Request for Applications (RFA): Financial Services – Provide MSME Finance

Request for Applications (RFA) for Grant Application

Background

A project in Nepal aims leverages local, regional, and international technical expertise in aquaculture and extensive stakeholder engagement to make lasting change in Nepal aquaculture productivity, food safety, aquaculture marketability, nutritional awareness, enabling environment, and ultimately, trade.

The project is designed to address food security through improvements in the aquaculture value chain in Nepal by (1) Address Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards and Trade Facilitation Issues, (2) Increase Aquaculture Sector Profitability, (3) Strengthen Financial Service for Aquaculture farmers to expand trade of agricultural products, and (4) Promote Consumption of Safe Foods.

Under LWR’s leadership, the project will support direct and indirect individuals by working with aquaculture farmers, farmer groups, cooperatives, associations, hatcheries, nurseries, transporters, buyers/traders, institutions, equipment providers, and government bodies across fourteen districts in five provinces of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini. 

The project seeks to facilitate investment and support the aquaculture industry through Six activities in A1: Training- Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS), A2: Infrastructure- On Farm, Market, and Trade, A3: Capacity Building- Agricultural Extension Agents/Services, A4: Inputs- Develop Agricultural Dealers and /or Other Input Suppliers,  A5: Financial Services- Provide Micro, Small  and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Finance A6: Public Information Campaign- Disperse Nutritional Information.

Dear Applicant:

The program envisions awarding funds through several mechanisms, including simplified grants, fixed amount awards (FAAs), and in‑kind grants. These grants will focus on conducting need assessment to understand financial literacy levels, use of digital finance usage, and barriers among fish farmers, hatcheries, and MSMEs and adopt this project’s FEEK modules in aquaculture context, and organize inclusive training sessions while building local trainers through TOT programs. Besides, it is expected to facilitate linkages with digital finance providers, MSE’s/ Cooperatives, and provide follows up support for adoption of financial packages including monitoring, supervision and technical backstopping. In addition, the Grantee will track outcomes, document challenges and report lessons learned. 

The project will provide technical assistance and partial financing as incentives for grantees to invest in cost‑sharing. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the local market for their products and services and provide a compelling case for the grant award. The Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs), SACCOs (Savings and Credit Co-operatives), cooperatives, and rural or digital finance firms are eligible to apply. All applicants must be legally recognized entities in Nepal and should demonstrate experience in the technical area addressed. In addition, the project must engage students from finance, economics or Management Information Systems backgrounds. These students should be mobilized for training delivery, data tracking, and financial analysis. 

Click on the link below for detailed RFA and Annexes:

RFA-004 Activity 5 Financial Services – Provide MSME Finance

ANNEX A-GRANT APPLICATION-PROGRAM

ANNEX B-GRANT IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

ANNEX C-GRANT APPLICATION-BUDGET

Application Submission Information

Applications should be written in English using single spaced, standard font and size not exceeding page limit. The page limit does not include Annexes, list attachments, CVs & salary history sheet of proposed staff included as part of the application.

All applications and required documents must be submitted electronically to the project’s designated email address provided in this RFA. To ensure proper handling, the email subject line must clearly state the RFA number and RFA title. This helps the project team identify the type of grant you are applying for. 

Along with the application forms, applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• A copy of the organization’s valid UEI registration. If the UEI has not yet been obtained, applicants should describe their plan and timeline to acquire it. The project team can provide guidance if needed.
• A copy of the organization’s legal registration certificate.
• A copy of the latest audited financial statement.
• A copy of the latest tax clearance certificate or tax exemption/renewal documents.
• Any additional documents requested during the review process.

Both the technical and cost proposals, along with all required attachments, must be submitted no later than the submission deadline indicated in this RFA. Late applications may not be considered.

Questions or requests for clarification regarding this RFA should be sent to the project team at lwrnepalcontact@lwr.org before the deadline for questions. The project team will respond to all queries and may provide clarification for the benefit of all applicants. At the request of applicants, the project may also offer guidance to help them understand the application process. 

Issuance of this RFA and assistance with application development do not constitute an award or commitment on the part of the project, nor does it commit the project to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application. Further, the project team reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications received.