Deadline: 28th July 2024

The Community Resource Exchange (CRE) is calling for proposals for collaboration grants for candidates from Africa.

The Community Resource Exchange (CRE) is a system to facilitate collaboration and the development of collective strategies with and between communities that defend their rights in the context of international investments and development projects.

CRE aims to support communities impacted by international investments and projects development . This includes business or development activities supported by multilateral development banks, national development banks, development agencies, export credit agencies, etc. or which involve or may involve investment or co-operation from international companies, funds, institutional investors, etc. to establish real links with investors, even the possibility or probability is sufficient to be considered.

Information on financing

• The proposed budget should not exceed 5,000 US dollars.

Examples of possible types of involvement

• The nature or form of any collaboration or support will depend on the priorities and interests of the community affected by international investments and development projects, and the extent to which CRE staff are able to get involved. Examples of strategies in which CRE could facilitate collaborations include:
  • Raising awareness of legal rights in the context of a World Bank-funded water treatment plant, for example through songs, theatre and community radio;
  • Strengthening community organisation and mobilisation around an internationally funded mine;
  • Energy mapping and identification of financiers in a hydroelectric project that affects the community;
  • Advocacy work with development banks and international institutions on specific projects;
  • Scientific or technical tests and analyses, e.g. reviewing technical project documents, soil tests, analyses economic etc;
  • Communications and dissemination in the media including amplifying campaigns and messages through journalists, allies and media collaborators;
  • Learning exchanges with other communities that have fought against the same financier or company; e,
  • Resources on protection and security for human rights defenders (resources can be information, technical assistance, small grants, urgent actions, etc.).

Priorities for providing financial assistance through CRE collaboration grants

• Proposals for financial assistance that meet the following criteria will be prioritised:
  • The proposed activities will be led by community organisations.
  • It includes an endorsement or reference from an existing member or partner of the Coalition for Human Rights in Development, or from another CRE collaborator.
  • The applicant is interested in sharing experiences and lessons learnt with other communities.
  • Is there a link to public development funding or is there an interest in exploring it, if so.
  • The proposed activities would probably leave the community in a stronger position, with less risk of damage.
  • The community's financial needs would probably not be met without the support.
  • The request comes from a marginalised group or constituency.
  • The funds are earmarked for Community activities/expenditure, not salaries/external rewards.

Who can apply?

• Communities - impacted by projects funded by international investors and development finance institutions - or organisations that work closely with communities. The proposed activities must be community-led.

Election criteria

• Requests for financial assistance will only be considered if:
  • There is a fully completed Collaboration Grant Application Form.
  • There are communities that defend their human rights in the face of specific development or international investment activities.
  • The proposed activities are led by the community.

For more information, visit Coalition for Human Rights in Development .