Funding Call for Indian Human Rights Organizations Working on Workers’ Rights

Deadline: 15 September 2019

The Norwegian Human Rights Fund is accepting applications from human rights organizations working with workers’ rights, informal workers, and decent work conditions in India.

The NHRF works to protect and promote human rights internationally through direct support to organizations working in the first line of defence for human rights. The NHRF aims to be a flexible, courageous and global actor that provides direct support to local organizations working for the rights of vulnerable and marginalised individuals and groups.

The NHRF seeks to increase support to human rights organizations working with workers’ rights and decent work conditions – with a specific focus on the female work force and the informal sector. The NHRF see this work as essential for the realization of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) within 2030 and the global work against modern forms of slavery. Local human rights organizations and human rights defenders are key actors in this work. The projects should focus on vulnerable and marginalized workers, especially women, and especially within the sector of garment and textile.

Thematic Area and Target Groups: Human rights, workers’ rights, women workers, informal sector, modern forms of slavery, garment and textile industries.

Geographical Location: India (priority will be given to South India).

Funding Information

• Amount: 15-25,000 USD (max. 25,000 USD), per year.
• Project timeline: 3 years, divided in 12-months grants.
• Expected project start: March 2020.

Eligibility Criteria: Organizations that meet the following criteria will be prioritized

• MUST:
  • Organization located and working in India. Priority will be given to organizations in South India.
  • Proven experience of working on human rights, workers’ rights, women workers, informal sector and the garment and textile industries.
  • A strategic and targeted approach on structural human rights change and for access to justice for vulnerable groups affected by human rights violations related to workers’ rights and modern forms of slavery.
• Other Priorities:
  • Organizations with an annual budget under 150,000 USD will be prioritized
  • Organizations with strong female leadership (e.g. organizations led by women and/or organizations with women in leadership (not only administrative) positions
  • Organizations that are led by the target group or that have a strong link to the community and have special competence in the thematic area of focus
  • Organizations that adapt an inclusive approach, for example for gender, caste, minorities and people with disabilities
  • Organizations using methods that involve advocacy, targeted awareness raising, legal empowerment, and/or activism in marginalised communities.
  • Proposed projects are not limited to these methods, but must include one or more of these methods for the strategic implementation of the project.

How to Apply

Organizations working within the thematic area are invited to complete the eligibility quiz and submit a short (strict one-page limit) concept note that summarizes the following:

• The organization’s experience working in the field of human rights related to workers’ rights, informal sector, female workers, garment and textile industries. Describe all links/connections to the target group(s).
• A clear description that shows the change applicants want to see for the target group(s) and how they will have had their rights protected or increased during this period. The description should have a three-year outlook, but with a specific description of the first year.
• The methodology that will be used to implement the project.
• A description of how the grant will help strengthen the organization implementing the project.
• The extent of female leadership/women in leadership position in the organization.
• An overview of the first year’s budget.
• The amount for the 2018 annual organizational budget should be specified in a separate line at the top of the budget.

For more information, please visit Call for Proposals.