JOB DETAILS:
The Call for Concept Notes
The Women and Girls Fund is seeking Concept Notes from Women and Girl Led Organisations (WGLOs) and Movements wishing to access the Advocacy grant and undertake advocacy work promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. This is the First Call and will only give out Advocacy grants to WGLOs as well as Movements. All other types of grants (Capacity Development, Swift/rapid response and Research grants) will be made available in the Second Call for proposals in the second quarter of 2025.
1. Advocacy, organisational capacity building and research grant
Under this call for proposals, applicants can submit applications to undertake advocacy projects combining various types of activities: (a) advocacy activities; (b) research activities; and, (c) activities aimed at organisational capacity development. Applicants must however demonstrate the centrality of the advocacy intervention in the proposal, with research and capacity development activities playing a reinforcing secondary role.
• Centrality of advocacy work: When completing the Concept Note, it is important to keep in mind that advocacy work is to be at the centre of the project.
• Research activities: Research to enhance the evidence needed to undertake the advocacy can and should be included as part of the proposal.
• Capacity development activities: If the applicant also seeks grants for capacity development activities, the application must be able to show how the proposed capacity development activities will enhance organisational performance and benefit the implementation of the proposed Initiative. The WGLO should have undertaken an Organisational Assessment (An assessment template will be provided at proposal stage) and developed a capacity building action plan. Proposed capacity building activities should be from the developed action plan.
However, applicants are not bound to submit proposals combining the three types of activities. Applications seeking grants to carry out solely advocacy work will also be accepted, provided the applicant can prove that it has sufficient capacity to carry out the planned activities.
The WGF recognises that the WGLOs are at different levels of growth and the funds are therefore offered as follows:
TIER 1: Emerging WGLOs
Emerging WGLOs are requested to submit proposals with a minimum budget of ZMK 100,000. The upper ceiling is set at a maximum of ZMK 250,000.
TIER 2: Intermediate/Growing WGLOs
Intermediate/Growing WGLOs are requested to submit proposals with a minimum budget of ZMK 250,000. The upper ceiling is set at a maximum of ZMK 1,000,000.
TIER 3: Established/Mature WGLOs
Established WGLOs are requested to submit proposals with a minimum budget of ZMK 500,000. The upper ceiling is set at a maximum of ZMK 1,500,000.
The advocacy grants can be used over a maximum period of two years though it is expected that smaller grants would be used within one year. At the end of the first year, extension or renewal of the agreement is subject to overall performance.
2. Social Movement grant
The Social Movement Grant is a dedicated fund designed to support grassroots and collective movements striving for social change, justice, and advocacy. This grant provides financial resources to empower movements in their efforts to address systemic issues, amplify marginalized voices, and foster sustainable community-driven solutions. It is intended to be accessed by movements with clear objectives, collective leadership, and a commitment to driving impactful change in their communities or broader societal contexts.
The social movement grant can be used over a maximum period of one year though it is expected that smaller grants would be used within six months.
Movements are requested to submit proposals with a minimum budget of ZMK 100,000. The upper ceiling is set at a maximum of ZMK 250,000.
Eligibility Criteria
Concept Notes are invited from WGLOs and Social Movements. The following institutions are eligible for funding:
• Network organisations – WGLOs that are umbrella organisations and/or membership-based organisations.
• Individual organisations – WGLOs operating as independent entities. They may or may not be members of a network organisation.
• Branches of a larger organisation – WGLOs that are a branch of a larger WGLO may apply only if they demonstrate that they function independently from their headquarters.
• Social Movements – Women and girl led Social Movements are loosely organised but sustained campaigns in support of a social goal, typically either the implementation or the prevention of a change in society’s structure or values.
Individuals and the following organisations are not eligible to access funding:
• Government institutions and semi-government institutions
• International organisations registered locally
• International WGLOs
• Political parties
• Organisations promoting a religious agenda
• Organisations running on a for-profit basis
The following criteria are mandatory and have to be met by the applicant, as non-compliance results in rejection of the application. The organisation must:
• Be a Women and Girl Led Organisation or Social Movement
• Be non-governmental
• Be a local emerging, intermediate/growing or mature WGLO
• Registration: In the case of the WGLOs,the organization must be legally registered in Zambia. If not registered, the organisation must be applying in partnership with an already registered organisation
• Be a non-profit organisation
• If registered, have a bank account operated by more than one signatory
• Geographic Focus: The initiative must target communities, and districts in Lusaka and Central province only.
• Focus on Advocacy: Concept notes and Proposals must focus on advocacy initiatives that address gender equality and women empowerment.

Phase 1: The Concept Note
Accessing the Concept note form
Concept Note forms will be available in hard copy from FAWEZA and can be downloaded from the FAWEZA website www.faweza.org.zm
Completing the Concept Note forms
It is crucial to complete the forms accurately and free of typographical errors. Applicants should write clearly and concisely, adhering to the specified word limits. All statements must be typed in English; hand-written submissions will not be accepted.
Seeking clarification from the Secretariat
Questions about the Call for Concept Notes may be sent to FAWEZA. Questions should be sent to the following e-mail address: faweza@faweza.org.zm
Answers to questions or clarifications which may be relevant to other applicants will be published on the various websites. Replies will be given no later than five (5) days before the deadline of receipt of Concept Notes.
Submitting the Concept Notes
Alongside three (3) copies of the Concept Note the applicant organisation must provide two (2) copies of the registration certificate. If not registered or if a Movement and applying in partnership with a registered WGLO, or applying under a financial sponsor, the registration certificate of the partner/financial sponsor should be included.
The envelope must indicate the full name and address of the applicant WGLO as well as content of the document (Concept Note/Advocacy grant)

Education Requirement: No Requirements

Job Experience: No Requirements

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months:

Level of Education: