Introduction

In partnership with the US Agency for International Development, the Global Shea Alliance (GSA) is launching a five-year, $3,000,000 USD matching grant fund to support the implementation of GSA sustainability work streams: (1) warehouses for women shea collectors; (2) capacity building and business training for women’s groups receiving warehouses; (3) health and safety pilot projects; (4) research and development of planting materials; (5) parkland management trainings for sheacommunities; and (6) conservation pilot projects. Please see find attached a full description of work streams here.

The GSA seeks proposals that address all six work streams, and proposes the use of matched funding for work streams 2, 5, and 6.

Through the distribution of these funds, the GSA will develop collaborations amongst registered sustainability partners including women’s groups, food and cosmetic brands, suppliers, and NGOs in order to develop synergies across work streams, leverage public and private funding, and ensure market access for women’s groups.

Key Performance Indicators for Work Streams

The GSA has the following priorities in 2016, 2017, and 2018:

KPIs / 2016 / 2017 / 2018
Warehouses Constructed / 30 / 45 / 65
Women Trained / 16,500 / 24,750 / 35,750
New Seedlings Planted / 100,000 / 100,000 / 100,000
Protection and improved management (Number of trees) / 2,000,0000 / 2,000,00 / 2,000,000
Trade facilitated through sustainability activities (Metric tons of shea kernels sold) / 23,750 MT / 26,555 MT / 30,763 MT
Percent increase in income for women collectors and processors / 50% / 50% / 50%

Collaboration Development

Phase One – Sustainability Partner Statement of Interest (July 15– August 5)

Sustainability partners must submit a statement of interest using the attached template that describes work stream activities, key performance indicators, and available public and private resources to support a sustainability initiative.

Partners should indicate if they would like Secretariat assistance to develop a collaboration that will include other partners with different expertise and resources.

During this phase, the Secretariat may provide assistance in completing the form and suggest collaborations that match the interests of the submitting partner.

Phase Two – Sustainability Partner Collaborations (August 5 – August 30)

All partners that submitted statements of interests should then form collaborations that include participation of multiple stakeholder categories in order to maximize impact across work streams.

Each collaboration must submit a three-page concept note that includes: (1) Lead partner that will administer the grant and coordinate all reporting; (2) description of all partners and role in the initiative, (3) activities to be undertaken in each work stream, (4) key performance indicators for each work stream, (5) identification of public and private resources, (6) timeline of activities, and (7) budget that identifies private cash, in-kind, and additional donor funding.

The Secretariat may suggest collaborations during this phase and also assist partners in developing their concept notes.

Phase Three – Selection Process (August 30 – September 15)

The GSA will select concept notes based on the following criteria:

  1. Achievement of key performance indicators described above
  2. Broad stakeholder participation including brands, suppliers, NGOs, and women’s groups
  3. Leverage of public and private resources
  4. Project addresses multiple work streams
  5. Clear delineation of partner roles and responsibilities
  6. Capability of the lead partner to manage grant funding and required reporting
  7. Activities are consistent with sustainability program, warehouse manual, and other best practices

Phase Four – Memorandums of Understanding (September 15 – September 30)

Based on the selected concept notes, the GSA will negotiate memorandums of understanding that will define the project budget, scope of work, and reporting requirements.