Can private companies apply for the grant?

Companies do not qualify to receive this grant. Only UN agencies with a humanitarian mandate and Norwegian humanitarian organisations qualify. Collaboration with the private sector is however a prerequisite to receive the grant, but the applicant must be the humanitarian organisation or UN agency.

What qualifies as a Norwegian humanitarian organisation?

The organisation must be registered in the Brønnøysund Register, have an office in Norway and a Norwegian Board. The organisation must have a humanitarian and international mandate to qualify for the grant scheme.

We are a humanitarian organisation/UN agency with an ongoing innovation project, and we have already found our private sector partner. Do we qualify for this grant?

You qualify for the grant if you can document that you have found your partner through a market dialogue process that has been open, competitive and transparent.

The general requirements state that the project should have a direct impact on people affected by humanitarian crises. Within green response it is often a more collective, long term outcome. How does this requirement fit with green response?

Yes, with green response the impact is not always immediate and direct. Within green response we will encourage to include users/affected populations in the innovation process. It is important that the solutions are designed in partnership with the users. We recommend that you try to define the possible long-term impact this can have for affected people.

The call encourages to share information across disciplines, sectors and organisations. How would you like us to share the information?

How you choose to share the lessons learned, successes and failures from the projects is up to each organisation. One of the projects we support created a website to share information. Other projects share learnings through their organisation’s webpage, across agency networks, social media etc.

What do you mean by tech agnostic? Does the program support the development of non-tech solutions?

By tech agnostic we mean that we do not focus on, or favor, specific technologies. We want the innovation process to be open by starting with defining the need, and then develop a solution that addresses the need in the best way. If the best way is technology, that is fine. If it is a non-tech solution that is fine too!

In the call you encourage joint applications from collaborating humanitarian organisations. Can the other humanitarian partner be an international sister agency?

Yes, and then the grant holder and project leader must be either a Norwegian humanitarian organisation or a humanitarian UN agency.

How many agencies are needed to qualify for the multi-agency proposals?

3 or more humanitarian organisations/agencies.

Is there a limit to how many applications an organisation can submit?

No, there is not. However, if an organisation wants to submit several applications, we recommend that you do an internal prioritisation and select the projects that are most feasible and that could achieve transformational impact.

How long should a project last for?

The projects can last for up to two years (24 months) from the date the grant acceptance offer is signed.

Does the program prioritise any specific geographical regions?

No.

Can the project we submit be part of a larger project?

Yes, it can. In these cases, we recommend that you define the part of the project where the Humanitarian Innovation Programme funds can contribute.

If we get funding in 2021, can project implementation start in 2022?

You are free to decide when you will start the project, but the project period is two years from the date the grant acceptance offer is signed.

Which currency will the funding come in?

The funding will come in Norwegian Kroner (NOK).

Will projects that address two or three of the focus areas be prioritised?

Qualified applications meet at least one of the three focus areas.

Are there natinoality requirements for the private sector partnership?

No.

Is there a word or PDF version of the application form we can use to write the applications before filling them in to the online application portal?

Yes, you can download a word document here. Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application form to be considered.

Can the deadline be extended?

No - all applications must be submitted through the electronic application portal before the deadline.

Frequently asked questions

General FAQs (relevant for both programmes)

Innovation Lab FAQs

Scaling Programme FAQs

Do you have other questions?