies, including finance, procurement, HR, safeguarding, Code of Conduct, and visibility standards.
• Detailed budget 3,930,000 IQD submitted using the official budget template.

Thematic Areas 

1. Promoting tribal community dialogue and rejecting hate speech, peaceful coexistence, and media
2. Education (drug control, cyberbullying), and focusing on religious schools
3. Climate change, water scarcity, and rural-urban migration
4. Strengthening the role of women, families, and children
5. Strengthening the role of youth to prevent violent extremism
6. Promoting integration and education on preventing violent extremism within women's prisons

Timeline

• Applications open: 2 October 2025
• Deadline: 10 October 2025 (late submissions will not be accepted)
• Results announcement: 15 October 2025
• Implementation period: Until 30 November 2025

How to Apply (Two Steps)

1. Complete the online KoBo form
2. Send a confirmation email with the completed budget template to: grant@mesalla.org

Selection Criteria

• 30% Relevance to governorate action plan
• 25% Project design and methodology
• 20% Expected impact and sustainability
• 15% Organizational and financial capacity
• 10% Inclusivity and conflict sensitivity