We work to make sure that both new and established feminist groups in the MENA region have access to more and better funding to continue and develop their work, articulate their own priorities and produce local knowledge.
We work to make sure that these groups have access to more and better funding to continue and develop their work, articulate their own priorities and produce local knowledge through our 3 grantmaking programs:
As part of our holistic approach to supporting the feminist movement in the region and ensuring that they have access to the tools they need to develop and sustain their work, we tailored an Accompaniment program to offer our grantee-partners opportunities to build networks, develop skills and fund management capacity, create alliances and exchange knowledge with fellow feminist groups in the region.
Doria Feminist Fund was created to support the growth and creativity of emerging feminist collectives to launch their initiatives, established feminist organisations seeking to develop new projects, and knowledge production and documentation of the crucial stories and experiences of unique voices within the MENA region
Doria aims to launch annual calls for proposals, aimed at reaching under-resourced communities and issues in the MENA region, and the diaspora. The call for proposals process is led by the Doria grants team, with close collaboration of the activist advisory committee made up of activists and feminist-experts from across the region. The call for proposals is widely disseminated and any emerging or established collective is welcome to apply. You can find more information about Doria’s eligibility criteria here.
Applicants are invited to submit their proposals for core grants, project grants, or knowledge production grants. Doria offers a simple application form inviting applicants to share openly about their plans, and generate their own narrative about their work. Applicants may submit their proposals in Arabic, English, or French.
The Doria team provides opportunities for applicants to connect with Doria and troubleshoot their applications throughout the open call period. Doria’s activist review committee conducts outreach and connects directly with potential applicants, supporting them through the application process. Doria also hosts info sessions and webinars for potential applicants to learn more about Doria and ask any questions they may have.
The Doria grants team and activist review committee collaborate on reviewing and shortlisting applications. The activist committee reviews the applications and provides feedback on all eligible applications. The Doria grants team then works with the activist committee to create a shortlist that is representative of the applicant pool, the priorities of the feminist movement ecosystem, and that aligns with the strategic priorities of Doria. For more information about Doria’s strategic priorities, please review ZAHA: Doria’s Strategic Vision, here.
Doria connects with each shortlisted applicant for more information about their work, and to follow up with due diligence processes. Doria initiates the relationship with potential grantee partners rooted in our core principles of care, solidarity, and trust. Doria’s due diligence process includes reaching out to the applicant’s listed references and referring to the activist committee’s expert knowledge of the context that the applicant works in. The applicants are consulted throughout the due diligence process to promote transparency and accountability.
The Doria grants team confirms the final list of grant recipients with the activist review committee, and officially shares award letters and grants agreements stating the grants period and terms of the grant with the grantee partner. Grantees participate in welcome calls with Doria staff and committee members to discuss the grantee journey, including reporting timelines, safety measures, and accompaniment opportunities.
