GPSNR Working Groups Update: October 2021

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It’s been a busy month, to say the least! If you haven’t had the chance to take stock of everything that has happened, here is the update: 

Strategy and Objectives Working Group

After conducting 2 sessions of the Theory of Change (ToC) Workshop last  month, the Strategy and Objectives working group will soon finalise the ToC document and potentially identify new strategies for GPSNR. They are also working on developing a Request for Proposals for the Economic Risk Study. If you are interested in working on this RFP, please let Aidan know (aidan@gpsnr.org)

Smallholder Representation Working Group

After three successful smallholder onboarding workshops for smallholders from Indonesia, India and Cambodia over the last two months, the working group is formally incorporating new smallholders from the three countries as GPSNR members. 28 new smallholders from Indonesia have already been accepted as members. The group will also be conducting onboarding workshops for Sri Lanka, Thailand and Ivory Coast, and is facilitating smallholder EC nominations ahead of the 2021 General Assembly on 14th December.

Policy Toolbox Working Group

As the General Assembly of 2021 comes closer, the group has met numerous times in October to finalize the Reporting Requirements. . 

Capacity Building Working Group

After finalising the agroforestry position paper via the Agroforestry Task Force, the Capacity Building Working Group is busy finalising the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), a system to monitor impacts of capacity building activities, implementation plans for Ivory Coast and Indonesia as well as developing key deliverables and milestones for the Thailand national sub working group. 

Traceability and Transparency Working Group

This working group is conducting member consultations on the recently developed Traceability Benchmark, and will provide recommendations on the same to the EC based on traceability studies from last year. At the same time, they are developing a TOR for a new working group on risk assessment.

Shared Responsibility Working Group

The group has discussed and explored solutions to identified root causes for each focus area of shared responsibility. It is also continuing to draft activities and a framework for Shared Responsibility for integration into other processes such as the Implementation Guidance, which will include consultations with GPSNR members and WGs to ensure alignment on Shared Responsibility for the platform. 

More To Explore

GPSNR Shared Investment Mechanism 2027 – In-Kind Contribution (IKC) Application Opens

The GPSNR Shared Investment Mechanism (SIM) is now accepting applications for 2027 IKC.
Note: The submission deadline has been extended to 30 September 2026, 23:59 SGT

The SIM is a joint funding framework through which GPSNR Ordinary Members (currently mandatory for Manufacturer Members) collectively support sustainability and capacity-building initiatives across the natural rubber value chain.

Under the Shared Investment Framework, Manufacturer Member organisations may submit eligible projects for consideration under the SIM. Applications will be evaluated against the SIM Funding Principles, Open Market Criteria, and the overall quality of the proposal.  If the project is approved, the actual eligible expenses incurred for that project may be recognised as an IKC and applied towards the organisation’s SIM contribution. 

Who can Apply?
IKC applications are open to GPSNR Manufacturer Members only. While project proposals may be prepared with support from project implementers or other third-party organisations involved in project delivery, the application must be submitted by the GPSNR Manufacturer Member, who remains responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the submission.

If any other GPSNR Ordinary Members wish to submit an IKC application, please contact the Secretariat before preparing your application.

Assessment Process
All IKC applications will undergo a technical evaluation conducted by the Project Management Working Group evaluation panel. Applications recommended by the PMWG will then be submitted to the Shared Investment Panel (SIP) for final endorsement. Following endorsement, applicants may commence implementation for new projects or continue implementation for existing projects.

Application Resources
Before preparing your application, please ensure that you have reviewed the following documents:

Your application should clearly demonstrate how the project aligns with the SIM Funding Principles and satisfies the Open Market Criteria.

Applicants must use the prescribed templates and follow all submission guidance. Proposals that do not comply with the required templates or application requirements will not be considered.

Submission Timeline

Call for Applications Open 10 August 2026
Applicant Webinar 18 August 2026, 3.00-4.00PM SGT
Submission Deadline 30 September 2026, 11.59PM SGT

All required application documents must be submitted by the deadline above. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

Submission Instructions

Step 1: Review the application guidance.
Please read the FAQ – In-Kind Contributions_V2 FAQ document before preparing your submission.

Step 2: Complete the required templates.
Applicants must use the prescribed templates and complete all required sections as instructed. Please do not alter the format, structure, or formulas within the templates. Proposals that do not comply with these requirements will be rejected.

  1. SIM2027 In-Kind Contribution Project Application Template_V3.docx
  2. SIM2027 In-Kind Contribution Project Budget Template_V2

Step 3: Submit your application via email.
Email the completed proposal and budget template to cheewei@gpsnr.org and amanda@gpsnr.org using the following subject line: [SIM2027 IKC Proposal Submission] – [Project Name]
Please ensure that all key points of contact for the project within your organisation are copied (CC’d) on the submission email.

Applicant Webinar

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the SIM 2027 IKC Applicant Webinar, which will be held on 18 August 2026, 3:00–4:00 PM (SGT).

The webinar is designed to help applicants prepare the strongest possible submission. During the session, the Secretariat will:

  • provide an overview of the application process;
  • explain the proposal and budget templates;
  • walk through the assessment criteria;
  • answer questions during a live Q&A session.

Whether you are a first-time applicant or have previously submitted a proposal, attendance is highly recommended to ensure your application fully addresses the evaluation criteria and meets the submission requirements.

Sign up here by 17 August, 12.00PM SGT.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact cheewei@gpsnr.org and amanda@gpsnr.org

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