Call for Applications
A report on the Nordic strategy for sustainable development entitled: Sustainable Development: New Bearings for the Nordic Countries, Revised editions with goals and priorities 2009 – 2012 (pdf-file), forms the principal cross-sector framework for the Nordic Council of Ministers’ work on sustainable development. The Nordic Council of Ministers funds projects that support the implementation of the Nordic strategy on sustainable development. The focus in 2011 will be on education for sustainable development and local co-operation on sustainable development.
The deadline for applications is 1 December 2010. See the 
NCM Application Form (in English) or NCM Ansökningsblankett (in Swedish).
To be eligible for grants from the Nordic Council of Ministers under the Nordic strategy for sustainable development in 2011, proposals must meet the following criteria:
• They must be clearly linked to the sustainable development strategy’s priorities on education for sustainable development and/or local co-operation on sustainable development.
• They must be cross-sectoral, innovative and generate Nordic added value.
• The project participants must be from at least three Nordic countries or autonomous territories.
• Grants from the sustainable development can be max. 50% of the total project budget.
• Funding from the sustainable development should be seen as seed money, i.e. it must be used to help launch new initiatives. It cannot be used for longer-term operational costs.
• Projects already in receipt of funds from the sustainable development are not eligible to apply for additional funding.
In 2011, the focus will be on the following objectives and priorities in the Nordic strategy for sustainable development:
Education for sustainable development
Overall goal up to 2020:
The Nordic countries will work for knowledge about sustainable development to be included in curricula and guidelines for elementary school, youth education, adult education and higher education.
Prioritised areas 2009–2012:
The Nordic countries will promote education regarding sustainable development through established programmes and instruments, lead the way in the UN Decade for Education for Sustainable Development 2005–2014, and promote education co-operation on sustainable development and climate change.
Local co-operation on sustainable development
Overall goal up to 2020:
All of the Nordic municipalities should stand behind the Aalborg Commitments for sustainable urban development, or develop and adopt their own strategies for sustainable development.
Prioritised areas 2009–2012:
The Nordic countries will contribute to strong co-operation and exchange of experiences on local sustainability strategies and Agenda 21 between individual local authorities, across national borders and at a grassroots level. Particular consideration should be given to small communities and Arctic local authorities, with respect to their special problems and limited economies.
