The SDG Innovation Fund brings together different actors in order to solve tangible development problems. As such, the Fund supports at least 6 cross-sectoral small-scale projects. These projects will be joint actions of at least two different stakeholder groups (e.g. regional administrations, NGOs, companies, ministries) with the aim to foster multi-stakeholder partnerships in line with the Principles of the 2030 Agenda.

The interventions shall address challenges in at least one of the selected sectors for the Project being (i) Public Finances, (ii) Social Affairs, (iii) Environment, based on the 2030 Agenda, – in an innovative, pilot testing and efficient way. At the same time, the proposals shall refer to the interconnectedness of the SDGs by outlining how proposed solutions will further the advancement of various SDGs.

In order to exploit the potential of digitalization, the projects will use the ICT solutions that have been developed considering the Principles for Digital Development. Ultimately, the projects shall address the LNOB Principle, as well as consider challenges and consequences posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The duration of the small-scale projects is foreseen to be up to maximum 12 months total duration with a budget ranging from minimum EUR 50,000 – maximum EUR 70,000 per small-scale project. An accompanying technical support program from the application phase through to reporting and follow-up will be provided by the Project.

The SDG Innovation Fund represents the Output 3 of the project “Support to the Moldovan Government in the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda” commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ).

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 associated targets are at the core of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted in September 2015 by all UN Member States as a new plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. The SDGs were proceeded by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which expired at the end of 2015. Unlike the MDGs, all UN Member States agreed to strive to achieve the SDGs within their own countries, at all levels, as well as to use them to guide their bilateral and multilateral interactions with other countries. The 17 Goals aim to reduce poverty and hunger, improve health, advance education, promote gender equality, make cities more sustainable, ensure energy access and combat climate change, ensure peaceful and inclusive societies, and secure the resources and partnerships to implement the Agenda, among other ambitions.

A partnership (lead organization and partner organization) between at least two organizations from different stakeholder groups out of the following:

• Government Authority;
• Non-governmental organization;
• Private Enterprise;
• University.

In addition, the applicants should prove the technical and administrative capacity to implement the proposed project. In this regard, they need to demonstrate the following:

• Legal registration in the Republic of Moldova, in accordance with the legislation in force;
• Previous experience in project design, implementation and evaluation;
• Human resources experienced in the area of intervention;
• Project implementation logistics (office space, computers, telephone line, internet access, etc.);
• Administrative capacities to manage the project finances.

The Fund supports short-term, small-scale projects to foster the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in the Republic of Moldova. Proposals must be in line with the national priorities. They should contribute to achieving national goals for implementing the 2030 Agenda and be embedded in a broader political or social process in the country.

The projects funded must contribute to one of the following three thematic priorities: (i) Public Finances, (ii) Social Affairs, (iii) Environment.

A Technical Support Program will accompany all phases of the SDG Innovation Fund. It serves as the first contact point and helpdesk for beneficiaries. At the application phase, it provides guidance in drafting project proposals in line with the pre-defined criteria. At the implementation phase, it supports successful realization of small-scale projects. At the closure and follow-up phase, it assists the beneficiaries in final reporting and settlement of local subsidies/ grants provided by the Project.

Only one application can be submitted per implementing organization/ institution in the capacity of lead applicant. However, any organisation can appear as a secondary partner in more than one project proposal.

The applications shall be submitted in English only.