1. Background

NAK-karitativ is a non-profit organization (NGO) of the New Apostolic Churches in Germany. Our goal is a world in which all people can realize their full potential - free from hunger, with access to basic health care and diverse opportunities for quality education. Our projects aim to sustainably improve all people’s living conditions, regardless of gender, origin, age, ethnicity, language, nationality or faith, as well as religious or political views. In doing so, we strive to preserve nature and consider ecological aspects—because our environment and the future of all are important to us. We work closely with partner organizations in our project countries, mainly Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, South Africa and Armenia. We consider strong, trust-based partnerships—both between us and our partners, and between our partners and the communities in our project regions—as key to successful and sustainable development cooperation.

2. Objective of the Call 

NAK-karitativ is launching this Call for Proposals to expand its partner network and identify and engage new local organizations in Kenya to work even more holistically. This aligns with NAK-karitativ’s SDG-driven vision to strengthen local actors and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Through this Call, we seek proposals for a development project that promotes the economic empowerment of Kenya’s rural youth. We are looking for experienced, impact-driven Kenyan organizations who are committed to implementing innovative, forward-thinking projects. We particularly welcome applications from small and medium-sized organizations (4-50 employees) that have a strong understanding of local needs and contexts. This call represents not only an opportunity for project-based collaboration, but also the potential starting point for a long-term partnership. If the joint implementation of the proposed project is successful and both sides experience a constructive and trustful working relationship, we are open to deepening the cooperation—scaling up future projects in terms of scope, duration, and budget. We value continuity and mutual growth and are therefore particularly interested in partnerships that show long-term potential.

Thematic Focus of the project and partner organization:

Projects that are handed in in this Call for Proposals shall focus on innovative approaches to rural economic development with a strong emphasis on youth empowerment.

Special attention will be given to proposals that promote one or more of the following:

• initiatives that foster urban-rural exchange (i.e. by leveraging the skills of graduates (university, technical college, TVET Institutes, Polytechnics, Farmer Centers) to support entrepreneurship and business development in rural areas)

• inclusive initiatives (i.e. including young people with disabilities)

• that explore the use of ICT-based solutions—such as mobile apps or digital platforms

The thematic focus of this Call is intentionally kept broad to encourage the development of creative, new initiatives that bring about real change and reflect the needs and aspirations of young people in Kenya.

3. Available Funding 

The total budget available for project implementation is up to € 50,000.00. The funds will be made available in several instalments. 

• Eligible Costs include project related investments, operational costs and personnel costs.

• Applications focused solely on infrastructure construction will not be considered. For further details on eligible costs, please refer to the Annex "Eligible Costs”.

• Cost must be clearly assignable to an activity. 

• Eligible Activities must align with the overall objective and thematic focus. 

• Political or religious campaigning is not eligible. 

Project Duration: Implementation and expenditure Period is 12 months. However, the maximum project duration is 18 months. An additional 6 months may be used for completion of already initiated activities, ensuring adequate consolidation of self-administration of target group, or as a transitional phase in preparation for a potential follow-up project.  

4. Eligibility of Applicant

• NGO or CBO registered in Kenya
• Individuals, one-person organizations or governmental organizations are not eligible
• At least one person of the organization must speak and write English for effective cooperation.
• Applicants must have proven experience in the implementation of the thematic area
• Willing and able to adhere to NAK-karitativ’s Code of Conduct

5. Quality Criteria for Proposals

Project proposals must clearly demonstrate how the following quality criteria are addressed. These requirements reflect our commitment to participatory, sustainable, and inclusive development. Only proposals that convincingly integrate these elements into both their concept and planned implementation will be considered for funding:

• Needs-based Approach: The proposal must clearly show that the project responds to needs directly expressed by the target communities

• Participation: The proposal must explain how the target group is actively involved at all stages of the project cycle – planning, kick-off, implementation, monitoring 

• Self-Contribution: The proposal must indicate in what way the target group contributes to the project (e.g. time, labor, materials, knowledge), reflecting ownership and local commitment.

• Monitoring: The proposal must include an on-the-ground monitoring concept by project staff and/or target group to ensure immediate responsiveness.

• Potential for Scaling and Replication: Approaches that are adaptable for upscaling or replication in other contexts are especially welcome.

• Sustainability: The proposal must outline how the project’s intended positive impacts will continue beyond the project period. This includes strategies for covering ongoing or future costs (e.g. maintenance, repairs of infrastructure) and ensuring long-term relevance.

• Gender: The Project Desing must be at least gender sensitive. Gender responsive or gender transformative projects are highly encouraged. However, we are aware of potential constraints and challenges. Thus, we recommend communicating obstacles (e.g. data availability, lack of resources or expertise). Reflecting on limitations is not a disadvantage in the selection process! 

6. Submission Details 

Applicants must submit 

• Project Proposal (using provided template) 

• Project Budget (using provided template)

• Logframe including SMART indicators (using provided template)

• Partner Assessment (using provided template)

Deadline for submission: 29.06.2025

Submission Email: l.koenig@nak-karitativ.de

Subject Line: CfP Kenya’s rural youth – (name of your organization)

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered!

7. Timeline

8. Contact 

For any questions related to this Call for Proposals, please contact: 

Lea König, Project Coordination NAK-karitativ – l.koenig@nak-karitativ.de

9. Disclaimer

Please note that the publication of this Call for Proposals does not constitute a commitment to funding any of the submitted proposals. NAK-karitativ reserves the right to cancel the process or to fund none of the submitted proposals.

Annexe: Download here

• Proposal Template
• Budget Template
• Logframe Template
• Guidelines for Project Application
• Guidelines on Eligibale Expenditures_NAK-karitativ
• Rapid Guide to Designing SMART Indicators_inikit
• Partner Assessment
• Code of Conduct NAK-karitativ