Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Eesti Vabariigi Välisministeerium
Background
Estonia does not currently operate an independent implementation agency for their development policy. Projects can be implemented by NGOs, ministries, other governmental institutions and legal persons. After having presented a project proposal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) – and under the condition that this has been accepted – a contract regulating obligations and responsibilities of the parties is signed between the MFA and the project executor.
Beginning in 2010, Estonia now abides by new procedures for the implementation and procurement of development cooperation projects. Each year, an annual round of applications is announced to support projects that must be consistent with the ‘Estonian Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, 2006 – 2010’ Development Plan.
Grant Size
The minimum project cost should be 50,000 EEK (€3,195), except for projects aimed at informing the public; whereby a minimum level of 10,000 EEK (€639,115) is requested.
There is no ceiling; the Ministry has in the past approved projects exceeding 1 million EEK (€63,911).
Own Contribution
At least 5% of the total eligible project cost must be provided through either co-financing or self-financing. Half of this amount may be provided as in-kind contributions.
Funding Priorities
Proposals should be in accordance with the “Strategy of Estonian Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid 2006-2010” and its objectives:
- Human development
- Peace and the enjoyment of human rights and democratic development;
- Economic development and sustainable development
- Development of efficient communication and education
In addition, projects should focus upon the specified priority partner countries.
Grantmaking Criteria
Grants can only be awarded to organisations that are both registered in the Republic of Estonia and continuously operating.
Guidelines
Beginning in 2010, Estonia’s calls for proposals now operate according to a detailed guidelines handbook. This is available online only in Estonian: https://www.riigiteataja.ee/ert/act.jsp?id=13269954
Project Duration
A project cannot exceed 24 months.
Deadline
The timeframe between the post of a call and the submission deadline is 60 days, but specific dates will be mentioned in each call.
Application Forms
A project proposal requires:
• Presentation of the problem
• Objectives of the project and anticipated results
• Budget for the implementation of the project
• Action plan
• Monitoring procedure for the implementation of the project
• Name of the person or institution responsible for its fulfilment and their contact data.
Both the form of a project proposal and a project report are available at the Ministry’s website when a call is announced.
Application and Procedures
The project has to be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If it meets the requirements, it will be forwarded to an Evaluation Commission for assessment.
The Evaluation Commission consists of representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications Ministry, Finance Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Foreign Ministry and at least two members of civil society. The Commission may also include representatives of other institutions and other independent experts in their field.
The Commission may take up to 60 working days to review applications, and may pose questions or request revisions at several points throughout this process. After evaluation by the Commission, the project proposal has to be approved by the Foreign Minister for signing the contract and implementation.
Languages
Estonian.
Tips
The main mistakes met by the MFA are that the goals and the activities foreseen are sometimes too general and the projects have not been prepared in detail. Occasionally the interests of the recipient organisation have not been taken into account sufficiently. The Development Cooperation Commission pays also a lot of attention to the budget.
MTÜ Arengukoostöö Ümarlaud (AKÜ), the Estonian NGO platform can also be contacted for more general information on development cooperation and on accredited NGOs.1
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1 Contact information can be found in the NGO Platform Contact Information section of this Guide.