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British High Commission Malta: International Programme Fund 23-24

The British High Commission in Malta (BHC) is currently accepting proposals for innovative projects, with concrete objectives and measurable policy outcomes.

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government

The British High Commission (BHC) welcomes project proposals for its International Programme Fund (IPF) for the Financial Year 2023/24. The IPF supports programme activity under the framework of the UK government’s foreign policy objectives in Malta.

Scope for Proposals

Applications for funding should be linked to the following themes:

  • Security partnership: Protect the UK by working closely with Maltese partners to tackle existing and emerging threats from illegal immigration, terrorism and serious organised crime. Ensure access for a UK defence presence in the Central Mediterranean.
  • Promote the UK and our values: Demonstrate UK leadership on advancing judicial reform, media freedom, opportunities for women and girls, LGBT+ and other human rights. Supporting Malta in implementing rule of law reform.
  • Economic, environment and climate: Maximise opportunities for UK trade and investment. Co-operate on energy security and the green transition. Advance UK climate, environment and sustainability objectives, including through the Commonwealth Small Island Developing States initiative.

Requirements for Proposals and Applicants

  • The BHC will consider funding applications from civil society organizations, academic institutions, non-profit organisations and multilateral organisations
  • Organisations must prove that they are able to manage the project sum in a satisfactory manner. The BHC may request reports by auditors during its review of proposals.
  • The grants requested under this call must fall between a minimum of £5,000 and up to £25,000.
  • Projects spanning one financial year are preferred, although multi-year projects may be considered up to the Fiscal Year 2024-25. Funding from the BHC beyond 2023-24 is not guaranteed and will only be confirmed in each fiscal year.
  • Project activities should be completed February 2024 in order to allow time for evaluation. All project expenses for 2023-24 must be incurred by 30 March 2024.
  • We are unable to fund purchase of equipment, advertising, academic courses, charitable activities, commercial activities, infrastructure or construction.
  • Applications must be submitted in English.

Proposal Evaluation Process:

Project proposals will be shortlisted and approved by the BHC’s Post Programme Board. Successful organisations will need to provide more detailed information for a full proposal and will need to sign a legally binding contract with the BHC. They will also need to prepare quarterly monitoring reports as well as a completion report at the end of the project.

Proposals will be assessed against the following criteria

  • Alignment with the above-mentioned UK themes.
  • Project design includes a realistic timeline, clear monitoring and evaluation procedures.
  • Project outcomes have a concrete deliverable with clear links to the project’s objectives.
  • Sustainability, demonstrating that project benefits continue after the funding ends.
  • Risk and financial accountability procedures.
  • The organisation’s safeguarding policies and the protection of those involved in the project against abuse and harassment.
  • Overall value for money.

Submitting a Proposal

To submit your proposal, fill out the Activity Based Budget BHC Activity Based Budget Template (ODS, 9.84 KB) and a Proposal Form for proposals under £10k Proposal Form: Proposals up to £10k (ODT, 48.7 KB) or Proposal Form for proposals between £10k to £25k Proposal Form: Proposals above £10K (ODT, 55.9 KB) and send to the BHC by email to [email protected].

Who may bid

The BHC will consider funding applications from civil society organizations, academic institutions, non-profit organisations and multilateral organisations. In order to be eligible, you:

  • must be a legal entity, commercial company, a registered non-governmental (NGO) or governmental organisation, and provide proof of legal registration
  • demonstrate previous experience in delivering and managing projects and the ability to manage the project sum, and preferably have experience working with an international agency/organisation
  • demonstrate the capacity to deliver at least 75% of the proposed project activity by mid-December 2023

The BHC may request reports by auditors during its review of proposals.

The deadline for submissions is 23:59 on 27 August 2023

If you have any questions or if you would like to request a meeting to discuss your proposal, please email Joseph Portelli at [email protected].

Indicative timetable for 2023

Date Activity
28 July Call for Proposals launched
27 August Deadline for submission of project proposal and activity-based budget
11 September Follow-up with short-listed projects
25 September Expected start date for projects

Attachments

BHC Activity Based Budget Template

Proposal Form: Proposals up to £10k

Proposal Form: Proposals above £10K

Updates to this page

Published 28 July 2023
Last updated 28 July 2023 + show all updates
  1. Extension of funding call.

  2. First published.