Support to NGOs in developing countries
The use of chemical substances in the world has increased explosively and they are spreading further into the natural surroundings and human beings. There is little knowledge of how the chemicals affect us. The more we learn the more hazardous effects on the environment and on our health we discover.
Environmental organisations play an important role in the global work to achieve a toxic-free environment. Not least in the developing countries, local groups often play a unique role, by actively raising awareness and campaigning, and by setting requirements for local and national decision makers. There is now far greater emphasis on “the civil society” in the context of negotiation as one of the key players to achieve changes. In order to realise the intentions in both of these contexts, the NGO society needs to be involved on a broad front.
Funding programme for civil society work on toxic chemicals
During 2007 the International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec) and the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC) initiated a small-grant chemicals program in support of and in cooperation with non-governmental organisations in developing countries. In 2008 the programme will be intensified reaching many more NGOs working to reduce effects from hazardous chemicals on human health and the environment. The goal of the program for SSNC / ChemSec is to establish cooperation with CSOs/NGOs in the Global South, with a primary focus on Africa, working to reduce health and environmental impacts from the use of hazardous chemicals and to develop sustainable alternatives.
The aim is to strengthen NGOs in their work with problems related to chemicals from a poverty- and human rights based perspective. Support may be provided to activities and projects relating to preventing and reducing effects of toxic chemicals and promoting safer chemical management within the field of industrial chemicals (i.e not agrochemicals) and chemicals in products.
Aims of supported projects include:
• Improved health and reduced poverty among the public, workers and other exposed groups through increased knowledge about toxic chemicals and how to handle them.
•Contributing to strengthened national chemicals legislation and the implementation of international agreements.
• Empowering consumers to avoid and act against products that are hazardous to the environment and health.
• Reducing environmental effects from toxic chemicals.
• Influencing the industry to improve chemicals management, phase out or substitute hazardous chemicals from their production and to protect workers, consumers and the environment.
For more information, contact Ingrid Westerfors
Applications to the programme
The programme is oriented towards civil society organizations (CSOs) such as environmental NGOs, consumer, women and human rights groups as well as labor unions and other organizations active on toxic chemical issues.
An application to ChemSec/SSNC should follow the SSNC procedures. There are no special application forms. Applications must be submitted in English. Applications may be submitted and will be assessed throughout the year.
Forms of cooperation:
1. Small grants support:
Support for projects or specific activities such as workshops, campaigns,
publications or training programs. Small grants are normally agreed on for
a period of a few months up to one year. The size of grants will normally
be between 10 000 to 20 000 USD, depending on the type of activity and time
line.
2. Capacity building support:
Long term (1-3 years) organizational support to CSOs that work on chemical
issues. Capacity building funds are aiming to strengthen the competence
of the CSOs and develop cooperation at national and international level.
Small grants are commonly used as a starting point for a long term cooperation
aiming to develop and strengthen the capacity, competence, and abilities
of the supported organizations.
1. Applying for small grant support:
i) A narrative description of your organization and the intended project, maximum 1 page in length.
ii) A project description in more detail based on the following:
• Project background, baseline for the project
• Long-term goals
• Specific objectives to be accomplished
• Target groups and how these will be influenced by the project
• Specific activities such as reports, workshops, debates, etc
• Time line
• Project budget
Grant applications should be sent to: ngosupport [@] chemsec.org
Include a cover page with the following information:
• Project title and location
• Applying Organization (address, telephone, fax, e-mail)
• Person responsible for the project (name, position, address, telephone,
fax and e-mail)
• Date of submission
ChemSec/SSNC may request additional information after assessing your application.
2. Applying for capacity building support:
Please contact ngosupport
[@] chemsec.org for further information.
Do not hesitate to contact us about project ideas or questions during the
process of drafting your project proposal.
To learn more about the work of SSNC, please visit: www.naturskyddsforeningen.se/In-english/