The New Applied Technology Efficiency and Lighting Initiative (NATELI II), supported by USAID, and managed by Winrock International, is seeking applications for Energy Sector Issue grants.

 

The goal of this grant program is to support  and strengthen the local NGO community, think tanks and universities to carry out independent analysis of energy sector issues, to promote energy investments working in the energy sector and to facilitate their involvement in the policy dialog and decision making process. The grants program seeks to create and grow a sustainable base of energy expertise in Georgia for expanded analysis and discussion of energy issues.

Based on consultation with the Government of Georgia, USAID and Energy companies, the following are priority areas for grant support:

• Improvement of living conditions for people living in remote areas;
• Energy efficiency;
• Development of renewable energy sources;
• Development of clean energy & clean production; and
• Promotion of regional cooperation with International Energy Organisations, USA, European, Black Sea and neighbouring countries.

An applicant may submit more than one application, but should not combine two or more proposals in a single document.

1. 1.          Funding Information

Funding. Total grant awards for this RFA will be $500,000. Individual grants can be any amount up to and not exceeding $150,000. It is anticipated that at least five grants will be awarded if high quality, fundable applications are received. NATELI II reserves the right to reject any and all applications if they do not satisfy the selection criteria and objectives of the program or such action is considered to be in the best interest of the program.  

Cost sharing. Applicants must include in-kind or financial resources to leverage the USAID grant and will be requested to provide plans for activity sustainability beyond USAID support.

1. Anticipated start dates and performance periods

The anticipated start date for these grants will be approximately 1 March 2012. Grants will be awarded for a maximum of up to 12 months.  Grant applicants must specify the proposed length of their grants.

The procedure and dates for the energy sector issues grants program are as follows:

1. Eligibility Information

Entities that may apply. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, universities and non profit organisations may apply for grants under this program. Individuals and groups of individuals may not apply. Any individual or group interested in applying for a grant should register with the Government of Georgia as an NGO. State-owned and private enterprises and Government institutions are not eligible for these grants. Faith-based and community organizations are eligible for grants, provided they are registered as NGOs or qualify as a think tank.

Civil servants, members of the current parliament, staff of public broadcasting, and leaders and members of political parties and political unions may not participate in a grant project as a director or as a participant paid from grant funds.

NATELI II welcomes grant applications from any eligible entity without regard to whether the entity has previously been a USAID contractor, grantee, or partner. No prior experience as a USAID grantee is required in order for an interested party to file a grant application.

1. Application and Submission Information

Application Deadline. Applications are due in the NATELI II office no later than 16:00/4 p.m., Monday, 13^th of February 2012.  Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Submission Format. Each applicant must submit a completed Grant Application form with Attachments A (Proposal Description and Justification), B (Budget), and C (Grants Management Questionnaire). The  Grant Application Form  with attachments can be obtained at Winrock Georgia office at the following address: 2, Baratashvili str. All applications must be in English and Georgian (Georgian version should be submitted with brief description in English). Both electronic responses and hard copy responses are required for receipt of submission.

(1) Electronic submission: Grant applicants must submit their application via internet email using email compatible programs (MS Word, Excel). To avoid problems with transmission, electronic file attachments should be no larger than 2 MB per email to ensure receipt. Electronic submissions must be complete, submitted in English, and all emails related to your submission must be received in the NATELI II email system no later than 16:00 on Monday, February 13, 2012 or they will not be considered for award. The email address is: mimedashvili@winrocknateli.org

(2) Paper copy submission: In addition to the electronic submission, grant applicants must also submit TWO (2) paper copies of the application to the NATELI II program office. Applications must be complete, in English, and received at the physical NATELI II office no later than 16:00 on Monday, 13^th of February 2012, or they will not be considered for award. The address for receipt of proposals is:

 

New applied Technology Efficiency and Lighting initiative (NATELI) Winrock Georgia

2 N. Baratashvili Str.

Tbilisi, 0105, Georgia

Phone/Fax: (995 32) 250 63 43/995 322243434

Questions. Questions may be submitted electronically to the attention of Ms. Sophie Gengiuri, Grants Administrator, NATELI II Project at sgengiuri@winrocknateli.org. The deadline for receiving questions is Monday, 30 January at 17:00. All questions received before the deadline will be reviewed and responses prepared where possible.