During 2009 Sida will disburse SEK 1.3 billion to 15 framework organisations.
Types of framework organisations
- Umbrella organisations, which prepare and pass on funding applications from their member organisations. It is the latter that sign agreements and cooperate with organisations in developing countries.
- Organisations that develop and run their own development cooperation programmes and projects and sign agreements directly with cooperation partners in developing countries.
Conditions for framework organisations
Criteria for the selection of framework organisationsspecifies the principles for Sida's cooperation with a number of Swedish NGOs under the framework agreement system and principles.
Sida’s cooperation with the framework organisations is based on a long-term commitment. A framework agreement normally runs for 8–10 years. An agreement relating to Sida’s financing of core activities is
valid for three years, followed by a one-year evaluation phase with continued financing. During this phase, the framework organisation presents a report of the result of the first period together with an application for an additional three-year period.
Sida undertakes an in-depth analysis of both the report and the application before a new financial agreement is approved. Throughout the period of cooperation, the framework organisation submits annual financial reports in accordance with Sida’s requirements. During each four-year cycle (3+1 years), a follow-up of previous system audits and a programme evaluation are usually carried out on Sida’s initiative. Sida assesses the organisation’s qualifications as a framework organisation at least once during each alternate four-year cycle.
The framework organisations are responsible for the planning, follow-up, reporting and analysis of its activities in a manner that allows Sida to assess its quality and use the information. Sida gives high priority to the effective and quality use of its funding support to framework organisations. For this reason regular system-based audits of framework organisations is carried out to ensure that funds are used appropriately.
System-based audit
A systems-based audit has the aim of analysing whether the framework organisations’ internal management and control systems guarantee the quality and accuracy of their documentation. Also, it evaluates whether the framework organisations have appropriate systems for managing their operational goals and capacity to fulfil the goals set out by the Policy for civil society development.
With this systems-based audit, Sida aims to improve the quality in applications, reporting and follow-up of performance, greater efficiency in the organisations, and better cooperation between the organisations and Sida.
Cooperation with framework organisations
If a local CSO is interested in entering into a partnership with a Swedish CSO, it is advised to contact any of the current 15 framework organisations. Sida’s support for a local CSO under the NGO appropriation must be channelled through a Swedish framework organisation. A local CSO must enter into and develop a close cooperation with a Swedish CSO. The Swedish partner must also provide at least 10 percent of the total project funding.
Forum Syd is the largest Swedish organisation with a framework agreement. Local CSOs are advised to contact Forum Syd and its regional offices for information on and cooperation with Swedish CSOs.
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Fact box - Framework agreement flow - an example
Sida supports the development of civil society through a series of framework agreements.
For example, the local civil society organisation ZANAB starts working with SRF, a Swedish CSO. They plan projects together in detail. Then SRF applies for grants from SHIA, which in turn has a framework agreement with Sida.
- Zanzibar Association of the Blind (ZANAB)
- The Swedish Association of the Visually Impaired (SRF)
- SHIA – umbrella organisation for disability organisations in Sweden
- Sida
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