Publication of the Nigeria Call for Proposals
Please find below the 2026 Nigeria Call for Proposals.
Deadline for submission is 31 August 2026
Budget Template
Please use this Excel file as the required budget template for Annex C.
After downloading the NFF budget template, follow four steps. First, open the Filling Guide tab and read it, it explains how the workbook works, defines each cost category, and lists the key rules. Second, go to the Consortium tab and enter the exact legal names of your consortium members; these feed the drop-down lists and every summary table automatically. Third, review the Worked Example tab to see how a completed budget looks. Finally, fill in the Annex C – Budget for the Action tab and submit it: enter your activities, amounts and drop-down selections, and the template calculates all totals, the 8% overhead, the cost-category, partner and cost-efficiency breakdowns, and the management-cost ratio for you. Enter figures only (no text such as "TBD") in amount cells, and if you add rows, copy the drop-downs down so the totals capture them.
Lessons Learned
To support the preparation of your application, please consult the Lessons Learned from the previous round.
We strongly encourage applicants to read this document before beginning the development of their proposals.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to consortia of any composition, provided every consortium includes at least one national CSO meeting the criteria below.
Key Eligibility Requirement
Every consortium must include at least one national CSO that is:
- Legally registered in the country of implementation
- Financially managed independently
International NGOs with local offices do not qualify as national CSOs, even if locally registered as a branch.
The national CSO's participation must be substantive, not nominal. Consortia must demonstrate that the national CSO:
- Receives a substantive, non-token share of the total consortium budget, proportionate to its role and responsibilities
- Holds a formal seat on the consortium's decision-making body (e.g., steering committee), with voting rights rather than a purely advisory or consultative role
- Carries genuine operational responsibility for implementation, including leading or co-leading at least one significant work package or deliverable, not limited to "local liaison" or "community engagement" functions
Additional eligibility rules:
- Each organization may participate in only one consortium per country
- Organizations operating in multiple countries may join separate consortia in different countries
- Coordination fees or mark-ups charged by the lead organization are not eligible costs
Application Process
The NFF uses a two-stage process to reduce applicant burden and support quality review:
- Stage 1 — Concept Note Submission
5 weeks from CfP launch | Deadline: 23 November 2025
Download the official Concept Note (Word) and Budget (Excel) templates. Complete and submit by email to [email protected] with subject: [Stage 1] — [Country] — [Lead Organization].
ITRC Shortlisting Review
The Independent Technical Review Committee conducts a preliminary review. Only the strongest Concept Notes advance to Stage 2. Shortlisted applicants are notified directly.
- Stage 2 — Full Proposal Submission
~4 weeks after shortlisting notification
Develop a full project proposal: detailed activities, results framework, risk analysis, and detailed budget. Submit by email by the Stage 2 deadline.
Final ITRC Review & Regional Board Decision
The ITRC scores all full proposals and submits recommendations to the Regional Governance Board, which makes final funding decisions ensuring transparency, equity, and alignment with strategic objectives.
- Onboarding & Contracting
Following funding decision
Selected consortia undergo HACT financial due diligence, participate in an inception workshop, and sign bilateral agreements with UNDP as Fund Manager.
How Proposals Are Evaluated
All proposals are reviewed by the Independent Technical Review Committee (ITRC) — an independent panel of regional experts in stabilization, peacebuilding, and resilience. The review is merit-based and governed by strict ethical protocols.
- Strategic Relevance
Alignment with national HDP Nexus priorities, regional strategies, and CfP objectives
- Technical Quality
Methodological clarity, soundness of approach, and robustness of the results framework
- Consortium & Local Leadership
Complementarity of partners and meaningful leadership by local/national CSOs
- Risk Management
Identification of key contextual/operational risks and credible mitigation measures
- Value for Money
Budget efficiency relative to expected results and impact
What to Submit — Required Documents
For your Stage 1 Concept Note submission, prepare the following:
- Completed Concept Note (Word)
Use official NFF template — available on the Resources tab
- Summary Budget (Excel)
Use official NFF budget template
- National registration certificates
For all consortium members, especially national CSOs
- HACT rating / micro-assessment
If available — submit at Stage 1 for local NGOs requesting above USD 150,000
- Consortium organigram (optional)
May be attached to clarify roles and relationships between partners
Submission Rules
- All submissions must be sent to [email protected] — no other portals accepted
- Proposals may be submitted in English or French
- The lead organization submits on behalf of the full consortium
- Use the official templates (Concept Note in Word, Budget in Excel)
- Each organization may only be in one consortium per country
Tips for a Strong Application
- Read the full Call for Proposals document before starting
- Attend NFF information webinars — see the Stay Informed tab for dates
- Clearly link your Concept Note to the validated national priorities in the CfP
- Demonstrate genuine partnership — explain the role and added value of each member
- Be specific about geographic focus — proposals must align with the convergence zones in Annex D
- Emphasize local leadership — describe how national CSOs will lead, not just participate
- Keep the Concept Note concise and focused — quality over quantity
Download Documents
The following documents are available from the Resources tab:
- Call for Proposals — English (PDF)
- Appel à Propositions — Français (PDF)
- Concept Note Template (Word)
- Budget Template (Excel)
- Annex A — Request for Information from CSOs/NGOs
- Annex B — Concept Note Guidance
- FAQ — English & Français
- NFF Factsheet — December 2024
Questions & Support
For questions on eligibility, consortium requirements, or the application process, contact the NFF Secretariat:
Email: [email protected]
Applicants are also encouraged to attend information sessions organized by the Secretariat ahead of each new CfP launch. Subscribe to the NFF mailing list to be notified of upcoming sessions.