In our pursuit to sustain and enhance peace-building initiatives across the continent, YMCA Europe is pleased to announce the third call for the Roots Local Capacities for Peace Award.

This initiative is part of YMCA Europe Roots for Peace project, with Brot fur die Welt Germany as our key funding partner.

YMCA Europe member and cooperating organizations are invited to submit applications to receive the Award of € 10,000.

In doing so, the applicant organizations are expected to:

1. With maximum 500 words demonstrate the organization’s contribution specifically towards YMCA Europe Roots project. Let us know what you think was that unique footprint of your organization that enriched the Roots so far, and now deserves due appreciation.
2. With a maximum 500 words elaborate on the concept of the project, which you plan to implement if awarded. Let us know how far that project promotes peace and whether it is in line with YMCA Europe Roots’ theory of change and what innovation it offers. Please indicate clearly who are the target group(s) benefiting from the initiative.
3. Indicate the estimated project budget, and whereby over € 10,000, provide clear information on co-funding sources and guarantees.
4. Provide a piece of visual material (free style) exhibiting your case for further use in YMCA Europe Roots online platforms.

The applications have to be submitted by March the 31st, 2022, through email to YMCA Europe Executive Secretary – Vardan Hambardzumyan.

The shortlisted applications will be nominated for final selection through online assessment exclusively by YMCA Europe Roots Peace Work Institute Alumni by April the 15th, 2022.

The award ceremonies are to take place within YMCA Europe General Assemblies.

Disbursement of the Award funds is subject to a formal agreement to be signed between YMCA Europe and laureate organization, assuming the following responsibilities for the recipient organization:

• As part of the contracting process, to provide YMCA Europe with an implementation plan, timeframe and budget breakdown of the granted project.
• Upon the completion of the project, to provide YMCA Europe with a narrative report, including the list of participants, summary evaluations (if available), and visual (video, photo, publications, etc.)  materials.
• Upon the completion of the project, to provide YMCA Europe with financial reports, incl. the proofs of expenditure (receipts, checks, etc.) and/or audit resolution.
• Ensure the visibility of Roots for Peace Project with the YMCA Europe Roots logo, as well as the reference to the Roots Peace Award to appear on any document, publication, website, etc. linked to the project.
• The 75 % of the award sum will be disbursed prior to the planned activity; the remaining 25 % will be released to the implementing organization only upon the fulfillment of the above-mentioned requirements.
• All Project-related activities must be completed within the Calendar Year of 2022.

2020 was the inaugural year of YMCA Europe Roots Peace Award. After a highly competitive and participatory process YMCA Georgia was selected to receive it. Their proposed “Roof for Roots” award project was successfully implemented in August 2020, notwithstanding all the limitations and challenges caused by Covid-19 pandemic: Read more at: “Roof for Roots”

Local Capacities for Peace Award 2021 went to YMCA Kosovo project “e-bridge” that is still ongoing and aims to build a peace & reconciliation based youth friendly e-learning programme, accessible to young people across the continent of Europe.

Besides the Monetary Award and in liaison with YMCA Europe Executive Committee, Roots established a symbolic recognition for those international partners and supporters that stood and still stand by the project for many years – with the European Union & Council of Europe being identified as the recipients of Roots Peace non-monetary Awards in 2020 and 2021, respectively – a gesture well received and appreciated by both of them.  Read more at: Council of Europe receives Roots Award

Good luck & we are looking forward to hearing back from you!