British Virgin Islands accepting bids for Overseas Territories Programme Fund
The OTPF complements territories’ own resources to support the security and good governance of the UK’s Overseas Territories.
The OTPF provides a small source of funding to complement Territories’ own resources. It seeks to support the work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to ensure the security and good governance of the UK’s Overseas Territories.
Purpose
Projects must focus on the extent to which they support sustainable development and local capacity building within the Territory. Projects may be new ideas, or build on existing work, but bids will be expected to demonstrate that the proposed project will be of real value to the BVI by meeting clearly identifiable needs.
Themes
For the FY 2014-2015 application round the Fund will be accessible to projects seeking to deliver outcomes in one or more of the following areas:
- To improve the governance of, and promote strong public financial management and sound economic planning;
- To ensure the security and stability of the Territory;
- To reduce vulnerability to natural and non-natural disasters;
- To support the Territory in meeting international obligations;
- To support environmental management;
- To strengthen engagement and interaction between the UK and the BVI.
Projects which aim to integrate the delivery of outcomes across one or more of the above areas will be welcomed. Projects outside these areas may be funded, if there is evidence to show that the project is a priority for the BVI.
Duration of Funding
Projects (and payment) must run in our financial year 1 April 2014 – 31 March 2015.
Size of Projects
We are seeking projects up to USD10,000.00. Due to reduced funding this year bids that include co-sponsorship/local funding to match OTPF funds will have a considerably higher chance of success.
Requests for capital projects are not encouraged and will only be approved if a strong case can be made. OTPF cannot be used for ‘giveaways’ or ‘tokens’.
Application Process
We require a sent by email to Claire.Hunter@fco.gov.uk. Applications must be received by the end of Friday 2 May 2014. Please do not send a hard copy or attach any attachments or annexes.
You will receive an acknowledgement by email that your application has been received not later than Monday 12 May 2014. After this date, if you have not received an acknowledgement, please call 284-494-2345/70.
It is expected that the completed application form will be accompanied by a fully-costed budget in Excel format. Budget lines for unspecified contingencies (eg miscellaneous) will not be accepted. We cannot guarantee financial shortfalls can be met.
Assessment Process
Proposals will be assessed on the basis of the information provided in the application form and a fully costed budget forecast. We will assess against priority issues, the sustainability of the project, the changes it will help to deliver and whether the project represents value for money.
Conditions of Funding
Unless there are exceptional reasons for funding not to be acknowledged, project implementers must credit the contribution of the OTPF on all materials produced in the course of the project (including information available in electronic format) and at all relevant public events.
The FCO actively seeks positive publicity for their projects and the contribution they are making/have made. Unless the project is of a sensitive nature, the Governor’s Office may approach you for further media exposure (eg press releases, social media etc).
Failure to attend courses or other events may lead to the FCO seeking to recoup any losses for airline bookings, hotel accommodation etc.
Aprroval must be obtained from the Governor’s Office for any changes.
Successful projects that become inactive risk having funding withdrawn.
A short project evaluation will be due on completion.
If you have any questions, please refer to the guidance notes in the first instance. These should provide answers to most queries. For further information, please contact our Projects Officer, Claire Hunter Claire.Hunter@fco.gov.uk.
Last updated 28 March 2014 + show all updates
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First published.
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Anouncement of new bidding round for Overseas Territories Programme Fund in the British Virgin Islands