The Regional Initiative Fund (RIF), established in 2019 by the CPA Secretariat, empowers small jurisdictions to enhance their legislative capacity and effectiveness. The fund aligns with the CPA’s Strategic Objective to ‘Strengthen the capacity and maximise the effectiveness of Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff and enable mutual learning.’
Branches can apply for funding to support capacity-strengthening projects in areas such as parliamentary practice, infrastructure, research services, and legislative development.
For 2025, the RIF offers a total of £25,000. Individual project proposals can request funding up to £10,000, however, we encourage branches to consider applying for smaller amounts to cover focused, smaller-scale initiatives.
Whether it’s a single branch initiative, a regional collaboration, or a joint proposal, the RIF provides a flexible platform to address specific needs and drive impactful change.
To find out more about the Regional Initiative Fund, please download and review the RIF Terms of Reference.
The Fund for 2025 is £25,000, from which Small Branches may be awarded up to £10,000 to support efforts toward improving the technical functioning of the legislature.
Who Can Apply?
How to Apply
Deadline
Applications for the 2025 funding cycle open in December 2024 and close on 10 March 2025.
What Happens Next?
Need Help?
CPA HQ is available to assist with your submission, ensuring clarity and completeness—but assistance does not guarantee funding.
An experienced clerk from a Small Branch was deployed in St Helena for the duration of two weeks to provide training for the clerks in St Helena. The clerk deployed assessed the procedures in place and completed a report outlining key recommendations for the Legislative Council.
Budget covered flights, accommodation and subsistence for Clerk.
A peer review & two-day workshop and case study of how the how the Seychelle's National Assembly can implement a Parliamentary Service Act was carried out, supporting the National Assembly’s long-term pursuit of establishing a Parliamentary Services Commission. It also enhanced the knowledge of the MNAs and parliamentary staff and promote best practices and provide a framework for how the institution can function more independently and ethically. The workshop was delivered with the support and contributions of the Clerk’s Office at The Scottish Parliament and the Head of Programmes at the CPA.
Budget covered deployment of workshop facilitators.
An example of a proposal:
A parliament identified that is Mamber's Code of Conduct was out of date and needed refreshing. They submitted a proposal that would enable them to work with a consultant to develop a new Members’ Code of Conduct. They utilised the funds by hiring a consultant who came to work with them directly.
Budget covered consultants fees and additional costs.
An example of a proposal:
A parliament had identified that its computer system was out of date, making it hard to use appropriate software and creating challenges in day-to-day work. They submitted a proposal for improve its computer infrastructure in its Parliaments and offices. It used funds buy and install computers and software that was fit for purpose.
Budget covered cost and installation of computers and software.
