CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) – SELECTION OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (CSOs) / SPORT ENTITIES FOR INCUBATION

About the Role

Founded in 1999, PLAY International is a French non-governmental organization that leverages the power of sport to address social challenges affecting children and youth, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Operating at the intersection of education, protection, and social inclusion, the organization uses sport as an innovative pedagogical tool to promote access to education, gender equality, health awareness, social cohesion, and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Since its creation, PLAY International has implemented projects in over 20 countries, benefiting nearly one million children worldwide.

PLAY International opened its mission in Rwanda in 2024, working in close collaboration with local stakeholders, including schools, community groups, and sports actors. Through its programs, the organization seeks to create safe, inclusive, and supportive environments where children and young people can learn, grow, and thrive. Its interventions are guided by strong principles of child protection, gender equality, and social cohesion.

Despite Rwanda’s progress in promoting sports for development, challenges persist in ensuring that sport environments are safe, inclusive, and accessible to all. Girls, in particular, continue to face barriers such as discrimination, harmful social norms, and risks of violence, limiting their participation and potential benefits from sport.

In response to these challenges, the “All Girls in Sport” project aims to contribute to the reduction of gender inequalities by promoting girls’ participation in sport in Rwanda and Burundi. The project seeks to foster inclusive sport practices for all children, with a particular focus on increasing opportunities and access for girls within their communities. At the same time, it prioritizes strengthening child protection systems, especially for girls, to ensure that sport is practiced in a safe, inclusive, dignified, and respectful environment.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and/or Sports entities play a vital role in advancing these efforts at the community level. However, many face capacity gaps related to governance, organizational development, resource mobilization, and safeguarding systems.

To address these challenges, PLAY International is launching this Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) to identify and support a cohort of CSOs and/or sports entities through a structured incubation program. This initiative aims to strengthen their capacities to design and deliver inclusive, safe, and sustainable sport programs, contributing to a more equitable and protective sport ecosystem in Rwanda.

How to Apply

Interested Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and/or sports entities are invited to submit their applications following the instructions below. Only complete applications that meet the eligibility criteria will be considered.

Applicants must provide the following documents and information:

• Completed application form (provided by PLAY International) including:
  • Organization’s legal registration details – ANNEX 2 (no template)
  • Mission, vision, and programmatic focus - ANNEX 3 (no template)
  • Proposed initiatives aligned with the All Girls in Sport objectives, including the description of ongoing sport-based activities, particularly for girls - ANNEX 1 (complete the template)
• Organizational information
  • Governance structure (board, management team)
  • Past experience in sport, child protection, or gender-related programs
  • List of key staff responsible for project implementation
• Supporting documents
  • Legal registration certificate
  • Latest annual report or financial statement
  • Any evidence of previous achievements or impact (photos, reports, ....)
• Motivation statement
  • Explanation of why your organization is applying
  • Demonstration of commitment to child protection, gender equality, and safe sport practices
  • Expected benefits from participation in the incubation program

Applications should be submitted via email to: rwanda@play-international.org Subject line: “EOI – AGIS Incubation Program + organization Name” Attach all required documents in PDF format