The Norec Grant for Work Exchange Cooperation is now accepting applications for its Phase 1: Concept Development funding opportunity, offering organizations the chance to build strong international partnerships and develop innovative work exchange projects focused on sustainable development. The initiative supports organizations that are committed to creating meaningful global collaborations while providing young professionals with valuable international work experience.
This grant serves as the first stage of a two-phase funding process and is specifically designed for new partnerships that intend to establish long-term international work exchange programmes beginning in August or September 2027. Successful applicants in Phase 1 will receive financial support to jointly develop their project ideas before applying for full project implementation funding in Phase 2.
Organizations from eligible countries that are passionate about sustainable development, youth empowerment, climate action, gender equality, and international cooperation are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
Application Deadline: 1 September 2026 (23:59 Central European Time – CET).
What is the Norec Grant for Work Exchange Cooperation?
The Norec Grant for Work Exchange Cooperation is an international funding programme established to strengthen global partnerships through reciprocal work exchanges. Rather than simply funding development projects, Norec focuses on building institutional capacity by enabling organizations from different countries to exchange young professionals and volunteers who can share knowledge, skills, and experience.
The programme supports Norway’s broader international development policy while contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Its long-term objective is to strengthen organizations through mutual learning while creating opportunities for young people to gain practical international work experience that contributes to sustainable development.
Unlike traditional aid programmes, the Norec model is based on reciprocity, ensuring that all participating organizations both contribute knowledge and benefit from the partnership.
Purpose of the Grant
The Norec grant has two primary objectives:
- Build strong and lasting global partnerships that promote institutional development.
- Create opportunities for young people to gain international work experience while contributing to sustainable development.
These objectives contribute toward Norway’s international development priorities, including:
- Economic development
- Poverty reduction
- Democracy
- Human rights
- Good governance
- Sustainable development
Norec’s Core Principles
Norec’s Core Principles is firmly grounded on Norec’s vision and theory of change and reflects two main principles:
The programme is built around two important principles.
1. Reciprocity
Every organization involved is considered an equal partner.
Instead of one organization simply providing assistance to another, each partner contributes expertise, knowledge, and practical experience while simultaneously learning from the other organizations.
This mutual exchange creates stronger institutions and more sustainable long-term partnerships.
2. Youth Participation
Young people represent a significant proportion of the world’s population but often have limited opportunities to participate in international decision-making and development initiatives.
Through work exchanges lasting between six and twelve months, young professionals aged 18–35 gain valuable international experience while supporting sustainable development initiatives within host organizations.
Thematic Priorities for 2026
Although applications addressing all Sustainable Development Goals are welcome, Norec has identified several priority themes for the 2026 funding cycle:
- Climate
- Climate adaptation
- Gender equality
- Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
Projects addressing these areas may receive particular attention during assessment.
Two-Phase Application Process
The funding programme consists of two connected stages.
Phase 1: Concept Development
Applicants jointly submit a project concept describing their proposed work exchange partnership.
If approved, organizations receive funding to:
- Meet in person
- Strengthen their partnership
- Develop the project concept
- Prepare a comprehensive Phase 2 application
During this stage, Norec also provides guidance to help applicants design successful exchange projects.
Phase 2: Project Implementation
Organizations that successfully complete Phase 1 may submit a full implementation proposal.
Approved partnerships receive funding to carry out their international work exchange programme.
Who Can Apply?
Applications must be submitted jointly by partnerships consisting of two or more legally registered organizations from different countries.
Eligible organization types include:
- Civil society organizations
- Public institutions
- Private sector companies
- Multilateral organizations
- Global organizations
Each organization must be legally registered under one of these categories.
Organizational Capacity Requirements
All partner organizations must demonstrate sufficient administrative and financial capacity.
Requirements include:
- A Board of Directors or Trustees (where applicable)
- A physical office
- Suitable workspace for exchange participants
- Digital accounting software (Excel alone is not accepted)
- Ability to receive international funding
- Audited annual financial statements no older than 18 months
- At least three full-time salaried employees working across programme delivery, management, and administration (with limited exceptions)
Geographic Eligibility
Projects must be implemented in countries that qualify for Norwegian Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Norec gives priority to countries where Norway already has established development cooperation (Norec’s’ partner list).
During assessment, Norec also considers:
- Visa feasibility
- Security conditions
- Travel permissions
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must also satisfy several important conditions.
Organizations:
- Must not be under investigation by Norec.
- Must not have outstanding reimbursement claims.
- Must comply with labour, health, safety and environmental legislation.
- Must maintain policies against sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment and corruption.
- Must follow responsible business practices where applicable.
Read more on Norec’s minimum ethical principles.
Project Requirements
The proposed project must:
- Address a clearly identified development need.
- Align with Norec’s objectives.
- Comply with OECD/DAC Official Development Assistance (ODA) criteria.
- Promote sustainable development.
- Demonstrate strong reciprocal partnerships.
Commitment to Inclusion
Norec actively encourages applications from:
- Organizations that have not traditionally participated in international development cooperation.
- Organizations representing marginalized or vulnerable groups.
This reflects Norec’s commitment to the principle of Leave No One Behind.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Eligible applications are assessed using several criteria.
Administrative Capacity
Organizations must demonstrate effective governance, financial systems, and project management capacity.
Partnership Strength
Applications should clearly explain:
- Each partner’s role
- Mutual benefits
- Joint ownership
- Collaborative planning
Learning Objectives
Projects should include:
- Realistic goals
- Measurable indicators
- Clear target groups
- Organizational learning outcomes
Innovation
Projects should demonstrate:
- Knowledge exchange
- Innovative approaches
- Institutional learning
- Potential for long-term impact
Strategic Alignment
The project should complement each organization’s existing strategy and demonstrate why Norec funding adds value.
Sustainability
Applicants should explain how project outcomes will continue after funding ends.
Participant Support
Organizations must provide detailed plans covering:
- Recruitment
- Mentoring
- Integration
- Learning activities
- Support before, during and after exchanges
Risk Management
Applications should identify and mitigate risks relating to:
- Human rights
- Gender equality
- Climate
- Environmental protection
- Corruption
- Financial management
Cost Effectiveness
Budgets should justify every proposed expenditure and demonstrate efficient use of funding.
Alignment with Norec Priorities
Projects that support Norec’s thematic priorities and portfolio balance will receive stronger consideration.
Assessment of Returning Applicants
Organizations that previously received Norec funding will also be evaluated on:
- Performance under previous grants
- Financial management
- Administrative compliance
- Participant support
- Partnership communication
- Innovation
- Ability to build upon previous achievements
Available Funding
Successful Phase 1 applicants may receive:
- Up to 150,000 Norwegian Kroner (NOK) or the equivalent amount in USD.
Funding can cover:
- Partner meetings
- International travel
- Accommodation
- Daily allowances
- Required visas
- Vaccinations
All budgets must follow Norec’s official templates and guidelines.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 application deadline | 1 September 2026 |
| Decision notification | Within 3 months |
| Phase 2 application deadline (invited applicants) | 1 February 2027 |
| Expected exchange start | August/September 2027 |
How to Apply
Applicants should complete their application through Norec’s online application portal.
Before applying, organizations should ensure they:
- Form an eligible international partnership.
- Develop a joint project concept.
- Prepare the required organizational documentation.
- Complete the official budget template.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Norec has indicated that applicants must use its new digital application portal for Phase 1 submissions.
Conclusion
The Norec Grant for Work Exchange Cooperation presents a significant opportunity for organizations seeking to build impactful international partnerships while empowering young professionals through reciprocal work exchanges. With funding of up to 150,000 NOK available during the Concept Development phase, organizations can establish the foundations for long-term collaboration that advances sustainable development, institutional learning, and global knowledge exchange.
Organizations with strong international ambitions, a commitment to youth participation, and innovative ideas aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals should begin preparing their applications well before the 1 September 2026 deadline. Successful Phase 1 applicants will not only receive financial support to refine their project ideas but also position themselves for larger implementation funding in Phase 2, paving the way for meaningful international cooperation beginning in 2027.
Visit the OFY website for more Grant opportunities.
