Livelihood refers to the means by which individuals and communities sustain themselves economically, enabling them to secure the necessities of life such as food, shelter, clothing, and other essential resources. As the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shifts its approach towards integration, it also emphasizes the importance of sustainable livelihood solutions.
The IOM's Livelihoods team plays a crucial role in bridging the skill sets of migrants with the existing gaps within the Turkish labor market. Currently, the team offers a range of initiatives to support this goal. These include grants designed to aid the initiation or expansion of businesses, projects related to community farming, vocational training, and various interventions based on the specific needs of the targeted groups.
By promoting opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, the IOM aims to empower refugees and others to become self-reliant, acquire valuable skills, and contribute to the local economy of their host countries. This approach not only reduces the strain on humanitarian assistance programs but also benefits the resources of the host communities.
IOM's Enterprise Development Fund (EDF) mirrors the innovative approach of the Cooperative Development Fund, focusing on economic recovery and revitalization of the private sector in Türkiye.
This initiative is custom-tailored for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Similar to CDF, the primary aim is to restore crucial economic infrastructure and extend financial support to sectors that have encountered economic setbacks.
By aiding these enterprises, the EDF initiative facilitates the resurgence of economic activities and the generation of additional employment opportunities. It empowers businesses to invest in their own future growth and development.
The Livelihoods Unit within IOM is dedicated to bolstering the resilience of SMEs, contributing to the overall economic landscape. As with the CDF, prospective applicants for the EDF must satisfy specific eligibility criteria and furnish the required information during the application process.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched a Cooperative Development Fund (CDF) to support women-led cooperatives as part of its commitment to contribute to economic recovery in Türkiye. The CDF aims to provide practical capital assistance to existing women's cooperatives in order to improve their growth and capacity to meaningfully create jobs.
IOM intends to provide small business grants to selected cooperatives to help restore essential economic infrastructure and resume economic activities. The financial grants will be based on an assessment of each cooperative's needs, potential for job creation, and proposed business plans. By supporting these enterprises, the CDF seeks to pave the way for the addition of new jobs and opportunities for businesses to invest in their futures.
Interested cooperatives are invited to submit an grant application, which will receive individual attention. Applicants should provide the requested information and meet the minimum Eligibility Criteria below for their application to be considered. Successful applicants will be asked to submit a full proposal with supporting documentation.
