Grant Size
$1.5 Million
Year
२०२४/२५
Date of Apply
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Sub-component 1.1 of the DGM Nepal project will promote the recognition of traditional livelihoods and customary governance as well as the rights of community forest groups, technical and vocational training for colleges and universities to enhance the capacity of indigenous tribes and local communities to participate in policy dialogues of Red Plus and sustainable management of forests. Scholarships will be provided to enhance practical skills to enable. The scholarship also provides support for working in the forest-related sector or setting up or running one's own business/small enterprises.
RedPlus is a climate change mitigation strategy under the UNFCCC and is designed to reduce emissions and increase carbon sequestration in developing countries by addressing deforestation, forest degradation, conservation, sustainable forest management, and growth of carbon stocks.
Under this, tribal tribes and local communities will conduct targeted training and develop the necessary capacity for sustainable management of forests, ensure the rights of customary forest management practices and address issues identified by tribal tribes and local communities, and create national and international policies related to Red Plus. And will include capacity-building activities to participate in decision-making processes and discussions.
Scholarship grants are mainly targeted at indigenous peoples and local communities (IPs and LCs), especially youth and women from vulnerable and marginalized backgrounds. Individuals should be primarily from Madhesh and Lumbini Provinces, opportunities are also open to IPLC individuals from other provinces. In addition, successful beneficiaries must obtain a letter of recommendation from the local government or relevant IP and LC group or organization.
A total budget of 400,000 US dollars has been allocated for scholarship grants throughout the duration of the DGM Nepal project. Each beneficiary can receive up to USD 7000 as a scholarship grant. However, if the cost of the chosen course or training exceeds this amount, the beneficiary will be responsible for covering the additional costs.
Selection Process for Scholarship Grant:
The selection process involves several steps:
- Call for scholarship applications
- Submit a scholarship application
- Listing of applicants by national executive body
- Scholarship shortlists approved by the National Steering Committee
- Signing of contract and transfer of funds
Each step is detailed in the provided GOM, PAD and project documents, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process.
Funds are transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account as specified in the contract. Training fees are disbursed directly to the service provider based on installment, while other reimbursable expenses such as accommodation, travel, and stationery are paid to the scholarship recipients on an installment basis as per the agreement.
Beneficiaries are required to submit a Final Scholarship Use Report within 10 days of completing the course or training. This report should include a certificate of completion of the course or training. Additionally, NEA will supervise scholarship beneficiaries to ensure funds are used appropriately.
Project Highlights
- No. of people applicants
- Selected Applicants
SELECTION PROCESS
EOI Applications will be published for 4 Times during whole project duration
The applications would need to be sent to NEA by e-mail or regular mail. The application needs to contain the following documents:
- Scholarship application form (see annex 1 for template in GOM document);
- Letter of Recommendation from the relevant Local Government (Gaupalika/ Nagarpalika) or, as applicable, an IPLC organization or group. The basis of selection and recommendation should be the contents of the training program, which will be available at the time of announcement or call for application.
- In case the costs of the course or training exceed US$7000, provide proof that the potential beneficiary can cover excess costs; 4- CV of the potential beneficiary.
NEA will review and assess the submissions against the following criteria:
- Relevance of the proposed course or training consistent with priority areas of support under the DGM Nepal project as approved by the NSC;
- Relevant professional background of the potential beneficiary
- Availability of Letter of Recommendation from the Local Government or, as applicable, an Indigenous People and Local Communities (IPLCs) organization or group; and
- If applicable, availability of proof that the potential beneficiary can cover excess costs (if the course or training costs more than US$7000).
The shortlist and supporting documentation will be submitted by NEA to the NSC for review and approval. The NSC decision will be recorded in the minutes of the NSC meeting and published on the DGM project website.
NEA will inform the individuals with the approved scholarships by e-mail or regular mail within 5 business days of the NSC decision. NEA will also notify applicants not shortlisted by e-mail or regular mail within 10 days of the NSC decision.
Upon selection, beneficiaries sign a contract with NEA (refer to annex 2 template), outlining the chosen course, eligible expenses, and mandatory reporting requirements. Funds are transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account per the contract’s terms, financing the scholarships under Component 1.
NEA disburses training fees directly to service providers in installments. Recipients receive other reimbursable expenses in installments, covering accommodation, travel, stationery, and logistics as specified. NEA ensures these costs are reasonable and allowable.
Beneficiaries submit a Final Scholarship Use Report (refer to annex 3 template of GOM in website) to NEA within 10 days of completing the course or training. The report must include the certificate of completion, providing a comprehensive overview of the scholarship utilization.
- Supervision and Accountability:
NEA will supervise scholarship beneficiaries, ensuring funds are used appropriately. Regular updates will be sought during the course/training period, and a Final Scholarship Use Report must be submitted within 10 days of completion. - Scholarship Suspension and Termination Guidelines
If funds misuse is detected, NEA will investigate. Evidence of contract breach leads to either suspension (with identified corrective measures) or immediate termination. In case of termination, the beneficiary must repay the scholarship in full to NEA. Local representatives are informed if a contract is terminated, along with reasons for non-completion. If a beneficiary can’t finish due to personal reasons (e.g., illness), NEA closes the contract without resource recovery, requiring valid documents like medical reports for verification.
