DiPS fund

In 2025, DiPS will fund projects that contribute to the rehabilitation and development of communities affected by conflict and displacement in Somalia. Funded activities must directly benefit people living in Somalia (Somaliland, Puntland, and South-Central regions). Projects targeting individuals or exclusive groups will not be eligible; instead, initiatives should focus on entire communities or sub-groups within those communities.

The maximum project duration is 12 months, and the total funding available per project is up to 300,000 DKK.

All applications will be assessed through a competitive selection process based on the following criteria:

• Collaborative project development

• Community engagement and accountability

• Relevance and impact

• Sustainability

• Feasibility

• Safeguarding (“Do No Harm”)

For full details on eligible and ineligible activities, assessment criteria, and budget guidance, please refer to the 2025 Application Guidelines (see ‘Application Package’ above).

Yes. As of the 2025 funding cycle, it is mandatory for all applicants to have a confirmed local partner in Somalia in order to be eligible for DiPS funding.

This requirement reflects DiPS' commitment to strengthening localisation, promoting sustainability, and ensuring that projects are implemented in close partnership with local actors and with meaningful participation from the community.

Examples of local partners include:

• Registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

• Formal representative bodies of the community (e.g. Community Development Councils)

• Local branches of the diaspora organisation

• Local volunteer networks

The local partner should be a registered entity at the local, regional, or national level and must meet DiPS’ due diligence standards. They must also be able to receive and manage funds.

Further information about local partner requirements and expectations can be found in the 2025 Application Guidelines.

The Diaspora Project Support fund is a competitive fund. DiPS receives more applications for funding than there are resources available. DiPS allows resubmissions of applications.

If you are resubmitting your application, your advantage is that you have already received feedback on how you can get a higher score. We highly recommend that you review the feedback and improve your application before resubmitting it. Please note that you are however not guaranteed the same score, or a better one.

Please be aware that there might be updates of the templates, requirements or assessment criteria between deadlines. See what has been updated in the final page of the Application Guidelines (find them in the ‘Application Package’ above) 

Yes. DiPS organises Q&A sessions for Somali diaspora organisations interested in applying for funding. Participation in these sessions is highly recommended.

Applicants are also encouraged to contact the DiPS team directly to discuss project ideas ahead of the application deadline. 

After you submit your application, it will go through a structured assessment and selection process, which includes the following steps:

1. Eligibility Screening
   All submitted applications are first reviewed to ensure they meet the basic eligibility criteria. Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline or in the wrong format will not be considered.

2. Initial Review and Shortlisting
   Eligible applications are scored by DiPS and reviewed in consultation with the Somali Advisory Board. Based on this review, a shortlist of applicants is created.

3. Q&A Session for Shortlisted Applicants
   Shortlisted applicants are invited to an online meeting with DiPS, CISU, and Advisory Board members. During this session, applicants respond to questions about their application and clarify specific points.

4. Advisory Board Assessment
   Following the Q&A session, the Advisory Board provides feedback on each shortlisted application. This input is used to refine the application scores.

5. Executive Committee Selection
   The DiPS Executive Committee reviews the final scores and recommendations to determine which projects proceed to the project development phase.

Only those applications that successfully pass all steps and receive high scores will be invited to the next stage of the process. Please note that selection for the development phase does not guarantee funding.

If your application is selected, you will enter the project development phase, which lasts approximately six weeks. During this phase, you will work closely with the DiPS team to further develop your concept note into a full project plan.

You will be expected to:

• Finalise the budget, workplan, and Logical Framework Approach (LFA)

• Prepare a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) plan

• Conduct a risk assessment and mitigation plan

• Complete due diligence and vetting for your organisation and local partner

• Participate in a hybrid workshop and individual support meetings

A final funding decision will be made after this phase. If the project is approved, a contract will be signed between your organisation and the DRC Somalia Country Office, which will also oversee support and follow-up during implementation. Selection for the development phase does not guarantee funding.