Call for Proposals: Community Initiatives to Prevent Violent Extremism in Diwaniyah 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 Diwanya 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 

Education and Higher Education:

• Conduct specialized workshops to build the capacity of supervisors, teachers, and school counselors on early detection of extremist behaviors among students.
• Distribute educational booklets that promote tolerance, citizenship, and non-violence while addressing bullying and extremism.
• Activate university-led forums and workshops with psychology and sociology experts to promote dialogue, reject violence, and foster a culture of peace.

Security and Community Relations:

• Develop training programs for police and Interior Ministry personnel on community engagement and human rights–based law enforcement.
• Organize awareness sessions with tribal leaders to discuss and prevent tribal violence, leveraging positive traditions (“sawani”) for peacebuilding.
• Train women as key actors in early warning systems and conflict resolution to support community-level peace efforts.

Youth, Sports, and Social Inclusion:

• Use youth forums as platforms for innovative awareness activities (theatre plays, arts, workshops) to promote tolerance and counter bullying and extremism.
• Organize meetings focused on the rights of persons with disabilities, discussing their needs and ways to ensure their full inclusion in society.

Timeline

• Applications open: 18 September 2025
• Deadline: 30 Septmber 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