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

Request for Applications (RFA) for Grant Application

Background

The aquaculture development project in Nepal aims to leverage 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) Addressing Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards and Trade Facilitation Issues, (2) Increasing Aquaculture Sector Profitability, (3) Strengthening Financial Service for Aquaculture farmers to expand trade of agricultural products, and (4) Promoting 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 14 districts (Sunsari, Morang, Saptari, Parsa, Bara, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Dhanusa, Siraha, Mahottari, Chitwan, Rupandehi, Parasi and Kaski) of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Lumbini and Gandaki Provinces. 

The project seeks to facilitate investment and support the aquaculture industry through Six activities; A1: Training- Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS), A2: Infrastructure- On Farm, Market, and Trade, A3: Capacity Building- Agricultural Extension Agents/Service Providers, 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 Applicants:

The program intends to award grants to strengthen financial literacy, digital finance adoption, and access to aquaculture finance among fish farmers, hatcheries, and MSMEs.

Grantees will conduct needs assessments to understand financial literacy levels, digital finance usage, and barriers to accessing financial services. The selected organization will adapt the project’s FEEK (Financial Education and Entrepreneurial Knowledge) modules to the aquaculture context and organize inclusive training sessions. Training-of-trainers (TOT) programs will be implemented to build local capacity.

Grantees are also expected to facilitate linkages with digital finance providers, MFIs, SACCOs, and cooperatives, and provide follow-up support to promote adoption of financial products. Monitoring, supervision, and documentation of lessons learned will be required.

The project will provide technical assistance and partial financial support to encourage cost-sharing.

Eligible applicants include Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), SACCOs, cooperatives, rural finance institutions, and digital finance providers legally registered in Nepal.

Selected applicants are encouraged to engage students from finance, economics, or MIS backgrounds to support training delivery, data tracking, and financial analysis.

Click on the links 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

Applicants may submit either a Concept Note or a Full Grant Application in English or Nepali based on what is most convenient for them. Applications must be prepared using single spacing and a clear, readable font. The page limit applies only to the main application narrative and does not include annexes, attachments, CVs, or salary history sheets for proposed staff.

Applications along with all required supporting documents may be submitted either:

• Electronically, by email to the designated address listed in this RFA, or
• In hard copy, delivered to the project office during working hours.

For electronic submissions, applicants must include the RFA Number and RFA Title in the email subject line to ensure proper handling.

For hard‑copy submissions, applications should be placed in a sealed envelope, clearly labeled with the RFA Number and RFA Title, and delivered to the project office address indicated in this RFA.

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

Questions or requests for clarification regarding this RFA should be submitted to the project team at the email provided before the deadline for questions. The project team will respond to all inquiries and may share clarifications for the benefit of all applicants. Upon request, the project team may also offer guidance to help applicants understand the application process.

Issuance of this RFA and any assistance provided during application development do not constitute an award or a commitment to make an award, nor do they obligate the project to cover any costs incurred in preparing or applying. The project team reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications received.