British High Commission Belmopan seeks 2021/2022 project proposal bids
The British High Commission (BHC) in Belmopan is now accepting project proposals for the period June 2021 - February 2022.
2021 / 2022 themes
This year the BHC is seeking to support projects in Belize that focus on the following themes:
- democracy, human rights, and media freedom
- climate and biodiversity
- COVID-19, vaccines, recovery and global health security
Please note these examples intend to give an idea of the sort of areas we are looking for. However, do not restrict your bids to these areas.
Bidding guidance
- the BHC will run a competitive bidding process in order to ensure we use our allocation for projects that are of high quality and deliver value for money
- the projects must directly benefit Belize and support programmes linked to the UK’s thematic priorities (see above)
- projects are funded for a single financial year running from June 2021 to 28 February 2022, with no expectation of continued funding beyond this period
- due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have limited funding available this year so we are looking for projects bids with a range of budgets between BZ$8,000 and BZ$27,000. Maximum budget per project bid is BZ$27,000
- at least 85% of the project funding should be spent by December 2021
- there are no pre-payments. Reimbursements will be made three months in arrears once activities have taken place and all receipts submitted
Assessment
Bids will be assessed against the following criteria:
- alignment with the above mentioned thematic priorities and project outcomes (results)
- outcomes are achievable within the funding period
- project design includes clear monitoring and evaluation procedures
- sustainability demonstrating that project benefits continue after the funding ends and showcasing long term impact in Belize
- risk and financial accountability procedures
- the organisation’s safeguarding policies that ensure protection of beneficiaries
- contribution to gender equality
- overall value for money
Criteria and eligibility
In order to bid, your organisation or agency must demonstrate that it has previous experience in project management (preferably working with international agencies or organisations), sufficient technical, financial, personnel and logistical capacity.
We are particularly interested in project bids that will add value and impact via innovative activities to improve relationships and cooperation between all stakeholders (civil society organisations, the general public, relevant institutions and the Government of Belize).
Projects should demonstrate how they will make a difference e.g. by covering an existing gap in the system or promoting practical change.
Results should be clear, measurable and sustainable. Priority will be given to projects that draw on UK experience and expertise and strengthen UK-Belize co-operation.
How to bid
To bid you need to fully complete in English a and an . Bids will not be considered if both forms are not received.
Activity Based Budgets should list the activities needed to deliver the outcomes (results) of the project. All costs should be in Belizean dollars.
Process
- Project bids must be received by midnight on Monday 31 May, 2021. Late or incomplete bids will NOT be considered.
- Completed bids must be submitted to: rolando.cocom@fcdo.gov.uk and copied to: claire.bruce@fcdo.gov.uk
- Projects will be examined and a shortlist submitted to the British High Commission Project Board by June 2021. The Project Board may request further information.
- The BHC aims to sign grant agreements with successful project implementers in June 2021.
- Unsuccessful bids will be informed.
What you cannot bid for
The project fund cannot be used to pay for:
- recurrent monthly costs (staff salaries, rents, bills or consumables)
- projects that are purely of a political, military or religious nature
- computers, sports equipment or text books
- flights at any class other than Economy
- gifts or fund infrastructures like a fence
- consultancy fees where these form the majority of the funds. Any consultancy fees included in a project must be less than 10% and will be closely monitored to ensure value for money
After the bid
The bidding round is an open and competitive process, assessed by the British High Commission Project Board in Belize.
- we aim to issue the Project Board decision by June 2021
- once a bid is approved, a Grant Contract will be signed with all successful bidders. In the documents section you will find an example of a . Your organisation will be expected to sign the contract within one week of the funds being awarded. Failure to do so will result in the funds being re-allocated
- the implementing organisation will be required to submit quarterly reports, financial reports and a final evaluation of the project. The implementing organisation is expected to meet deadlines set by the BHC
- please note there are no pre-payments. Reimbursements will be made three months in arrears once activities have taken place and all receipts submitted. Implementing organisations will request repayments using an invoice (including receipts and a financial report of spend) and the repayments will be carried out during those dates agreed upon in the respective contract
- the budget should be presented in Belizean Dollars. All payments will be made to a bank account held in Belize
Please ensure that all required sections of the Project Proposal Form and Activity Based Budgets are properly completed. Incomplete forms will be rejected and will not be considered. In particular, please ensure that you complete the cost and funding sections.
Please send any questions regarding the call for bids to: rolando.cocom@fcdo.gov.uk Rolando Cocom, Project Officer.
