Application for Peer Learning Exchanges
End FGM EU is relaunching a transformative opportunity for its member organisations: the Peer Learning Exchanges Programme designed to strengthen capacity building, knowledge-sharing, and organisational resilience through reciprocal learning exchanges. This programme pairs member organisations to learn from each other, share expertise, and build lasting solidarity across our movement.
Unlike traditional training programmes, this peer-to-peer model recognises that members themselves hold valuable expertise and that mutual learning is a powerful engine for collective capacity strengthening. You carry out essential work every day, and this programme offers you the opportunity to learn from fellow members while sharing your own knowledge and good practices.
As you know, one of the main aims of the Network is to build the capacity and leadership of members, creating a collective force to end FGM – and YOU, our members, are at the heart of this movement.
This year, with new 3-year funding support, we have a unique opportunity to facilitate structured peer learning exchanges that strengthen our entire network.
How does it work?
Through a new 3-year partnership, eligible member organisations of the Network can participate in peer learning exchanges where organisations visit each other to exchange practices, tools, and strategies. This programme is fully aligned with the END FGM EU Strategic Plan 2023–2027.
Available budget
- €1,000 per exchange (covering travel, accommodation, and subsistence)
- 4 exchanges funded annually
- 12 exchanges total over 2026, 2027, 2028
This programme gives you ownership of your learning journey, fully tailored to your organisation's context and capacity-building needs.
Timeline first round of regranting (Year 1)
- Implementation: May 2026 – September 2026
- Application deadline: 31 March 2026, 23:59 CET
- Notifications: 17 April 2026
- Exchange start: May 2026
Who can apply?
Eligibility conditions
Only organisations that meet ALL the following criteria may apply:
- Be Full or Associate Members of End FGM EU
- Have commitment to reciprocal learning (both offering expertise and seeking to learn)
- Have capacity to participate in-person exchange visit (2-4 days)
- Commit to reporting (mid-term check-in + final report 2 pages max) and knowledge-sharing with the wider network
- Adhere to END FGM EU's Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy
How will we choose the successful applicants?
The Selection Committee will assess applications based on:
- Complementarity & Mutual benefit: Strong alignment between skills one member offers and the other seeks. Both organisations clearly benefit from the exchange.
- Specificity: Clear, concrete learning objectives (not vague statements like "improve advocacy"). Proposed learning areas are specific and realistic.
- Feasibility: Realistic plans within the 6-month timeline, considering organisational capacity.
The Selection Committee will identify potential pairings/groupings based on complementarity of skills offered and sought. We will respect your preferences where possible, but may propose alternative pairings if complementarity is stronger elsewhere.
If alternative pairings are proposed, you will be contacted BEFORE final selection to confirm interest.
Key objectives of this Peer Learning Exchanges Programme
The programme aims to: map skill sets and training needs amongst members, facilitate reciprocal exchange of knowledge and skills on good practices, enhance members' capacity to address organisational and operational challenges, create a culture of solidarity, mutual support, and feminist knowledge-sharing, build horizontal connections that strengthen the network as a collective force.
What you can learn (and share)
The programme is fully flexible. YOU define your learning objectives based on your organisation's needs. Examples include:
Organisational & Operational capacity
- Financial management, budgeting, donor reporting
- HR policies, staff wellbeing, feminist governance
- MEL frameworks, impact measurement
- Safeguarding policies and implementation
- Fundraising strategies, grant writing
Programmatic & Strategic capacity
- Advocacy strategies, policy influence, coalition-building
- Community mobilisation, survivor leadership
- Youth engagement, intergenerational dialogue
- Service delivery models (hotlines, support groups, referrals)
- Communication strategies, social media campaigns
Eligible costs
- Travel
- Accommodation: 3 nights Max per visit
- Subsistence: Daily allowance for meals and local transport
Reimbursement process: Costs are reimbursed after peer learning exchange implementation. Each member will be invited to submit an Expenses Claim for peer learning cost reimbursement with supporting documents (receipts, invoices, boarding passes).
Note: for organisations facing cash-flow constraints, flexible payment schedules can be negotiated with the Secretariat.
Reporting
Our reporting is simple and learning-focused:
- Mid-term: 30-45 minute check-in call with Secretariat
- Final: Narrative report (max 2 pages) + expenses claim with supporting documents
- Knowledge-sharing output: Webinar, practice note, or presentation for wider network
The successful applicants will need to:
- Participate in mid-term MEL check-in
- Submit a final narrative report (max 2 pages) by September 2026
- Submit expenses claims with receipts/invoices
- Deliver knowledge-sharing output for wider network to capitalise learning through the Network
Apply now
Deadline: 31 March 2026, 23:59 CET
Read the full Terms of Reference HERE
Download and complete the Expression of Interest Form HERE
Please fill in the form and send it via email to Aminata Bah: abah@endfgm.eu by 31 March 2026, 23:59 CET. All applications must be sent with the following subject line: Peer Learning Exchanges 2026 - [YOUR ORGANISATION NAME].
If you have any questions or need support for your application, please send an email to the Operations and Governance Officer Aminata Bah: abah@endfgm.eu.
