Call for Proposals: Network 20/20 Entrepreneurial Diplomacy Tunisia

Impact Goals

• Network 20/20 will accept proposals that address one or more of the following impact areas:
  • Short-term Skills Training: Projects that facilitate the development or demonstration of tangible skills relevant to in-demand industries or employment outcomes, including credentials, competencies, and work-based learning experiences (e.g., internships, on-the-job training, skills-based mentorship programs).
  • Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset Projects that provide entrepreneurial training focused on the transferability of entrepreneurial skills both in start-up environments and within existing work environments.
  • Building and Sustaining Community Connections and Local Leadership: Projects that support individuals or cohorts in navigating leadership.
• The focus areas for this call for proposals was developed through feedback of a Tunisian-based advisory committee that collaborated throughout the winter and spring of 2023. This advisory committee identified strengths and opportunities for economic mobility efforts in diverse and under-resourced communities across Tunisia.

Funding Information

• At least one project will be funded at a maximum of $20,000 USD to be implemented from January 2024 – December 2024.

Criteria

• Network 20/20 will accept proposals from individuals who meet the following criteria:
  • Lead applicant must be 21 – 35 years old.
  • Applicant must be connected to a legal entity (start-up, NGO, associations, etc.) based in Tunisia that has been in operation for at least 2 years.
  • Applicant must identify at least one advisor or project mentor and have at least 3 people they are working with to execute the project and manage funds.
  • Applicant must be able to receive funds from a US-based 501c3 designated nonprofit organization.
  • Proposed projects must impact at least one region outside of the capital region of Tunisia.

Project Proposal Criteria

• Area 1: Project Design Criteria
  • All projects must currently address or have an actionable plan to address all aspects of the following criteria. All proposals will be evaluated based on their ability to uphold these criteria. However, projects will not be disqualified if support is needed to effectively address up to three challenging criteria areas:
    • Avoid unfinished intentions: Project must have a short-term goal and a multi-year vision.
    • Avoid duplicative efforts: Projects should not replace existing efforts and instead seek to amplify successful models.
    • Actively seek diverse perspectives: Projects must be informed by those impacted by the challenge and engage local stakeholders.
    • Actively seek new ideas and embrace risk: Projects should remain flexible to new innovations and establish contingency plans for failure.
    • Actively seek to support talent and retain/return expertise: Projects should consider the challenges and opportunities connected to global learning and work experiences. Projects should support efforts to empower and support the Tunisian workforce.
    • Actively pursue collective leadership: Projects should establish clear leadership structures and engage multiple perspectives in leadership.
• Area 2: Budget and Request Restrictions:
  • For this proposal, the following budget requests will not be considered:
    • Projects that do not meet the applicant criteria outlined.
    • Funding solely for international travel.
    • Funding solely for external consultancies.
    • Funding solely for staff salary or professional development of currently hired staff.
    • Funding that is solely for tangible products (computers, internet, course materials, office supplies).
    • Funding that is solely for a conference or event.
• Area 4: Funding Disbursement and Adjustments
  • Budget proposals can be for projects up to $20,000 USD to be distributed at mutually agreed upon outcomes at each phase of the grant cycle as outlined in Area 3. Network 20/20 leadership will make budget adjustments at time of contracting and as needed at the end of each grant phase. Adjustments will be made at the discretion of Network 20/20 according to mutually agreed upon metrics completion at contracting.
• Area 5: Project Management and Grantee Communications
  • All project proposals must identify a Lead Applicant who will serve as a project manager, contracting lead, and communicate directly with Network 20/20 staff during application and all subsequent grant phases outlined in Area 3.
  • Upon selection and contracting, Lead Applicants will be given a Network 20/20-affiliated point person who will serve as a grant liaison. The Network 20/20 liaison will provide guidance on planning, risk mitigation, and impact analysis. Lead Applicants may also be introduced to an advisor for technical assistance throughout the duration of the grant cycle.
• Area 6: Reporting
  • All funded projects will complete a written evaluation at the culmination of the award cycle, by December 2024 as well as attend a virtual convening hosted by Network 20/20 to showcase project outcomes and lessons.

For more information, visit Network 20/20.