Timing
Organizations from partner countries can apply for funding at any time, by submitting a concept note (see below). On some occasions, we will also announce open calls for applications on specific areas of interest. Organizations that receive a positive review of their concept note are expected to spend at least 2-4 months preparing their full proposals (see below). Proposals that are accepted will receive catalytic short-term support (1-2 years).
Concept note
A brief note (4 pages) describing the project concept, the applying organization, collaborating partners, and indicative budget. The concept note is submitted by the applying organization for review by ou rstaff. If the review is positive, a project officer from Spider will ask the organization to proceed with a proposal.
Project proposal
A more detailed note (10 pages) outlining the background, objectives, and work plan of the project, thematic alignment, communication strategy, sustainability, risk management plan, monitoring and evaluation, and budget. The project proposal should be developed in collaboration with relevant target groups and partners, and in dialogue with the designated Spider project officer. The final proposal will be reviewed by a Spider team and in some cases external reviewers. Please note that we will not accept project proposals without a previously approved concept note.
Contract
Support to projects will be based on a contractual agreement, specifying scope, budget allocation, disbursement, implementation, and reporting.
Results
Spider places great emphasis on project results, whether positive or negative, since they generate valuable knowledge about ICT4D. Projects are expected to help us contribute to the global ICT4D knowledge base by openly sharing information on outputs, outcomes, and eventual impact. Spider encourages multimedia formats of reporting, combining textual, audio, and visual material.
Scope and approach
- We can only offer seed funding for a maximum amount of SEK 500,000 per project
- Projects are expected to generate long-term growth, up-scaling, and lasting impact
- Projects are expected to form Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (MSPs) with relevant actors and co-funders
- Projects will be organized into geographical/thematic networks
- Conceptualization and reporting should follow the RBM model
- Annual financial audits according to international standards
- Project information in multimedia formats for public distribution by Spider
Selection criteria
When assessing project proposals, we place emphasis on projects that:
Are thematically and geographically relevant.
Are realistic and feasible in execution. Spider offers SEK 500 000 in catalytic seed funding. Even with co-funding, the project should not be over-ambitious and last about 1-2 years.
Make strategic use of ICT. ICT is not an end in itself but a tool to improve education, health and democracy. ICT4D must go beyond providing equipment and training to a few individuals and should be integrated into the project implementation and have a lasting and sustainable impact.
Have an innovative approach such as a new and creative forms of roll-out, spread, partnership and/or methods to address a specific problem.
Contribute financially through co-funding. Being a seed funding project, co-funding is of essence to sustainability.
Are initiated and run by reliable local organizations. Spider prioritizes supporting local organizations in our partner countries directly, rather than organizations from other countries. When Spider collaborates with organizations from other countries, it is based on a strategic overlap in the organizational mandates.
Ensure local ownership through a bottom up approach by involving relevant stakeholders and target groups.
