The objectives of the 2010 call for proposals are to:

• Improve remittance transmission and access to remittance services in rural areas.
• Link remittances to financial services and products in rural areas.
• Develop innovative and productive rural investment channels and opportunities for migrants and community-based organizations.

Deadline for online application of concept proposals 7 June 2010
Finalist pre-selection and request for full proposals 23 July 2010
Deadline for submission of full proposals 10 Sep 2010
Selection of finalists 4 Nov 2010
Note. Dates may vary onward depending on the number of concept proposals received.

Applicants may be (a) a non-profit institution such as a non-governmental organization; (b) a public, governmental institution; (c) a for-profit entity; or (d) mutual/cooperative organization or credit union. For-profit entities are strongly encouraged to partner with non-profit institutions for the development of joint project proposals.

Through a four-phase competitive process, the FFR awards grant financing of up to US$250,000 per project to eligible institutions (except for proposals under the mobile banking and mobile money transfers thematic window with a US$500,000 grant maximum), to be implemented within a two-year period. Depending on the nature of the applicants’ organization, a minimum counterpart contribution ranging from 20 to 50 per cent will be required.