INVESTING IN SYRIAN HUMANITARIAN
ACTION (ISHA)
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS - CYCLE C
VOUCHERS/ NON-FOOD ITEMS (NFI)
January 2017
Investing in Syrian Humanitarian Action
Call for Applications – Cycle C
Contents
ISHA CALL FOR APPLICATIONS GUIDANCE .................................................................................................... 3
ISHA Call for Applications Overview ......................................................................................................... 3
ISHA Program: Approach and Principles ................................................................................................... 4
Eligibility Criteria for ISHA Partners .......................................................................................................... 5
Criteria for ISHA Voucher/ NFI Projects .................................................................................................... 7
ISHA Evaluation Criteria .......................................................................................................................... 10
ISHA Submission Process ........................................................................................................................ 12
ISHA Selection Process ............................................................................................................................ 13
ISHA APPLICATION FORM ........................................................................................................................... 15
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Call for Applications – Cycle C
ISHA CALL FOR APPLICATIONS GUIDANCE
This section outlines the Investing in Syrian Humanitarian Action Program and its Call for Applications
process, requirements, and selection criteria.
ISHA Call for Applications Overview
Three international non-governmental organizations - Mercy Corps, the International Rescue Committee
(IRC) and DisasterReady.org – are working in a consortium to implement a program called Investing in
Syrian Humanitarian Action (ISHA). The ISHA consortium is pleased to announce the third competitive
Call for Applications among Syrian humanitarian organizations or groups delivering relief and
humanitarian assistance in Syria.
The purpose of the Call is to identify 3 Syrian civil society partners that will receive intensive and
tailored financial, technical, and operational capacity strengthening support from ISHA teams during
the project cycle. This support will be provided through intensive coaching by technical, financial and
operational specialists. The selected Syrian civil society partners will also receive sub-grant funding to
deliver humanitarian assistance projects in the voucher/ non-food item (NFI) sector. Projects will be
between 6-9 months in duration, and sub-grants for projects will be between USD 100,000 and USD
200,000.
NOTE: Selected ISHA partners will participate in both program components- capacity strengthening and
delivery of humanitarian assistance projects. ISHA will not consider Applications for only one or the
other (i.e. either funding or technical assistance).
The Investing in Humanitarian Action Program’s Call for Applications is a multi-step process:
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Investing in Syrian Humanitarian Action
Call for Applications – Cycle C
Step 1
•Interested Syrian humanitarian organizations submit an Application in response to this Call and
in line with project objectives and criteria outlined below
Step 2
•Mercy Corps screens Applications based on eligibility criteria and whether or not the
documentation package was submitted on time and in full
•Mercy Corps scores applications based on whether the proposed program approach and budget
are technically sound and in line with Cluster and local standards, and the civil society partner
Step 3
demonstrates commitment to organizational growth
Step 4
Step 5
•Mercy Corps short-lists Applications based on their scores
•Mercy Corps reviews publically-available information to detect any major concerns about the
applicants or their work
•A Review Committee consisting of staff from Mercy Corps’ Syria Response offices evaluates the
short-listed Applications against technical, operational, and humanitarian criteria (outlined
Step 6
below)
•The Review Committee recommends the strongest Applications to Mercy Corps leadership for
Step 7 final partner selection.
•The recommended applicants will be vetted to verify the information included in the
Applications and ensure that none have associations with parties to the conflict or are ineligible
Step 8 for international assistance. This phase also includes a reference check of organizations with
whom the applicant has worked in the past.
Once approved, ISHA consortium staff will work with the selected partners to develop a full proposal
(including budget and indicators) based on the project ideas originally submitted through this Call. This
project package is then submitted to ISHA’s own donor for final approval. This process will vary by
partner, but usually takes around 4 or 5 months.
Upon approval, the selected partners will then sign a sub-grant agreement with Mercy Corps, enabling
them to receive funding for project activities in accordance with the full proposal, budget, and agreed
upon indicators. Mercy Corps cannot guarantee funding until the sub-grant agreement is signed.
ISHA Program: Approach and Principles
ISHA Program Objectives
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To strengthen Syrian organizations’ technical, management, and programmatic skills
To support Syrian civil society organizations in responding to humanitarian and emergency
needs throughout Syria
ISHA Capacity Strengthening Approach
This is not a classroom-based, pre-defined training program and it is unlikely that partner staff will
attend formal courses as part of this program. Instead, ISHA will provide tailored and targeted support,
based on needs and goals identified and prioritized by each individual partner. ISHA’s support to its
partners will focus on the key technical, financial, operational, and project cycle management capacities
necessary for delivering humanitarian assistance in a rapidly changing, highly complex, and increasingly
dangerous environment. Consequently, ISHA’s specialists will need to engage directly with their
counterparts in each partner organization – ISHA’s finance staff will liaise directly with the partner
finance staff, for example.
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Investing in Syrian Humanitarian Action
Call for Applications – Cycle C
Much of ISHA’s training and support to its partners will be anchored in the sub-grant and project
implementation lifecycle. At first, with guidance from ISHA staff, partners will focus on finalizing key
project documents, such as a proposal, work plan, results matrix, and budget. This process will build on
the project approach and budget included in this Application.
Then, once the projects have been launched, ISHA’s support will shift to the provision of technical
assistance focused on partners’ delivery of high quality humanitarian assistance in Syria. Throughout
implementation, ISHA and its partners will jointly monitor and revisit the work plans, results matrix, and
budgets to make informed changes to the project and enable real-time decision-making.
Given the access constraints faced by both INGO and Syrian humanitarian organizations in this operating
environment, coaching and mentoring support to ISHA partners will primarily be delivered remotely
through a variety of methods, including Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber (and any other suggestions from
participating partners). Coaching and technical assistance to partners will be complemented by
materials and resources posted on an Arabic-language learning portal (website) specifically focused on
the professional development needs of humanitarians working in Syria.
ISHA’s Underlying Principles
ISHA values Syrian humanitarian organizations as independent entities driven by their own missions,
approaches, and ground-tested humanitarian expertise. The program believes that strengthening Syrian
civil society to deliver assistance and provide services more effectively is critical in laying the foundation
for a future peaceful Syria.
ISHA partners drive the design, decision-making, and implementation of their projects in Syria. We
advise, guide, probe, and hold partners accountable to ensure that their projects are needs-driven and
use resources effectively – but the ISHA team neither designs the projects nor makes day-to-day
decisions during implementation.
Eligibility Criteria for ISHA Partners
Eligible Groups
ISHA is designed to support mid-size Syrian-led humanitarian organizations with annual portfolios of less
than USD 2,000,000. This Call for Applications targets organizations involved in the voucher/ NFI sector.
The following types of potential partners are eligible to apply for participation in the ISHA program:
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Civil society organizations or groups based in Syria or the Syria response region (Turkey, Iraq,
Jordan) focused on the delivery of humanitarian assistance
Syrian-led organizations with leadership/ management based in Syria or the Syria response
region (Turkey, Iraq, Jordan), but with offices or a presence in other countries
Syrian-led diaspora organizations or groups with leadership/ management based in Syria or the
Syria response region (Turkey, Iraq, Jordan), but with registration or bank accounts abroad
Syrian-led organizations that represent and coordinate between multiple smaller Syrian groups
through a membership system (an umbrella/ network organization), based in Syria or in the
Syria Response Region (Turkey, Iraq, Jordan)
Organizations applying to ISHA must also meet the following criteria:
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An annual portfolio of under USD 2,000,000
Previous experience in voucher, cash or NFI programming
Previous or ongoing implementation of a single grant for at least USD 50,000
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Investing in Syrian Humanitarian Action
Call for Applications – Cycle C
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The ability to cover/ reach multiple communities with the assistance provided
NOTE: Formal registration is not a pre-requisite for applying to or participating in the ISHA program.
Ineligible Groups
As described above, the ISHA program targets mid-size Syrian-led civil society organizations with
leadership teams based in the Syria response region (Syria, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq). This means that
strategic decisions - including the development of organizational strategy, decisions about the type and
location of programs, financial management, and the development of organizational policies and
procedures - are made by the staff based in Syria or neighboring countries (Turkey, Iraq or Jordan).
Therefore, the following types of organization are ineligible:
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International non-governmental organizations
Large diaspora groups with leadership or management based in Europe, North America or other
locations outside the Syrian region (which for the purposes of ISHA is considered Syria, Turkey,
Jordan and Iraq)
This program prioritizes humanitarian principles and partners’ ability to deliver aid in an impartial
manner. As such, the following organizations are also ineligible:
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Private businesses or other for-profit entities
Groups associated with parties to the Syrian conflict
Organizations banned from receiving resources or support from major institutional donors
Political parties or groups whose affiliation with political parties compromises the impartiality of
assistance
In addition, ISHA will not fund the following types of organizations through this Call for Applications:
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Organizations with whom the ISHA program is already partnering1
Any organization managing an annual portfolio of more than USD 2,000,000
Any organization with no previous experience in voucher, cash or NFI programming
Any organization that has not previously received a grant of at least USD 50,000
Any organization with leadership and headquarters outside of the Syria response region (Syria,
Turkey, Jordan, Iraq)
Government or quasi-government agencies, bodies or entities, including local councils or
directorates
NOTE: ISHA’s own donor has regulations that do not allow us to fund organizations with headquarters,
leadership or management teams based in Lebanon.
INELIGIBLE: ISHA will not fund organizations with offices outside the Syria response region (Syria,
Turkey, Jordan or Iraq) that are headquarters – senior staff, strategic, management, organizational
oversight, financial management, financial oversight or implementation.
1
Note that this includes branches or offices located in different parts of the Syria response region. For example, if an
organization receives ISHA funding to program in northern Syria, their Amman office is not eligible to receive ISHA funding for
projects in southern Syria. This only applies to organizations already working with ISHA; if your organization is working with a
different Mercy Corps team, you are eligible to apply.
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Investing in Syrian Humanitarian Action
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Functions that cannot be outside of the Syria Response Region:
1. Headquarters for senior staff: head of organization, finance director, board of directors (if
applicable) and other senior staff are located in this office.
2. Strategic: responsible for deciding the direction of the organization, including the type and
location of programs, accepting funds from donors and organizational priorities.
3. Management: responsible for the day to day decisions about where, when, what and with
whom your organization works.
4. Organizational oversight: responsible for high level decision making and organizational policies
and procedures, but does not intervene in day to day management decisions.
5. Financial management: responsible for the day to day finance and accounting tasks.
6. Financial oversight: responsible for consolidating the accounts and financing and producing
annual finance reports.
7. Implementation: responsible for delivering humanitarian or development activities to
beneficiaries.
ELIGIBLE: If you have an office outside the Syria response region (Syria, Turkey, Jordan or Iraq) that is
not considered your headquarters and is responsible only for functions such as fundraising, policy,
advocacy and representation or technical assistance or advice, your organization is still eligible to apply
to ISHA.
Functions that can be outside of the Syria Response Region:
1. Fundraising: responsible for identifying and applying for funding opportunities and raising
money from individuals, as well as the ongoing management of those relationships.
2. Policy, advocacy and representation: responsible for promoting your organizations’ priorities
and objectives with the international community (governments, United Nations, international
media, international non-governmental organizations and others).
3. Technical assistance and advice: providing support to complex operations and program tasks to
guarantee quality and effectiveness.
Criteria for ISHA Voucher/ NFI Projects
ISHA will support projects that are in line with the first objective set out in the Shelter-NFI section of the
2016 Humanitarian Response Plan for Syria2:
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Provide life-saving and life-sustaining shelter and NFI support
Within voucher/ NFI programming, there are a number of different strategies for meeting needs in Syria.
These are listed in order of ISHA’s preference below:
1. Restricted cash voucher: Allows program participants to purchase a combination of
commodities or services listed on the voucher, up to the amount of that voucher. A beneficiary
can use their voucher to purchase any of the agreed items and in any quantity, with the total
value not to exceed voucher amount.
2
http://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/2016-syrian-arab-republic-humanitarian-response-plan-january-december
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2. Commodity voucher: More restrictive voucher scheme which limits participants’ purchases to
the specific goods or services listed on the voucher in the exact quantity. A beneficiary can use
their voucher only for pre-determined goods in pre-determined quantities.
3. In-kind distributions: Traditional NFI programming approach in which the partner organization
procures all necessary goods and distributes kits to beneficiaries at a distribution site or
beneficiary homes.
Applicants must clearly describe their chosen modality or modalities, and provide justification for this
choice. Applicants can use more than one modality in a single project, if appropriate.
Regardless of the chosen modality, vouchers or distributions are only intended for humanitarian NFIs.
The table below includes the types of projects that can be funded under ISHA through this Call for
Applications. These are illustrative and are meant to provide guidance. Other project ideas that meet
the technical criteria outlined below are also encouraged.
The table also outlines the constraints and restrictions. Applications that propose any of these restricted
activities or interventions will be disqualified from further consideration.
Illustrative Programming
Restrictions
The following types of non-food items could be procured by
the beneficiaries (voucher programming) or by the partner
(NFI distributions):
The provision of salaries to government
employees cannot be supported by ISHA
Vouchers or NFI distributions must not include
the following:
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New arrival kits3
Special kits targeting women and girls
Special kits targeting children and/or babies
Special kits targeting older people (over the age of
60)
Shelter kits
Education kits
Winterization kits
Hygiene kits
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Food
Baby formula/ milk
Medicine, drugs or pharmaceuticals4
Agricultural commodities, fertilizers, or
pesticides
New construction of permanent structures
Unrestricted cash
NOTES:
Hygiene Kits: Applications for hygiene kits (whether they will be distributed through vouchers or in-kind)
must also include contextually-appropriate hygiene promotion activities (sessions, brochures, posters,
campaigns, etc) at schools and/ or in communities.
NFI In-Kind Distributions: For NFI in-kind programming, ISHA will give preference to applications for
more complex, repeated distributions rather than one-time distributions. The length of the project
should be justified by the number of distributions planned.
3
A new arrival kit is intended to support newly displaced families. Depending on the context, a new arrival kit might include
mattresses and bedding, kitchen supplies such as pots and pans, tents and/or sleeping bags, ground cover such as tarpaulin etc.
4 This includes lice shampoo and Oral Rehydration Salts, which are prohibited by ISHA’s own donor.
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Investing in Syrian Humanitarian Action
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Emergency Response: Due to the length of the selection process and the project design phase (which
depends on individual partners, but usually takes around 4 to 5 months), ISHA encourages applicants
not to submit projects responding to new emergencies (such as immediate displacement requiring a fast
response). However, the program can be used to respond to situations where beneficiaries are living in a
prolonged state of emergency (such as when families have been displaced for a number of months and
there is no immediate likelihood of returning home).
Local Procurement: ISHA supports local procurement in Syria. This means all goods will be purchased in
Syria by partners (NFIs) or by beneficiaries (vouchers). The ISHA consortium will not assist partners to
transport equipment, supplies or materials across any international borders.
Project Duration
Projects will be between 6-9 months, with an estimated start date of July 1, 2017. Projects shorter than
6 months or longer than 9 months in duration will not be considered.
Project Funding
Between USD 100,000 and USD 200,000 is available for each partner and proposed sub-grants must be
between these amounts.
NOTE: ISHA can only fund one project per partner. Only one application per organization will be
considered.
Governorates and Districts
The ISHA program can support projects in the following districts. These are the districts for which Mercy
Corps has monitoring capacity and coverage. All proposed projects must be in a district or districts
included in the table below; projects in other locations are not eligible for ISHA and will not be
considered.
Governorate
Districts
A’zaz
Ain Al Arab
Jebel Saman (excluding Aleppo city)
Jarablus
Menbij
Al Hasekeh
Al Malikeyyeh
Quamishli
Ras Al Ain
Tell Abiad
As Sanamayn
Dar’a
Izra’
As-Salamiyeh
Muhradah
Ar Rastan
Homs
Al Ma'ra
Harim
Ariha
Aleppo
Al Hasekeh
Ar-Raqqa
Dar’a
Hama
Homs
Idleb
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Investing in Syrian Humanitarian Action
Call for Applications – Cycle C
Idleb
Jisr-Ash-Shugur
Quneitra
Al Fiq
Quneitra
ISHA Application Package Information
Potential partners must submit an ISHA Application (including budget) for consideration by the ISHA
Review Committee. These documents can be submitted in either English or Arabic, but cannot exceed
12 pages in length (or 13 pages if the questions regarding umbrella groups/ networks are included).
Relevant forms and templates are included at the end of this document.
The Application consists of the following sections:
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Cover Page: This is a summary of key information about the organization. It also includes a
Declaration of Eligibility certifying that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria outlined above.
The Cover Page must be signed by the Executive Director (or equivalent) of the organization
applying for ISHA.
Questions: Applicants’ answers to these questions helps the ISHA team understand more about
potential partners’ identity, commitment to organizational growth and development, current
programming and past experience. They include questions about both your organization and
your proposed project approach.
Proposed Project Approach: This section requires a clear description of the problem, goal and
objectives, proposed intervention to address the problem, and the activities that the applicant
proposes in order to address the needs and meet the objective/s.
Budget: A top-line (summary) budget is required at the time of submission. It should be clearly
related to and appropriate for the implementation of the proposed project. The ISHA budget
format includes mandatory Description of Expenses for you to provide an explanation of the
proposed project costs.
References: Names and contact information of professional referees must be provided. These
should be individuals working for organizations that your organization has collaborated with,
and who has knowledge of your programs.
Umbrella groups/ networks: If your organization is a network or umbrella group, and the project
will provide funds or implement through your member organizations, then you must complete
the additional questions on the last page. In this case, the page limit is increased to 13.
NOTE: Applicants must use the ISHA Application Form; proposals and/ or budgets submitted in other
formats will not be accepted or considered.
ISHA Evaluation Criteria
Comprised of senior program management and technical staff from Mercy Corps’ Syria Response teams,
the ISHA Review Committee will review and evaluate short-listed proposals against the following
criteria:
Criteria
% of Score
Organizational Identity and Purpose
10
15%
Investing in Syrian Humanitarian Action
Call for Applications – Cycle C
Interest in Organizational Growth and Development
30%
Project Approach
25%
Past and Current Experience
20%
Understanding of Humanitarian Principles
10%
The ISHA consortium is committed to the organizational capacity development of the selected partners.
The implementation of the project is seen as an opportunity to strengthen the partner organization's
capacity and not simply a goal in itself. As such, the project approach represents a quarter of the score,
while three-quarters of the score is allocated to factors related to the organization’s identity,
commitment to organizational growth and development, and interest in engaging in the capacity
strengthening elements of the ISHA program.
Project Approach and Organizational Effectiveness
The ISHA Technical experts will review the Project Approach section of the Application against relevant
technical criteria summarized in the tables below. The entire Application will be reviewed against the
organizational criteria set out below.
Voucher Projects - Technical Criteria
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Project approach linked to analysis of needs and contributes to desired results
Proposed vulnerability criteria and selection processes are clear and appropriate
Proposed indicators and monitoring strategies are technically sound and relevant for desired
project approach
Applicant has identified appropriate vulnerable groups and the project approach addresses
these groups’ specific concerns
Description of feasibility of voucher programming (vendor capacity and opportunity for
competition, availability of goods, access to markets, etc.) is comprehensive and clear
Goods for voucher redemption are available and appropriate, evidenced by a clear and
comprehensive description of market functionality
International and/ or cluster standards are properly considered in project design and the
voucher approach
Strategy identified for assuring quality of goods and services provided by vendors to
beneficiaries
Systems and processes are in place to manage and monitor voucher distribution and use
(voucher redemption, reconciliation, reimbursement, etc.)
Appropriate beneficiary feedback and accountability mechanisms are planned
NFI / In Kind Distribution - Technical Criteria
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Project approach linked to analysis of needs and contributes to desired results
Proposed vulnerability criteria and selection processes are clear and appropriate
Proposed indicators and monitoring strategies are technically sound and relevant for desired
project approach
Applicant has identified appropriate vulnerable groups and the project approach addresses
these groups’ specific concerns
Justification for in-kind distributions (rather than voucher programming) is clear and appropriate
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Description of market functionality and availability of necessary goods is comprehensive and
clear
Appropriate kit composition/ content and coverage period included and clearly outlined
International and/ or cluster standards are properly considered in project design and the
distribution approach
Procurement strategy informed by solid understanding of local markets
Clear strategy for transporting and warehousing goods
Distribution plan and capacity realistic and feasible for size/ scope of project
Appropriate beneficiary feedback and accountability mechanisms are planned
Organizational Growth and Development Criteria
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Applicants’ work and project are clearly linked to its goal and mission
Organization sees a role for itself in the future
Application includes examples of efforts the organization has undertaken to improve the
effectiveness of either the organization or its programming
Organization is able to identify both organizational strengths and areas of improvement
Applicant demonstrates a commitment to capacity strengthening and is able to show that ISHA
support will be complementary to on-going efforts.
Applicant is willing and able to make staff from different relevant departments (management,
program, finance, etc) available for informal/ coaching opportunities throughout the duration of
the engagement with ISHA.
Budget
As ISHA staff will work closely with selected partners to finalize project approaches and budgets, the
ISHA Budget and Description of Expenses will not be scored by the Review Committee. They will,
however, be reviewed to ensure that:
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The budget is complete, accurate, and transparent
The budget is a realistic financial expression of the proposed project approach
The description of expenses in the budget are comprehensive, clear, and adequate
The budget does not include any restricted items listed above
ISHA Submission Process
Questions and Clarification
Because of the competitive nature of this Call for Applications, Mercy Corps cannot work with or provide
advice to individual organizations on their applications. However, it is anticipated that applicants may
have questions about ISHA’s Call for Applications process or requirements.
Thus, any questions regarding clarification of requirements should be submitted by email to
[email protected] in English or Arabic. The ISHA team will evaluate and answer by email all
questions that could significantly impact the results of the competition. In addition, all questions and
answers will be posted in both English and Arabic at www.apply4isha.org within two working days of
receiving the question. Names and agencies of participating organizations posing questions will not be
posted on the website.
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Investing in Syrian Humanitarian Action
Call for Applications – Cycle C
Submission Process
Full ISHA Application packages – signed Eligibility Page, Application Form, Budget and Description of
Expenses - are due on 31 January, 2017 at 11:59 PM. Applications must be submitted in soft copy to the
following email address: [email protected]. If you do not receive an automated response
confirming receipt, resubmit the application.
The Eligibility Page must be printed and signed by the Executive Director. It should then be scanned or
photographed and submitted to ISHA.
NOTE: Applications can be submitted in either English or Arabic. There is no preference during the
scoring process for one or the other language. Organizations should use whichever language is best
suited for communicating complex program logic and for best expressing complicated organizational
processes and priorities.
ISHA Selection Process
Initial Screening
Mercy Corps will review all ISHA Applications upon receipt. This initial screening process will result in
disqualification for any of the following reasons:
 Application is late
 Application is incomplete (some questions have not been answered, descriptions of expenses
have not been included, no references or contact details, etc.)
 Application or Budget templates have been altered
 Application exceeds the 12 page limit (or 13 for umbrella groups/ networks)
 Applicant does not meet ISHA’s eligibility criteria
 Declaration of Eligibility is not signed by the Executive Director (or equivalent)
 Proposed project is outside the scope of humanitarian voucher/ NFI sector
 Proposed project is outside the geographic scope outlined in the ISHA Call for Applications
 Project budget is less than USD 100,000 or greater than USD 200,000
 Project duration is less than 6 months or more than 9 months
 Proposed project includes implementation of restricted activities mentioned above
 Applicant’s annual portfolio exceeds USD 2,000,000
 Applicant has not had experience managing budgets/ funding of at least USD 50,000
 Applicant is not a civil society/ humanitarian agency
Scoring and Short-Listing
All Applications that pass the initial screening will undergo a second round of more intense
programmatic and organizational review based on the criteria outlined on pages 11 and 12 above. This
review will result in a short-list of ISHA Applications that will be passed to the ISHA Review Committee
for evaluation. High scoring applications will reflect or include the following:
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Interest in both the capacity strengthening and project implementation components of the
ISHA program
Key organizational strengths as well as areas for improvements
Efforts to improve effectiveness of either the organization or its projects
Critical understanding of local markets and thorough analysis of programming modality
(restricted cash voucher, commodity voucher or in-kind distribution)
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Investing in Syrian Humanitarian Action
Call for Applications – Cycle C

Previous experience that contributes to a technically-sound project that meets the needs
identified for the target beneficiaries
Review Committee
As described above, the Review Committee will analyze and evaluate all of the short-listed Applications
on the basis of the technical and evaluation criteria. This process will result in final ISHA partner
selection.
Feedback to Applicants
The ISHA consortium will provide feedback to Applicants at the following points in the process:
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Automated email response upon receipt of Application acknowledging that it’s been received
Simple/ basic feedback highlighting the primary reasons for disqualification during the initial
screening process or success at this stage
Cumulative scores and feedback on strengths/ weaknesses of the Application if not shortlisted
Detailed feedback on strengths/ weaknesses of the Application approved or rejected by the
Review Committee. Note that additional information may be required from successful
Applicants at this time
ISHA will endeavor to inform all selected partners by March 6, 2017 of the Review Committee’s
decision
NOTE: The Review Committee’s decisions are final and ISHA staff will not be able to further discuss or
negotiate Applications with individual organizations.
Information Sharing and Confidentiality
The ISHA consortium recognizes the high risk environment in which potential partners operate, and will
keep all information contained in your Application confidential if that is your preference.
However, as a consortium of large international organizations, ISHA are in a position to share
information about your organization with other members of the international community (clusters,
other INGOs, etc.) that provide funding to organizations operating inside Syria. While there are no
guarantees of future funding, information sharing does provide an opportunity for increased
coordination to strengthen the overall humanitarian response in Syria.
The Eligibility Page includes a section in which Applicants can let the ISHA team know whether partner
information could be shared with other INGOs or UN agencies providing support or funding to Syrian
organizations in the sectors or geographic areas relevant to your work, or whether you would prefer to
keep all information in the Application confidential within the ISHA consortium.
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ISHA APPLICATION FORM
This section includes the Cover Page, Questions, and Budget which must be submitted in full by 23:59
Amman time on January 31, 2017 to be considered for participation in the ISHA program. It should not
exceed 12 pages in length (not including the preceding Guidance section). Umbrella groups and
networks applying should also complete Section 7, and have one additional page (total 13).
NOTE: The 12 pages start from here; the guidance above can be deleted.
Cover Page
ISHA Partner Overview
Name of Organization
Governorate/ city and country of each
Organization’s Office
Identify which is considered your
organization’s headquarters
NOTE: If you have offices in countries
outside the Syria response region (Syria,
Turkey, Jordan and Iraq), please refer to
box on page 6 eligibility guidance
Website or Facebook page
Name and email of Executive Director (or
equivalent)
2016 budget portfolio size (include 2015 if
the 2016 figures are not yet available)
ISHA Project Overview
Project Title
Project Location
NOTE: For each district, include relevant
sub-districts. Add rows as necessary.
Governorate:
District:
Sub-District/s:
Project Duration
Project Budget Amount
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Investing in Syrian Humanitarian Action
Call for Applications – Cycle C
Eligibility Declaration
NOTE: THIS SECTION MUST BE SCANNED OR PHOTOGRAPHED AND SUBMITTED TO ISHA
Interest in Information Sharing
Please check the appropriate box to indicate whether or not you would like information about your
organization or Application to be shared with other international agencies and non-governmental
organizations funding programming inside Syria.
☐Yes - ISHA may share this information
☐No - ISHA may not share this information
Declaration of Eligibility
I hereby submit this Application package to the ISHA Program for review and consideration. To the best
of my knowledge, all information provided is current, complete and accurate and is based on the need
to efficiently and effectively deliver humanitarian assistance to target beneficiaries. I declare that we
meet the eligibility criteria for participation in the ISHA Program and hereby certify that this
organization:
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Is non-governmental, non-political and non-commercial
Adheres to principles of impartiality and neutrality in provision of humanitarian assistance
Does not discriminate in staffing, membership in an umbrella organization, or selection of
beneficiaries
Is not an INGO or large-scale diaspora organization managed from North America, Europe or
another country outside the Syria region5
Is not headquartered in Lebanon6
Is not associated with any parties to the Syrian conflict
Is not banned from receiving resources or financial support from major donors
Executive Director Name:
_______________________________________________
Executive Director Signature:
_______________________________________________
Questions
Instructions
1) All sections of the application must be complete. If a question is not relevant for your
organization, please explain why. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered.
2) Please provide answers to every question in each section. Some of the sections include several
questions to guide your answers.
5
The Syria region is: Syria, Turkey, Jordan or Iraq
is a requirement from ISHA’s own donor.
6This
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3) The entire ISHA Application, including the Cover Page, should not exceed 12 pages (or 13 for
umbrella groups/ networks).
1. Identity and Purpose
This section will help us understand the strategic vision of your organization and to evaluate the link
between humanitarian goals/missions and projects being implemented on the ground.
1.1 Describe the mission and goals of your organization.
1.2 Describe your organization’s work. What type of projects do you implement and where? What sort
of assistance do you provide or services do you deliver? This can include a description of current or past
projects, and can include projects that are not in the voucher/ NFI sector.
1.3 Describe the beneficiaries you support and the communities in which you work. Please explain why
these are priority populations or communities for your organization in your work overall.
1.4 What plans do you have for future programming? What programs are you interested in starting,
expanding, or strengthening? Explain why you consider these to be priorities for your organization.
1.5 What role do you see for your organization in the future of Syria?
2. Organizational Growth and Development
This section will help us understand how important organizational growth and development is to your
organization and to what extent you are prepared to commit time to this aspect of our partnership.
2.1 Describe any capacity development support or technical assistance7 your organization or your staff
currently receives or has received in the last year.
7
This may be support from external organizations or internal investment in your own organization.
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2.2 If you have had capacity development support, provide an example of how your organization applied
new skills or knowledge to make improvements in organizational or programmatic systems or processes.
2.3 Describe the ways in which your organization builds the capacity or professional skills of your teams
working inside Syria. How do you support and supervise your staff?
2.4 Give 2-3 examples of things your organization has done in the last year to improve your
effectiveness or your ability to deliver humanitarian programming in Syria.
2.5 Describe your organization’s strengths. What does your organization do well? Why do you think so?
2.6 In what areas does your organization need to improve? Why is this important?
2.7 What new skills/ experience does your organization expect to gain through participation in ISHA?
Why are you interested in becoming an ISHA partner?
2.8 How will ISHA’s capacity strengthening support complement and be integrated with existing capacity
building efforts in your organization? How do you expect to see information flow between relevant staff
and ISHA?
3. Project Approach
This section describes your project strategy and approach, key activities, and ways in which this project
will complement other projects in your existing portfolio.
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3.1 Problem Statement/ Needs Summary: What are the critical needs that your project will address?
How did you identify these needs?
3.2 Strategy /Methodology: What is your overall strategy for addressing the challenges described
above? What programming modality – voucher, in kind distribution or both- will be utilized for your
project?
Justify why this is the appropriate programming approach to meet your objective. Your justification
might include:
 Feasibility of voucher program in targeted communities
o Number of planned vendors and their capacity
o Interest of vendors to participate in voucher scheme
 Market functionality and beneficiaries’ access to markets
 Transportation and storage options
 Community appropriateness/ acceptance of/ preferences for in-kind or voucher programming
3.3 Desired Results: What will realistically be achieved by the end of the project? What changes will
result from the project? How many beneficiaries will be reached?
3.4 Key Activities: What are the key activities that will be implemented during this project? The
following information must be provided.
Voucher programming:
 Vulnerability criteria and process used to identify and verify beneficiaries
 Voucher systems/ processes
o Voucher redemption (when, by whom, what documents are needed, etc.)
o Vendor reconciliation, reimbursement and payment processes
o Vendor and price monitoring methodologies
 List of items that will be available to beneficiaries through vouchers
 Proposed value and type of the voucher/s and how this cost was calculated
 Availability of necessary items on the local market/ market assessment information
 Plan for ensuring the quality of items available to beneficiaries and the quality of services from the
vendor
 Post-distribution monitoring methodologies
NFI/ In-kind distribution:
 Vulnerability criteria and process used to identify and verify beneficiaries
 Availability of necessary items on the local market/ market assessment information
 Illustrative contents of NFI kits and justification for these choices
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Transportation and/ or storage of NFIs
Plan for ensuring the quality of items procured and distributed
Plan for organizing and conducting distributions
Post-distribution monitoring methodologies
NOTE: If distributing hygiene kits or vouchers for purchasing hygiene items, applicants should also
explain their training/ promotion/ awareness raising strategy: topics to be covered, the method for
promoting people to attend, the number of sessions planned per person, the location of the training/
promotion, etc.
3.5 Specific Needs: Describe how this intervention takes into account the specific needs of vulnerable
groups, including women and girls. Vulnerable groups might include children under five, women of
reproductive age, persons living with disabilities and the elderly.
3.6 Staffing: What departments will be involved with implementation and who will work on the project?
What are their roles and responsibilities related to implementation? If you are proposing a voucher
project, describe how duties are segregated between program, finance, M&E and operations
departments and functions.
3.7 Describe how you will monitor the program and assess its success. How will your organization learn
from the project?
3.8 How will your project complement efforts being taken by other actors in the same area and/or with
the same community? How will you ensure coordination with other on-going projects or initiatives in
your proposed area/s of operation?
3.9 Describe the risks in the planned project locations and what your organization will do to manage or
reduce these risks.
3.10 Stakeholder involvement: Describe how beneficiaries will be consulted or involved during project
design and implementation.
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4. Current Portfolio and Past Experience
4.1 Describe your organization’s current or past voucher, NFI or cash programs.
4.2 Describe your organization’s experience managing funding and budgets. What is the largest grant or
contract you have received (in US dollars)?
4.3 Explain why your organization is well positioned to address the needs described in Section 3. How do
you ensure access to your target communities? Describe your previous experience implementing
projects in the target communities and any existing networks you can work with.
4.4 Has your organization worked with other international organizations? Which ones? What kind of
work did you do together, what was your role in this partnership and what was theirs? Did you have a
legal document together to reflect this?
4.5 Describe your organization’s management and staffing structure. How many staff do you currently
have? How many field offices?
4.6 Describe the coordination your organization does in Syria or elsewhere in the region with other
national and/ or international organizations.
5. Humanitarian Principles
5.1 What processes or systems does your organization use to identify the humanitarian needs addressed
through your programming?
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5.2 How does your organization ensure that humanitarian principles are respected in the
implementation of your programming?8
5.3 Provide at least 2 examples of how your organization demonstrates accountability to beneficiaries.
How does your organization ensure that their needs and priorities are taken into account in your
projects?
Budget and Expense Description
ISHA will work closely with selected partners to develop full budgets and proposals. Thus, at this stage,
only “top line” budget estimates are requested in US dollars with a description of the planned expenses.
If there is a category that is not relevant for your project, please leave it blank. For each budget
category, you are required to provide a brief description of the purpose of each of your costs to justify
their importance in the successful completion of your proposed project.
Budget Category
Personnel/ Staff Salaries and
benefits
Costs (USD)
Description of expenses included
Travel
Equipment/ Supplies
Program Activities
Support Costs (including
communications, rent, utilities, etc.)
Other Costs (including money
transfer fees)
TOTAL REQUESTED FROM ISHA:
6. References
If your organization is selected by the Review Committee, we will need to contact 2 or 3 referees who
can provide a reference for your organization (verification of activities, confirmation of capacity,
etc.).Provide the details of 2 or 3 referees we can contact, including at least one from the
8
For more information on humanitarian principles, see the Humanitarian Charter of the Sphere Handbook:
http://www.sphereproject.org/handbook/the-humanitarian-charter/
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international community, if applicable.
1. Name:
Title:
Organization:
Email address:
Relationship to your organization:
2. Name:
Title:
Organization:
Email address:
Relationship to your organization:
3. Name:
Title:
Organization:
Email address:
Relationship to your organization:
7. Additional Information for Umbrella Groups/ Networks
This section is only for umbrella groups. Organizations or agencies applying individually are not
required to answer these questions. Umbrella groups are defined as Syrian-led organizations that
represent and coordinate between multiple smaller Syrian groups through a membership system.
An additional one page may be allocated to answer these questions. Maximum number of pages for
the total application for Umbrella groups/ networks is 13 instead of 12.
U1. Explain why ISHA should support your umbrella organization rather than work directly with the
groups or organizations in your network. What does this mean for the delivery of services?
U2. Describe the lead agency’s ability to provide financial management oversight for nascent or
grassroots groups or organizations unable to independently manage a sub-grant.
U3. Explain the lead agency’s experience providing on-the-job training for or capacity strengthening
support inside Syria to smaller groups or organizations.
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