Overview
We have established a RLO-to-RLO Fund—a fund for refugees by refugees—housed within Asia Pacific Network Of Refugees. We refugees around the world are the first and last people responding to our community’s needs, with direct funding and support we could do so much more.
Despite doing this vital work, refugee-led organizations are desperately underfunded, and face bureaucratic hurdles . So, this fund will provide core funding directly to refugee-led organisations and initiatives (RLO/Is) working across Asia region, to gain recognition and access sustainable resources.
We actively support domestic initiatives, particularly those that stand in meaningful solidarity with people who lack permanent protection.
The available funding is in two parts, one part will be administered via invitation and is called the RLO/I-to-RLO/I Flexible Enabler, while the second, called the Refugee Innovation Open Fund, will be made available through a competitive application process. The pilot will be used as a basis for future funding models within this space, and is designed to follow best practice and enable participation, empowerment and capacity development.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible to apply for either of the funds available you must:
- Be a refugee-led organisation/initiative
- Be supporting or working directly with people and communities who have or are experiencing forced migration
- Be located in the Asia-Pacific region
Who is not eligible?
Applications cannot be accepted from people or organisations who:
- Are a donor
- Are not refugee-led
- Are not a refugee leader
- Are a government or government agency
- Currently face criminal legal action
What else is required?
Your organisation should work towards ensuring and maintaining the following standards:
- To work within the parameters of the laws which govern the country in which you are based
- To ensure human rights are protected and upheld at all times
- To protect and support vulnerable peoples at all times
- It would be an advantage if the applicant has for example; working with vulnerable peoples registrations, first aid training if relevant, working with children checks if possible. However, if you do not have anyof these, or are potentially working towards achieving some of these, please still apply.
Applications open: 18th November 2022
Applications close: 18th December 2022
RLO/I-to-RLO/I Flexible Enabler
Funding amounts for the RLO/I-to-RLO/I Flexible Enabler, the funding amounts will be commensurate to the size of the RLO/I.
For instance, an organisation that has never been funded will start with a smaller grant and be encouraged to put it towards, for example, a paid position; a larger organisation/initiative (approximately AU$1M plus) will have access to a larger amount of funding.
Only groups who are invited by the RLA can apply for the RLO/I-to-RLO/I Flexible Enabler.
NB: Groups who received funding under the RLO/I-to-RLO/I Flexible Enabler are not eligible to apply for the Refugee Innovation Open Fund.
Refugee Innovation Open Fund
Organisations/initiatives will be able to apply for amounts of between approximately AUD5,000 and AUD20,000. These figures should be seen as guides and if a group would like to apply for more or less than these amounts, or potentially explore co-funding opportunities, this would also be welcomed by the Trustees.
If a group is interested in this, then they should note these details in the application form and the Trustees will assess these and make a final decision on the amount to approve. However, given the total funding available, we encourage applicants to aim for between AUD5,000 and AUD20,000.
Note: The due date for receiving applications is completed. Stay tuned for future funding opportunities.
We would like to help you with all stages of the application process. You can get help with, for example, choosing which method to apply through, help with completing your application, and with any other questions that you might have. For this please reach out to the Grants Coordinator at any time to get this support.
Alternatively, you would like support with completing your application or choosing which method of application would be best for you, the RLA will run a series of ‘Advisory Sessions’.
In these sessions you will be able to have one-on-one time with the Grants Coordinator who will be able to answer all your questions and help you fill in the application form. If you would like to book one of these sessions, please email the Grants Coordinator [grant.coordinator.apnor@
If you have any other questions during this process, please contact the Grant Coordinator [grant.coordinator.apnor@
The aim of this pilot project is to provide flexible, untied, core funding for RLO/I’s and refugee leaders in the Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, either of the funding grants can be used for, for example, but not limited to:
- Core funding for activities related to the running of your organisation
- To employ staff
- To pay wages
- To run advocacy campaigns or similar
- For projects that protect and promote human rights
- Activities that promote the wellbeing of your staff
- Other activities or actions that are key to the running of your organisation
- Trainings
- Innovative projects
- Advocacy
- Support action planning
- Capacity development
The above points are designed as guides, and the Pooled Fund Trustees will consider all applications as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and submit a complete application.
- To sign a grants agreement with the RLA
- To implement the project as you have described in your application and ensure any changes are communicated immediately with the Refugee Leadership Alliance.
- To provide a progress report after 6-months.
- To provide an end of project report at the completion of your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my organisation/group/initiative apply?
Answer: We encourage all refugee-led organisations/initiatives in the Asia-Pacific to apply.
To be eligible to apply for either of the funds available you must:
- Be a refugee-led organisation/initiative
- Be supporting or working directly with people and communities who have or are experiencing forced migration
- Be located in the Asia-Pacific region
Generally, we will accept applications:
- From refugee-led organisations/initiative of all sizes and we encourage those who have not received funding before to apply
- From applicants who can provide evidence from your board (or chief executive officer or equivalent if there is no board) that the proposed project is supported, and that you can complete the project
- Organisations should also have processes in place for the managing of funds and for the ethical implementation of such funds and associated projects
We encourage refugee-led organisations/initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region to apply who are;
- Working with or directly supporting refugees and refugee communities within the region especially in relation to the enabling of refugee rights
- Refugee-led organisations/initiatives or refugee leaders who are advocating for systemic change within the humanitarian system are encouraged to apply
- Organisations which have or are willing to create processes for managing of funds and for the ethical implementation of such funds
If I received funding from the RLO-to-RLO Flexible Enabler fund can I also apply for the Refugee Innovation Open Fund?
Answer: No.
How long will it take to hear back about my application?
Answer: Approximately 5 weeks after the closing date of the fund. You will be contacted by the Grants Coordinator.
Can I or my group get support in filling out the application?
Answer: Yes, the Grants Coordinator will assist you with this. Please reach out to the Grants Coordinator in order to organise this via the email: grant.coordinator.apnor@
What happens once my application is submitted?
Answer: The applications will all be assessed by The Refugee Leadership Alliance – Pilot Pooled Funding Trustees. The Trustees will make a decision on which applications are successful and will inform the Grants Coordinator who will notify all applicants of the results.
What can I use the funding for?
Answer: The aim of this pilot project is to provide flexible, untied, core funding for RLO/I’s and refugee leaders in the Asia-Pacific region. Given this, either of the funding grants can be used for, for example, but not limited to:
- Core funding for activities related to the running of your organisation
- To employ staff
- To pay wages
- To run advocacy campaigns or similar
- For projects that protect and promote human rights
- Activities that promote the wellbeing of your staff
- Other activities or actions that are key to the running of your organisation
- Trainings
- Innovative projects
- Advocacy
- Support action planning
- Capacity development
The above points are designed as guides, and the Pooled Fund Trustees will consider all applications as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and submit a complete application.
What can't I use the funding for?
Answer: The following will not be able to be funded under this pilot project:
- Purchasing of land
- Any illegal activity or activity which may enable illegal activities
- Activities outside of the Asia-Pacific region
- No grant funds can be used to support or promote violence, terrorist activity or related training, money laundering, or lobbying, election campaigning, or voter registration activity.
The Trustees have the ability to decide that an action or activity as ineligible for this funding based on the application which is submitted on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the grants are only disbursed to applications that support the aims, values and ambitions of the RLA and APNOR.
Who do I contact if I have any questions or need some support?
Answer: Please contact the Grant Coordinator, Thomas Gillman, via the following email: grant.coordinator.apnor@
If I have a complaint or concern who can I contact?
Answer: Please contact the Grant Coordinator, Thomas Gillman, via the following email: grant.coordinator.apnor@
Note:
The due date for receiving applications is completed. Stay tuned for future funding opportunities.
‘Pooled Fund’ Trustees:
Najeeba Wazefedost
CEO, APNOR / Co-Chair Alliance
Adama Kamara
Deputy CEO, Refugee Council Australia / Co-Chair Alliance
Hafsar Tameesuddin
Chair, Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network - Based in New Zealand
Hayso Thako
Refugee Leader from Thai-Burma Border
Muhammad Nokhim
Cox Bazaar, Bangladesh
Contact Us
For all questions or if you want to book an Advisory session then please contact the Grants Coordinator, Thomas Gillman, via email on: grants.coordinator.apnor@gmail.com.
The Refugee Leadership Alliance has always understood the importance of working in partnership and this pilot pooled fund project has been no different. From the very start, it has been a collaborative effort to bring together stakeholders, funders and partners and generate the funding which has enabled this idea to become a reality.
The RLA is very grateful for all the support and guidance offered by the organisations that have funded this project. These organisations are: Open Society Foundation, Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, and Porticus. We are proud to have these groups walking alongside on this journey and welcome further collaborations and partnerships that will work to help refugee leaders and refugee-led organisations and initiatives within the Asia-Pacific region.
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Asia Pacific Network of Refugees (APNOR) is the only region-wide refugee-led network of refugee-led initiatives in the Asia Pacific region that is working with and for refugees. APNOR was established in 2018, on the recommendation of Asia Pacific Summit of Refugees (APSOR).
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