We are pleased to announce the launch of the new ICJ Network Challenge Fund. The purpose of the fund is to help foster collaboration between members of the ICJ Network in the promotion and protection of human rights through the rule of law.
The Network Challenge Fund’s small grants will be available on application from national sections and affiliated organisations for human rights initiatives involving other members of the network. Examples include: regional and inter-regional coordination meetings, initiating project collaborations, regional and international event participation and training events.
Priority will be afforded to proposals for activities related to the ICJ’s priority areas of the administration of justice and gender discrimination. Additional priority will also be given to applications which emphasize the promotion and development of the network regionally and internationally.
A committee comprised of three ICJ network members will administer the Network Challenge Fund. The Network Challenge Fund Committee will grant approval based on the evaluation by the ICJ Secretariat of the strength of the proposed collaboration’s merit. Grants of between 4,000 – 10,000 Swiss francs will be made throughout the year and will not be subject to any fixed application dates.
The ICJ has initially earmarked all ICJ Commissioner’s membership fees and contributions received from other network members to launch the fund in 2003. All contributions earmarked to the Fund will be held for initiative support and will incur no administrative or related charges from the Geneva Secretariat. We intend to substantially increase this amount through targeted donor appeals and new contributions encouraged from other members of the network.
The ICJ Secretariat looks forward to receiving your applications.