APPLICANTS ELIGIBLE FOR SDF SUPPORT 

PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE YOU FILL IN THE APPLICATION!

The Skills Development Fund (SDF) has two ‘windows', catering for different target groups. Window 1 will support improvement of the quality and relevance of formal and non-formal TVET, and Window 2  will address skills gaps and skills shortage experienced by private enterprises in the formal and informal sectors of the economy.

Eligible Beneficiaries for Window 1

The training provider is considered eligible to apply for Window 1 if:

• The training provider is either a registered public, private or non-profit entity, evidenced by an up to date certificate of registration. Providers that apply as a consortium must include a signed letter from the entities in the consortium indicating their agreement to form a consortium for the purposes of the grant; and consequently providing a Power of Attorney indicating which of the consortium members will be dealing with the Secretariat.

• The training provider has a track record of operating functional training program(s) in subject areas related to the application. For new proposed formal TVET courses, the training provider has a track record of operating functional training program(s) in the department where the new course will be offered.
• The training provider must have the required teaching staff and facilities necessary for providing the proposed training course(s) at an acceptable level.
• Priority will be given to training providers who demonstrate commitment to engage with an appropriate industry and/or private sector.

Eligible Beneficiaries for Window 2

For Window 2, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Be an informal sector member-based organization/association/coop or a registered company/Business.
• The company/business/organization/coop must have been in existence for at least 2 years.
• Employee/membership composition should be majority Sierra Leonean nationality.
• Employee/membership composition of 25% youth and/or women.
• Must be from the 5 targeted sectors: agriculture, tourism, extractives, construction, and renewable energy.
• Have demonstrable commercial viability.
• The proposed training must benefit a minimum of 25 proposed trainees across the informal and formal sectors.