This page serves as a reference for the process and will be updated when the next Call opens. Subscribe to the NFF mailing list at [email protected] to be notified.
About the NFF Call for Proposals
The NFF issues Calls for Proposals (CfPs) based on priorities validated by the National Nexus Task Forces (NNTFs) in each country. Calls are open to consortia of eligible NGOs, CSOs, and UN agencies working in the Lake Chad Basin. The NFF uses a two-stage application process to reduce applicant burden and ensure quality review.
The NFF is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and administered by UNDP, while the NFF Secretariat functions as an independent coordination body (see Governance tab).
Current Updates
31 January 2025 — NFF Officially Launched at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum
The Nexus Funding Facility (NFF) and the Special Multi-partner Delivery Fund (SMDF) were officially unveiled by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and UNDP at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The launch marks a landmark step towards coordinated, multi-year financing for humanitarian, development, and peace efforts across Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. Germany and Sweden were announced as the first contributing donors.
→ Read the full UNDP press release
June 2025 — NFF First Call for Proposals Launched
The NFF launched its first Call for Proposals for Cameroon and Chad, with a total funding envelope of $5.9M mobilized through the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO). Eligible consortia were invited to submit Concept Notes by 23 November 2025. Full details and templates are available on the Resources tab.
Funding Envelope (First Round — 2025)
$5.9M
Total Funding Envelope in 2025 for Cameroon & Chad
Geographic Focus
All interventions must align with the predefined geographic convergence areas validated by the National Nexus Task Forces. Concentrating in these areas ensures continuity, coordination, and scalability across partners.
- Cameroon — Far North Region
Including hard-to-reach and cross-border areas
- Sustainable livelihoods & food/nutrition security
- Inclusive and durable basic social services
- Social cohesion, peacebuilding & community stabilization
- Climate resilience & natural resource governance
- Localization & inclusive governance
- Chad — Lac & Hadjer-Lamis Provinces
Including cross-border dynamics with Cameroon
- Essential social services
- Livelihoods & food security
- Social cohesion & community participation
- Inclusive local governance & institutional legitimacy
- Climate resilience & disaster preparedness
Nigeria: Country priorities for Nigeria are under development in coordination with the National Nexus Task Force. Details will be published ahead of the next Call for Proposals.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to consortia.
Key Eligibility Requirement
Every consortium MUST include at least one national CSO legally registered in the country of implementation, with a local decision-making board and independent financial management. International NGOs with local offices are not considered national CSOs.
Additional eligibility rules:
- Each organization may participate in only one consortium per country
- Organizations present in multiple countries may join separate consortia in each country
- 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
What You Will Receive
Announcements of new donor contributions and updates to the NFF funding envelope.
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.