EU and Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States have issued a restricted call for proposals for the Microfinance Programme II to develop inclusive financial systems adapted to the needs of the poor. That is to support the responsible offer and delivery of financial services to those who are still excluded from mainstream access to proper financial services, and the knowledgeable uptake of such services by the potential clients. This entails support to both the supply side (financial services providers, and their supporting institutions) and the demand side (clients).
Through this call for proposals, the EU/ACP Microfinance programme opens its offer of support to a variety of actors, recognising the multiplicity of factors for successful access to finance by micro-entrepreneurs, and considering the Programme’s priority of reaching out to the poorer and more vulnerable populations. Applicants can include microfinance providers that cater for the most remote areas, specialised supporting structures and institutions that deal with client empowerment.
The specific objectives of this Call for Proposals are:
Specific objective 1: to facilitate access to finance for communities excluded from the formal financial system, including vulnerable populations, very poor and in remote areas, in a sustainable manner and by using innovative delivery models as needed/necessary.
Specific objective 2: to improve the institutions’ capacity, particularly in the fields of financial and risk management, transparency on financial and social performance towards all stakeholders and specifically clients.
Specific objective 3: to build the financial capability of ACP microfinance clients, to empower them for an improved use of financial services enhancing their capacity to become autonomous economic actors.
Eligibility Criteria
For this Call for Proposals, MFI and Microfinance providers will need to respond to the following criteria:
- Have a stated mission of working towards financial inclusion as a means to positively impact the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable.
- Dedicate at least 30% of their activity, as determined by share of budgetary expenses, to the direct provision of financial services, in the field of microfinance be it credit, savings, insurance, transfers or provision of means of payment.
- Have at least three years of experience in the field of financial services provision.
- Have a proven ability to undertake the specific action object of the grant.
- Have a proven track record in supporting microfinance development and at least one full time specialized staff member dedicated to this when the call is launched.
Financial Allocation and Size of Grants
The overall indicative amount made available under this Call for Proposals is EUR 7,500,000. The Contracting Authority reserves the right not to award all available funds. Any grant awarded under this Call for Proposals must fall between EUR 250,000 and EUR 800,000.
This is a restricted Call for Proposals. In the first instance, only Concept Notes must be submitted for evaluation. Thereafter, applicants whose Concept Notes have been pre-selected will be invited to submit a Full Application
Form
Deadline for submitting the concept note is August 1, 2011.
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