FAQ: Call for Proposals for the Norwegian development program to combat plastic pollution and marine litter
Frequently asked questions:
Q: Is it possible for an organization to submit multiple applications under this call?
A: It is technically possible to submit multiple applications. However, please note that Norad will not enter into multiple agreements with the same applicant in this call. The applicant is considered as the legal entity submitting the application, so it is possible to also be a sub-grantee of other proposals.
Q: Will those with existing agreements with Norad/MFA be prioritized?
A: It will not affect the prioritization, whether the applicant has current or previous agreements with Norad or the MFA. If Norad or the MFA has previous experience with the applicant, such experience will be part of the assessment.
Q: What’s the maximum length of a grant period?
A: In this specific call for proposals, multi-year projects is preferred. Norad will preference applications for support periods between three and four years.
Q: Can we submit an application that covers several of the programme outcomes?
A: Yes
Q: The call states that Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana are priority countries. Should this be interpreted as the only eligible countries? Or will Norad also consider applications that include other ODA countries?
A: Norad will prioritize the listed countries mentioned but will consider other countries if the application is of particular regional or thematic relevance.
Q: Can we apply with a proposal covering more than one eligible country?
A: Yes.
Q: Do we need to include other income sources for this project, annual breakdown and overhead percentages for the indicative budget for the concept note (stage 1)?
A: Yes. This would be required in the indicative budget at the concept note stage.
Q: Do partnerships need to be formalized in the concept note stage?
A: At the concept note (stage 1), no.
Q: Can the concept note include annexes?
A: Only what’s requested in the call for proposal is to be included. Note that the applicant is required to register certain information in the grants portal before submitting the concept note.
Q: Are there format requirements for budget and result framework?
A: No such requirements for the concept note (stage 1) – other than what’s specifically requested in the call. Examples can be at the web pages of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Forms and guides - regjeringen.no
Q: How long will the call remain open?
A: Applications are received and appraised on a continuous basis. The call will close when the available funds are depleted. It is difficult to estimate when this will happen, as it will depend on the relevance of the incoming applications. Notification will be given on this webpage and in the call for applications link a week before the call is closed.
Q: What’s the timeline after submitting the concept note?
A: We aim to respond to all applicants as soon as possible and applicants will be notified over email. Applicants can expect either an invitation to the stage 2 (full application), or a rejection of their application. Please note that Norad will not start reviewing concept notes earlier than August 2025, after the Norwegian summer holiday.
Q: Could you provide guidance on how we can register and access the necessary application materials?
A: Please use the link on this website and make sure you have chosen English language settings at the top right corner in the portal.
Q: Are there any restrictions for the nationality of organisations? Can national organisations apply?
A: There are no restrictions in terms of nationality of the applicant.
Q: What is the total budget for this call for proposals? And how many grants do you plan for?
A: We do not have a set amount or number here, as this will depend on the size, quality and relevance of the incoming applications.
The amount available will depend on the annual parliamentary appropriations, but Norad is tentatively planning for around 50-80 million NOK annually to projects under this call, starting from 2026. Norad expects to enter into a limited number of agreements.
Q: You mention in the call that applications with a total budget size over 20 million NOK will be prioritized. Is there a similar upper limit?
A: We do not have an upper limit for the proposals. Successful applicants may however be asked to reduce their budget before an agreement is entered into.