1. Who can apply for Strategic Programme Fund (SPF) grant?

Indian based Civil Society Organisations with FCRA registration, International NGOs, Private Limited Companies, Independent Consultants, Research Organisations, Think Tanks and Universities.

2. What is FCRA?

In order to receive funding from any foreign source, Indian based civil society organisations must register under the Foreign Contribution (Registration) Act 1976.

3. How can I get my organisation registered under FCRA?

The application process is set out in the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules. The Ministry of Home Affairs website contains some useful information and guidance on FCRA and how to register.

4. Do you accept bids from Civil Society Organisations only?

No. Take a look at the information on ongoing projects to find out more about the range of organisations we are working with.

5. Are independent consultant/researchers eligible for SPF grant?

Yes, if they are working in areas relevant to the SPF Programme Strategies.

6. What kind of projects can be funded under SPF programmes?

Take a look at the information on ongoing project to find out more about the variety of projects we fund. There is no ideal project type. We are more interested in how projects contribute to The UK Government’s Departmental Strategic Objectives and SPF Programme strategy.

7. When to apply for funding?

In advance of each new Financial Year we may call for bids for projects focusing on specific key themes. Please check Programmes page of the website for details of these bidding rounds.

8. How to apply?

Detail guidance will be issued along with the announcement of call for bids. The bidding round will include two stages concept round and full bids, we accept full bids only for the proposals recommended in the concept bid round. All proposals should be submitted using  the Bidding Form, which is available on line. Please read the guidance provided before completing the form.

Please contact Programme Manager for more details.

9. How are the projects selected?/What are the selection criteria?

Bids will be assessed by a selection panel made up of UK Government officials and subject experts. Copies of the SPF selection criteria against which projects are assessed can be found at the FCO website.

10. Do I need to submit project progress reports during the lifetime of the project?

Yes. Project implementers must provide quarterly narrative and financial progress reports.

11. Do you make payments in advance?

No. Funding payments are made in arrears only on a quarterly basis and on production of adequate narrative and financial reporting.

12. Is there any geographical focus for the SPF programmes?

No. The programmes are thematic. We have not focused funding on particular Indian states.

13. Do the project activities need to be focused on India?

In order to qualify for funding, project activities should be focused on India. However, we will consider projects covering more than one country.

14. What is the maximum duration for which we can seek funding?

The a maximum duration of the project should not exceed 36 months including 3 months time for post-project evaluation. Each project will be subject to review after the end of each financial year to continue funding.

15. Is there a limit on how much can we bid for?

SPF Programme doesn’t have a cap on how much or how little funding we provide for each project. Generally, larger projects that extend over two or three years may have a bigger impact than smaller one-off projects. However, this is not always the case and, most importantly, we are looking for projects which have the potential to have a strategic impact in the country(ies) concerned, and which establish strong partnerships with local stakeholders.