OVERVIEW
The People Development Third Sector Grant Facility (PDGF) is an initiative by the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector (MLSP) designed to support projects that strengthen people development in Barbados through strategic parterships with the third to deliver impactful programmes that enhance skills, promote innovation, improve well-being, and foster inclusive community growth.
Purpose of the Grant
The PDG aims to:
- Support people development initiatives across Barbados
- Support capacity building in the third sector.
- Strengthen partnerships between government and the third sector.
- Create opportunities for social justice, empowerment, sustainable national development.
Funding Details
- Maximum grant amount: BDS $30,000 per project
- Projects exceeding this must show how additional funding will be secured
- Funding is provided in three instalments:
- 30% on agreement signing to support mobilization
- 30% after mid-term progress report approval
- 40% after final report approval
WHO CAN APPLY?
For the purposes of the People Development Third Sector Grant (PDG) Facility, the third sector refers to the range of organizations that are neither public sector nor private sector. It includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Voluntary and community organizations;
- Social enterprises;
- Mutuals and co-operatives;
- Trade unions;
- Organizations representing economic and social interests;
- Consumer organizations;
- Teaching, cultural, research and scientific organizations;
- Religious organizations; and
- Any non-governmental associations and independent foundations.
Applicants must:
- Be registered for at least 3 years as Charity under the Charities Act or as a Non-Government Organization (NGO) under the Companies Act.
- Be based in Barbados
- Provide required legal and supporting documents
- Submit a complete application
Eligible Projects
Projects must align with at least one strategic priority area specified in the Guidelines and may include:
- Seminars, workshops, training sessions, conferences;
- Capacity building and networking activities;
- Institutional strengthening activities;
- Subcontracting of any aspect of the project execution;
- Advocacy; and
- Research.
The guidelines are available upon request during the call for proposals.
Projects NOT eligible:
- Individual scholarships or sponsorships
- Political activities
- Discriminatory initiatives
- Religious proselytising
Strategic Priority Areas
Priority areas will be established for each call for proposals in the Guidelines. Projects should address one or more of these priorities including, but are subject to change, the following:
- Education & Training for Persons with Disabilities
- Innovation & Enterprise
- Competency-Based Education and Training for Emerging Sectors
- Health & Wellness
- Youth Engagement
- Life Skills Development
APPLICATION PROCESS
The grant process includes:
- Public announcement of funding opportunity
- Submission of proposals (minimum 3-week window)
- Evaluation of applications
- Recommendation of top proposals to the Minister responsible for People Development.
- Final approval and award
Submission Requirements
- Completed application form (per template provided in Guidelines)
- Supporting documents (registration, incorporation, etc.)
- Joint venture agreement (if applicable)
Evaluation
Applications are scored using a prescribed evaluation criteria, outlined in the Guidelines, and evaluated by a Committee including representatives from the Ministry responsible for People Development.
Project Duration
- Projects must start within 30 days of approval
- Maximum duration: 6 months
- Final report due within 30 days of completion
Monitoring & Reporting
Grantees must submit:
- Inception Report (work plan and risk assessment)
- Mid-term Progress Report
- Final Report (results, financials, impact)
Projects may be monitored for up to 1 year after completion.
Key Requirements
- Only one proposal per applicant is allowed
- All activities must take place in Barbados
- Supporting documents are mandatory
WHY APPLY?
The PDG provides an opportunity to:
- Access funding for impactful initiatives
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Make a measurable difference in communities
- Contribute to national development goals
📩 For more information or assistance, contact:
PDGF@labour.gov.bb
