Contribution is the term used by Sida for projects and programmes. You can apply for support from Sida for different types of contributions. The process may vary slightly depending on the type of support.
Overall, it looks like this:
1. Concept note or initial application
A potential partner organisation submits a brief proposal, known as a concept note. It describes the objectives of the contribution, a vision for how the desired change should take place (theory of change) as well as a draft budget.
Sida will often initiate the process by requesting a concept note. Based on this, Sida decides whether the contribution is relevant in relation to one of the government strategies that governs Swedish development cooperation. We also assess whether the contribution provides added value in relation to other contributions.
2. Sida reviews basic requirements (appraisal plan)
After receiving the concept note, Sida prepares an appraisal plan. This means reviewing whether the contribution fulfils a number of basic requirements:
Meeting these basic requirements doesn’t guarantee that Sida will appraise your proposal or enter into partnership with your organisation.
3. Submission of a full application
To perform a comprehensive appraisal Sida needs a full proposal. It could be a programme document, a strategy or similar documents. Sida doesn’t provide any templates byt expects partner organisations to use their own format tools and methods.
4. Sida makes an in-depth review of the proposal (appraisal of contribution)
If Sida has determined that a proposed contribution meets the basic requirements, we will perform a comprehensive appraisal of the initiative following an established process.
The appraisal phase provides Sida with an opportunity to learn more about the potential partner, and the partner receives clarification regarding Sida’s requirements and expectations.
The appraisal concentrates on six assessment areas:
Sida makes an overall assessment of the proposal. Sida may support capacity development of the partner organisations in areas where we, in dialogue, assess that it needs strengthening.
Sida also performs a risk assessment and prepares a follow-up plan.
5. Sida makes a decision on contribution
The comprehensive appraisal forms the basis for the decision on whether to support the contribution.
The decision is a formal document through which Sida decides to support the contribution financially. The decision includes a brief clarification explaining why Sida has decided to support the contribution.
6. Sida and the organisation sign an agreement
Once a decision on contribution has been made, the partner organisation and Sida sign the agreement. The agreement on contribution is the document that formally sets out the requirements and commitments placed on Sida and the cooperation partner.