Call for Proposals: FNBB Foundation’s Community Grant (Botswana)

Deadline: 20-Oct-2026

The FNBB Foundation is offering grants of up to P50,000 to eligible community organisations implementing sustainable, community-led projects in Botswana. Launched in celebration of the Foundation’s 35th anniversary, the initiative will support projects in 35 communities and provide grant recipients with mentorship and guidance.

About the FNBB Foundation Grant Initiative

The FNBB Foundation is launching a special community grant initiative as part of its 35th anniversary celebrations. The program will support 35 communities across Botswana by investing in locally developed projects that create meaningful and lasting benefits. Funding will be directed to formally recognised community organisations with the local knowledge, community relationships, and commitment needed to deliver sustainable initiatives. Purpose of the Program

The initiative aims to:

- Promote sustainable community development. - Strengthen local ownership of development projects. - Improve livelihoods across Botswana. - Support practical solutions to community challenges. - Create new economic and social opportunities. - Invest in community-owned resources. - Encourage active community participation. - Build the capacity of community-based organisations. - Produce measurable and lasting local impact. - Celebrate the FNBB Foundation’s 35th anniversary by supporting 35 communities. Funding Information

Each approved project may receive:

- Maximum grant: P50,000.

- Additional support: Mentorship and implementation guidance.

- Geographic reach: Communities across Botswana.

- Number of communities targeted: 35.

Applicants should prepare a realistic budget showing how the requested funding will be used to produce measurable community benefits. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

- Village Development Committees. - Registered societies. - Community committees. - Community trusts. - Other recognised community-based organisations.

Applicant organisations must:

- Be formally recognised or registered. - Have at least five standing members. - Demonstrate previous community involvement or initiatives. - Submit only one community project proposal. - Show that the proposed project will benefit the community. - Demonstrate local ownership and participation. - Present a realistic plan for sustainable impact. Who Is Not Eligible?

Applicants may be ineligible if they:

- Are not formally recognised or registered. - Have fewer than five standing members. - Cannot demonstrate previous community involvement. - Submit more than one project proposal. - Propose a project that primarily benefits an individual. - Cannot demonstrate clear community support. - Submit incomplete or unverifiable information. Applicants should consult the official guidelines for the complete list of exclusions. Eligible Project Ideas The program may support sustainable, community-led initiatives such as: - Community gardens. - Food-production projects. - Agricultural initiatives. - Community-owned equipment. - Community-owned facilities or assets. - Livelihood-development projects. - Local enterprise initiatives. - Skills-development activities. - Projects supporting vulnerable community members. - Income-generating community projects. - Environmental sustainability initiatives. - Other locally appropriate projects that improve livelihoods. Every project should respond to a clearly identified need and create benefits that can continue beyond the funding period. Community Gardens and Food Production Community gardens and food-production initiatives can strengthen food security, generate income, and create opportunities for local participation. A strong proposal in this area should explain: - Who will manage the garden or production activity. - Who owns or controls the land. - How water will be accessed. - What crops or products will be produced. - Who will benefit from the project. - How produce will be distributed or sold. - How operating expenses will be covered. - How the project will continue after the grant ends. Applicants should consider local climate, water availability, market demand, technical expertise, and long-term maintenance. Community-Owned Assets The initiative may support assets owned and managed for collective community benefit.

Examples could include:

- Agricultural equipment. - Food-processing equipment. - Tools for community enterprises. - Water or irrigation infrastructure. - Shared production facilities. - Storage equipment. - Other productive community resources.

The proposal should clearly identify:

- Who will own the asset. - Who will be permitted to use it. - How access will be managed. - Who will maintain and repair it. - How disputes will be handled. - How the asset will generate lasting community value. What Is a Community-Led Project? A community-led project is developed, implemented, and managed with meaningful participation from the people it is intended to benefit. Community leadership should be visible through: - Local participation in identifying the need. - Community involvement in project planning. - Shared decision-making. - Local contributions of time, knowledge, labour, or resources. - Transparent project management. - Community monitoring of results. - Collective responsibility for sustainability. A project should not be presented as community-led if local people have had no meaningful role in its design. What Is Local Ownership? Local ownership means that the community takes responsibility for the project and its long-term success. Applicants can demonstrate local ownership through: - Community consultation records. - Meeting minutes. - Letters of support. - Evidence of volunteer commitments. - Contributions of land, labour, materials, or expertise. - Clear management responsibilities. - A maintenance plan. - Community oversight arrangements. Projects with strong local ownership are more likely to continue after grant funding ends. Sustainability Requirements Sustainability refers to the project’s