Creative Force: Call for Applications for seed funding now open

This year's second (and final) Creative Force Call for Applications is now open and will close on 16 May (at 13.00 hours CET). The Call is for seed funding only. Does your organisation work to strengthen democracy, freedom of expression and human rights? Creative Force funds international projects which use media or the arts as a means to bring about change. If you have a project idea and a partner in one of our target countries we may be able to grant you funding. Check below to see whether you meet our criteria. You will find step-by-step instructions about the application procedure, including links to the application documents, in the timeline below. You can also find details of the projects which were granted funding in March 2018.

Democracy, freedom of expression & human rights

Available for 27 countries.

See all countries

Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, Palestine, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Somalia, Syria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Yemen, Zambia

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beskrivning av bild — Art Empowers. Photo: ReOrient

Creative Force funding decisions 28 March 2018

Creative Force Africa
Creative Force Eastern Europe & Turkey
Creative Force Middle East & North Africa
Creative Force Russia

What is Creative Force?

It is a funding programme for international projects which work though media or the arts to strengthen basic freedoms and rights. It offers two types of grant:

Seed Funding is available for carrying out a planning trip, a visit or a pilot project, for example.
Collaborative Projects are larger projects with a creative, capacity-building aspect and sustainable goals. You can also use this funding to scale-up a project which has previously received Seed Funding.

Who can apply?

Any type of organisation which is registered in Sweden.
Your organisation must have been registered for at least one year (for seed funding) or two years (for collaborative projects).
You must write your application jointly with a partner organisation in one (or more) of the Creative Force target countries (see below).

Which countries are included?

In Africa and Middle East & North Africa (MENA):
Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen
In Eastern Europe & Turkey:
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldavia, Ukraine and Turkey
Russia:
Northwestern Russia

How much can I apply for?

Seed Funding: up to SEK 100,000 for an initiative which you must complete within 12 months.
Collaborative Projects: up to SEK 500,000 per 12-month period. A project may last 24 months at most (in other words, you can apply for max. SEK 1 million).

Check whether your project is suitable for Creative Force.

The main applicant is a Swedish-registered organisation.
The project uses media or the arts as a means to strengthen democracy, freedom of expression and human rights in the target countries.
The project fulfills the specific Creative Force programme objectives for the country(s) you want to work with.
The project includes some kind of transfer of knowledge between partners.
You have a target group of highly motivated people in the partner country(s) who want new skills or knowledge to help them bring about change.
The project’s achievements will continue to spread and have an impact after the project has finished.

When and how can I apply?

1. Next Call for Applications - 10 Apr 2018 - 16 May 2018

There are two opportunities each year to apply for funding:

Call for Funding 1 opens in December and closes in January. On this occasion we accept applications for both types of grant, i.e. seed funding and collaborative projects.
Call for Funding 2 opens in April and closes in May. On this occasion you can only apply for seed funding.

When the exact dates have been decided you will find them in the timeline above.

2. How to write your application. - 10 Apr 2018 - 16 May 2018

Download, save and fill in the application form for the type of grant and the region/country that you are applying for. Choose from the list below. Please note that the application documents are only accessible when a Call for Funding is open.

Seed Funding
◾Application document – Africa & MENA
◾Application document – Eastern Europe & Turkey
◾Application document – Russia

Collaborative Projects
◾Application document – Africa & MENA
◾Application document – Eastern Europe & Turkey
◾Application document – Russia

Now, download, save and fill in the appropriate following documents:

◾Budget form (all applications).
◾Letter of Intent (seed funding only)
◾Memorandum of Understanding (collaborative projects only)
◾Organisation assessment (all applications)
◾Risk analysis (collaborative projects only)

You must also obtain a Certificate of Registration for the Swedish applicant organisation and save it on your computer.

3. How to submit your online application. - 10 Apr 2018 - 16 May 2018

Click on this link to take you to the online application form (this link is only active when a Call for Applications is open).
Start by creating an account.
Submit all the documents from Step 2 above (which you have completed and saved on your computer) via the online application form. Instructions on the form will guide you through the procedure.
You can create and save an application in advance. This allows you to review it before you submit it.

After you have submitted your application, you will receive an email giving you a reference number. Please give this this reference number whenever you need to contact the Swedish Institute.

Important: for your application to be complete you must submit it online.

4. Has my application been successful? - 14 Jun 2018 - 14 Jun 2018

Now visit our FAQs below, where there is lots more information.

Have a look at our project database to get an idea of the kinds of project we support.

Have you already been awarded funding? Do you have a question about your ongoing Creative Force project? Have a look at the FAQs at the bottom of the page.

If you have not found the answer to your question, send an e-mail to creativeforce(a)si.se.

You can follow Creative Force on Facebook, on Instagram and on Twitter.

FAQ: Applying for funding from Creative Force

1. What is Seed Funding?
- Seed Funding is available for carrying out pilot projects, planning trips, visits or similar.
- You must aim to use media or the arts as means to improve human rights, freedom of expression and democracy.
- You must aim to communicate, influence opinion and encourage a dialogue about the issues which the project works with.
- You must have a project partner in one of the target countries before you can apply.
- Your project must last no longer than 12 months
- You can apply for up to SEK 100,000.
2. What is a Collaborative Project?
A Collaborative Project must:
- Use media or the arts as means to improve human rights, freedom of expression and democracy.
- Have a creative, capacity-building aspect.
- Have a project partner in one or more of our target countries.
- Include activities such as seminars, workshops, training courses and visits.
- Aim to communicate, influence opinion and encourage a dialogue about the issues which the project works with.
- Have sustainable goals.
- Last no longer than 24 months.
3. What types of project can Creative Force fund?

In general terms, Creative Force funds international projects which want to strengthen human rights, freedom of expression and democracy.

These projects must specifically work in an innovative way through media or the arts as a means to build capacity in the target countries and bring about change.
4. What are the overall goals of the Creative Force programme?
5. What do you mean by 'using media or the arts as a means to bring about change'?

Strengthening democracy, freedom of expression and human rights is no easy task. It can be difficult to work with these issues in countries where the need is greatest.

One way of overcoming this problem can be to use new methods to address sensitive or difficult subjects and bring about change. What makes Creative Force unique is that we give funding to projects which work specifically with media (new or traditional) or the arts to do just this.

Documentary film, photography, dance and theatre are just some examples of cultural disciplines which can be used to explore important questions in new ways. Social media and traditional journalism can also be used innovatively to strengthen basic rights and freedoms.

Have a look at our Creative Force database to get an idea of the kinds of projects we are interested in supporting.
6. What is a target group?
- The target group of your project should be agents of change and opinion makers in the target country who want new skills or knowledge in order to help them strengthen human rights and freedoms.
- Examples of Creative Force target groups are institutions or groups of cultural actors and journalists; other actors within media organisations; human rights defenders; women’s rights groups, youth organisations; other activists who work for change.
- In many cases, the international partner in a Creative Force project can be the target group.
7. What are final beneficiaries?

Final beneficiaries are groups and/or individuals in the target countries who are directly and positively affected by the project.

Examples of final beneficiaries are women, children and youth as well as minority groups in especially vulnerable positions such as LGBTQ individuals or people with disabilities.
8. What do you mean by sustainability?
9. What is the application procedure?
10. Can I submit more than one application for the same geographic region?
11. Can I submit applications to more than one of the geographic regions?
12. Can I apply to carry out a project which involves countries from more than one of the geographic regions?
Yes you can, but please note the following:
- You must submit one application per region.
- Each application must have its own main partner organisation.
- The programme goals vary from one region to another, so make sure you adapt each separate application to the goals for that specific region.
13. Can I apply to Creative Force if my organisation is not registered in Sweden?
14. Can I apply to Creative Force if I do not represent an organisation?
15. Can you help me find a project partner?
Unfortunately we are not able to help you find a partner. You are welcome to use our social media channels to search for a partner.
16. In which country(s) should the project activities take place?

Projects should normally take place entirely in the target country or in both Sweden and the target country.

Please note that the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against travelling to certain countries (or regions within countries). Information can be found on the ministry’s website (in Swedish). A Creative Force project may include partners or participants from such countries, but the project should be carried out in another target country or in Sweden.
17. How do I obtain a Certificate of Registration for my Swedish organisation?
Contact the following to order a Certificate of Registration (registreringsbevis):
- If you are a company (including enskild firma): Bolagsverket
- If you are a non-profit association (ideella föreningar): Skatteverket
- If you are a foundations (stiftelser): Länsstyrelsen
- If you are a public sector organisation: SCB
18. How does the Swedish Institute assess applications?
19. Can I apply for funding for a school exchange with one of the target countries?
20. I want to take part in a conference, meeting or other kind of event in one of the target countries. Can I apply for funding to cover my travel expenses?
21. Can I apply to cover the costs of an exchange of experts?
22. Can I apply for funding to run a residency?

FAQ: The programme objectives and strategies that steer Creative Force.

23. What are the programme objectives for Creative Force Africa and Middle East & North Africa (MENA)?
Creative Force Africa and MENA is financed through a Swedish Government special initiative, namely the Strategy for Sweden’s development cooperation in the areas of human rights, democracy and the rule of law 2018–2022.

Creative Force projects in this region must contribute to one or more of the following programme objectives:

Improved working conditions for agents of change who work through culture or the media to strengthen democratisation and respect for freedoms of opinion.

Greater opportunities for women to exercise the right of freedom of expression; be an active participant in democratisation processes and exercise influence in public decision-making.

Increased opportunities for agents of change who work through media to produce, gather and disseminate information via the internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT).
24. What are the programme objectives for Creative Force Eastern Europe & Turkey?
Creative Force Eastern Europe & Turkey is steered by Sweden’s Reform Cooperation Strategy for the region. The aim of this strategy is stronger democracy, equitable and sustainable development and closer ties with the EU and its fundamental values.

Creative Force projects in this geographic area must specifically contribute to one or more of the following programme objectives:
- A more pluralistic civil society.
- Improved conditions for democratic accountability to the people.
- Freer and more independent media.
- Stronger rights and greater respect for/recognition of vulnerable groups such as children and LGBTQ persons as well as ethnic and religious minorities.
- Greater awareness and reduced levels of discrimination and intolerance.
- Women and men increasingly have equal power to shape society and their own lives.
25. What are the programme objectives for Creative Force Russia?
Creative Force Russia is steered by the Strategy for Sweden’s support for democracy, human rights and the environment in Russia. The main objectives of the strategy are to support democratic social development, greater respect for human rights and environmental improvements.

Creative Force Projects in Russia must specifically contribute to one or more of the following programme objectives:

Greater opportunities for democratic involvement on the part of citizens.

Enhanced capacity among drivers of change and civil society to promote democracy, human rights and non-discrimination.

Mass media with strengthened capacity to promote transparency and public dialogue.

Women and men increasingly have the same power to shape society and their own lives.

Increased environmental awareness and responsibility, primarily among civil society actors.

FAQ: If you already have a grant from Creative Force

26. When and how will I receive the money?
We will pay the money into your bank account when you have returned the signed Agreement to us. We will pay the grant in installments according to the length of your project, as follows:

Seed Funding
You will receive all the money in one payment.

Collaborative projects which last up to 12 months
- We will pay 90 per cent of the grant when we have received the signed Agreement from you.
- We will pay the remaining 10 per cent at the end of the project when we have received and approved the written report and the audited financial report.
Collaborative projects which last longer than 12 months
- We will pay 50 per cent of the grant when we have received the signed Agreement from you.
- We will pay a further 40 per cent when we have received and approved your interim report.
- You will be paid the final 10 per cent when we have received and approved the final written report and the audited financial report.
27. What do I do if I need to make changes to the project's approved activity plan or budget?
If you need to make any changes during the course of the project you must contact the Swedish Institute in advance.
- Changes to project activities: fill in Revised activity plan and send it to the Swedish Institute.
- Changes to the budget: fill in Revised budget form and send it to the Swedish Institute.
28. Can I transfer money to my international project partner?

Yes, if we have granted you more than SEK 100,000.

If you want to make a direct transfer of money you must write an agreement between you and your project partner and send a copy to the Swedish Institute before you make the transfer.

We suggest that you use this draft document: Agreement for transfer of funding.
29. I have received Seed Funding. When do I have to send in a project report - and how?
At the end of the project you must send us 1) a written report, 2) a financial report and 3) Certification of financial report. The Instructions for financial reporting will help you with the financial report.

You will find the deadline for final reporting in your Agreement with the Swedish Institute. Use the appropriate forms below:
30. I have a 12-month Collaborative Project. When do I have to send in a project report - and how?
If your Collaborative Project lasted up to 12 months
At the end of the project you must send us 1) a written report, 2) a financial report and 3) an audit. Please read the Instructions for financial reporting and Audit Instructions.

You will find the deadline for final reporting in your Agreement with the Swedish Institute. Use the appropriate forms below:
Make sure you send the audit instructions to your accountant.
31. I have a Collaborative Project lasting more than 12 months. When do I have to send in a project report - and how?
If your Collaborative Project lasts over 12 months:
Step 1: You must send us an interim report by the deadline given in your Agreement. After this we will pay the next installment of the money. Use the following forms for your interim report:
Step 2: At the end of the project you must then send us 1) a written report, 2) a financial report and 3) an audit. Read the Instructions for financial reporting and Audit Instructions.

You will find the deadline for final reporting in your Agreement with the Swedish Institute. Use the appropriate forms below:
Make sure you send the audit instructions to your accountant.
32. Do I have to submit an audit of the project's finances at the end of the project?

We do not need an audit if we have granted you Seed Funding.

If you have received funding for a Collaborative Project (over SEK 100,000) you must send us an audit carried out by a qualified, external accountant as part of your final reporting (see FAQ above).

Read these detailed Audit Instructions and send them to your accountant.
33. What happens if I have unspent money at the end of the project?
34. Can I apply for more funding if I have a Creative Force project which is ongoing at the time of the next Call for Applications?

Yes, you may send in a new application. However, if you are applying for a new project in the same CF region please note the following: we will only assess the new application if we have received your complete final report for the previous project (including audit if over SEK 100,000) by 28 February (Call for Funding 1) or 1 June (Call for Funding 2). This condition is irrespective of the deadline for submitting your final report which you will find in your Agreement with SI.