Gülümseme ve Zeytin Yardımlaşma ve Dayanışma Derneği (GvZ) invites civil society organizations (CSOs) to apply for participation in the MinRef LEAD project, a program designed to strengthen CSOs working with vulnerable and diverse communities in Türkiye.

Project Overview

The MinRef LEAD project aims to empower local CSOs to advocate for the rights and inclusion of vulnerable groups in Türkiye. The project offers training, coaching, and financial support to help CSOs build their capacity in advocacy, human rights, and community engagement.

Geographic Focus:

The project targets organizations in Gaziantep, Mardin, and Sanliurfa, regions with significant populations from diverse communities, including those who face social and economic marginalization.

Eligibility Criteria

Organizations that are eligible to apply include:

• CSOs based in or operating in Gaziantep, Mardin, or Sanliurfa
• CSOs working with vulnerable and marginalized groups, especially those promoting human rights, social inclusion, or gender equality
• Organizations with a minimum of two years of experience in community-based work
• Organizations that demonstrating strong female representation (at least 50% of women in leadership roles)

Project Objectives:

The MinRef LEAD project aims to achieve the following:
1. Capacity Building: Equip CSOs with the skills needed to implement effective projects in advocacy, human rights, and community participation.
2. Sub-Granting: Provide financial support for CSOs to implement community interventions that promote social cohesion and human rights for vulnerable groups.
3. Advocacy and Networking: Strengthen CSOs’ ability to influence local and international policy-making by working together on joint advocacy initiatives.

Project Phases:

1. Application and Selection Eligible organizations will submit their applications, and shortlisted CSOs will be invited for interviews. Six CSOs will be selected to participate in the project.
2. Training and Capacity Strengthening

Selected CSOs will receive training on topics such as:

○ Project Cycle Management
○ Financial Management
○ Advocacy and Lobbying
○ Community Participation
○ Gender Equality and Inclusion

3. Community Dialogue and Intervention Design Each CSO will conduct Community Awareness Dialogue Sessions (CADS) to identify community priorities and develop relevant projects.
4. Sub-Granting and Implementation CSOs will receive financial support to implement their designed interventions with ongoing coaching from the GvZ team.
5. Advocacy and Networking The project will culminate in joint advocacy efforts, including the production of policy briefs and engagement with local, national, and international stakeholders.