CLIMA -2021 CALL FOR PROPOSALS – MICRO GRANTS

ABout clima pROJECT:

CLIMA is a project funded by the European Union, within the program ENI CBC MED 2014-20. The project aims at coping with environmental, economic and social problems of organic waste mismanagement in three Mediterranean countries, developing policy tools like integrated Municipal Waste Management Plans, innovative technical solutions such as the compost drum and two improved pilot compost sites. At the same time, the project will support local businesses active in the circular economy sector, as well as information and advocacy campaigns to change citizens’ attitude towards zero waste paradigm. Through the project, around 80,000 citizens in 3 municipalities will benefit from the reduction of waste production due to the increase of treated organic waste.

As part of the project, the following outcomes are expected:

Environmental:

• An examination of the environmental, economic, and social problems related to inadequate management of organic waste in three Mediterranean countries, through the application of innovative and sustainable techniques for collection and recycling selected organic wastes
• Exchange practices and innovative ideas among the target territories on how to integrate waste reduction into the political agenda and how to influence behavior change in communities.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Economic:

• Develop circular economy networks at the territorial level in the three Mediterranean countries.
• Reduce production costs by supporting the development of sustainable small businesses and employment opportunities through a CSR and social approach.
• Support the creation of closed supply chains for agro-ecological practices by turning organic waste into high quality secondary raw materials.

This call for proposals is part of the project output 4.4 (Market analysis and support of social enterprises to strengthen the compost value chain), and more precisely Activity 4.4.2, which aims at providing subsidies to 12 social enterprises, of which 5 in Lebanon, interested in developing innovative businesses for the use of raw material.

Objectives and expected results of this call for proposals:

CLIMA's grant fund is intended to promote circular economy initiatives all over Lebanon more specifically Bikfaya and Matn, in order to achieve sustainable environmental and economic development.

Expected results:

• Support the establishment of green and inclusive environmental businesses
• Building the capacity of existing green businesses
• Work closely with the composting site at the municipality of Bikfaya to develop a reliable waste management network
• Help create decent jobs for women and young people

In Lebanon, the project partners are: the municipality of Bikfaya, Arcenciel and COSPE.

COSPE will be responsible for managing grants in Lebanon.

IF YOU ARE:

• A green entrepreneur (either individuals or in a group)
• A Start-upper
• A representative or a partner of a startup
• A representative of an association/ NGO
• A representative of an informal group

In the event of selection, informal subjects must formalize themselves before signing the grant agreement.

IF YOU INTEND TO:

• Launch a social and environmental project in Beirut or Mount Lebanon region.
• Develop an existing social and environmental project by enriching it with new components in Beirut or Mount Lebanon region.

You are invited to apply for participation in the call for proposals before 31/12/2021, and your participation will allow you, upon the advice of the jury, to receive a grant of up to 5,000 Euro in addition to access to expert technical support and mentoring.

The granted projects are required to provide a co-financing contribution of at least 10% of the total cost of the project. All projects must have as primary target area the governorate of Beirut or Mount Lebanon.

OUR GRANTING PROCESS

Phase one: project applicants should carefully complete the application form aiming at presenting their project ideas

Phase two: During the second phase, the shortlisted candidates will receive training support in two areas: Project Ideation and business plan drafting

Phase three: successful candidates will receive:

• A grant appropriate to the project's needs
• Pre-creation support
• A cycle for the support of capacity building
• Specific training

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

The selection criteria for proposals will be based on transparency, equity, and non-discrimination. The following criteria will be used:

1. Social and environmental impact

• Relevance: ability to meet the needs of communities and local roots
• Environmental impact; sustainable use of natural and energy resources; conversion / management capacity of agricultural and agro-industrial systems towards an agro ecological model
• Innovation and ability to promote the local and circular economy, following a value chain approach
• Ability to create new decent, inclusive and sustainable jobs: inclusion of women and gender equality, youth, people with disabilities.

2- Viability of the business model

• Adequacy and viability of the budget / business plan;
• Income generation capacity;
• Percentage of contribution payable by the grant beneficiary (at least 10%);
• Feasibility analysis;
• Quality standards and risk prevention.

3- Governance and sustainability

• Quality of Internal Governance and staff management;
• Organizational and financial capacity;
• Collecting and networking: ability to create and coordinate with territorial groups in the value chain or network with other initiatives (at local, regional and national level; with other initiatives already active or underway activation)
• Economic, social, environmental and cultural sustainability.