GSMA enabled Mobile Enabled Community Services (MECS) Initiative calls applications for its Seed Grant Fund. The objective of MECS Seed Grant Fund is to enhance areas of research and development by using mobile to access water services and sustainable energy. Primary focus of this grant is to help projects implemented in Indian sub-continent, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South East Asia.
The maximum grant size of Seed Grant Fund is up to 200,000 British Pounds. Applicants must be able to contribute 25% of the total cost of project.
Types of Funding
- Grant funds to most eligible project. Project selected on the basis of deadline by an assessment panel will receive grant.
- Technical assistance is provided at the discretion of MECS to support in application development and project implementation.
The GSMA holds the interest of around 800 mobile operators along with 250 companies across the world. It provides support to industries engaged in software, mobile ecosystem, internet providers, equipment providers, handset and device makers. The main motive of GSMA MECS initiative is to create innovations in business models by using technology and mobile communications.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
- Be registered and operating in the country of project implementation (whether domestic or foreign owned or a joint venture) in compliance with relevant business licensing, taxation, employee and other relevant regulations;
- Be in satisfactory financial health having adequate internal capability to implement the project applying an innovative model for service delivery within the agreed timeframe.
- In the case of a consortium, an MOU will be formed between the members (a document with a clear division of responsibilities between the members of the consortium and a statement of mutual commitment should be present in the final Application).
- Will take part in the MECS Initiative Annual Working Group and be prepared to: participate in lesson learning and sharing activities, DFID’s annual review process, monitoring and evaluation activities, share project data with the MECS Initiative, and participate in the development of a case study of their experience for public dissemination.
Eligibility Criteria for Projects
- The project will involve an individual or consortium of organizations that will implement the research and development of early stage innovations using mobile technology to support sustainable energy and/or water provision.
- The project will include the use of mobile communications channels as a significant element of its delivery model; or will leverage mobile infrastructure or distribution networks (and their operation) to enable energy or water services.
- The project will involve an innovative model that demonstrates the potential to improve or increase access to energy and water;
- The project will not be easily supported by other commercial sources of finance;
- The funding provided by the Fund will be utilized within one year of project commencement, and all projects will have completed by November 2014;
- In addition, preference will be given to: Projects that demonstrate equitable access to water or energy for underserved women, low carbon or renewable solutions to improving access to energy and water for underserved communities.
How to Apply
It’s a 2-Stage process –
- At first stage, applicants need to submit a concept note to outline their project. It will then be reviewed by the Fund Manager. Concept note should meet the objective of Seed Grant Fund. Selection of Concept Note does not subject that the applicant will be funded.
- Selected applicants will go through an interview process approved by independent assessment panel whose decision is final.
More information about this Seed Funding Opportunity is available in the PDF version. If you are a FundsforNGOs Premium Member, you can instantly download this PDF version. Not a Premium Member? Click here to Sign up! Not interested? Continue reading…
