This programme finances individual and pilot projects in developing countries through framework programmes with individual NGOs registered in Austria. Information on how to apply is compiled on this webpage and can be downloaded here.

Background	Project Duration
Types of Grant	Deadline
Grant Size	Application Forms
Own Contribution	Application & Procedures
Funding Priorities	Languages
Grantmaking Criteria	Tips
Guidelines	Pdf Download

Since 2004, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) has been responsible for implementing all programmes and projects within the framework of the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC). The ADA works closely with non-governmental organizations and provides access to grants for a range of activities in ADC priority and other developing countries. The scheme "NGO-Framework Programmes“ funds programmes by Austrian NGOs that aim to make a lasting contribution to improving the living conditions in developing countries (as defined by the DAC list of the OECD). These programmes can be financed with funds from the bilateral programme and project aid of the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC).

Financing of individual and pilot projects in developing countries through ADA Framework Programmes with individual NGOs registered in Austria.

The project budget is based on ADA requirements specified in the “Explanations to the Guidelines” (see “Guidelines”). The minimum total budget of an individual project (excluding pilot projects) is Euro 200,000.

At least 20% of the total budget of the Framework Programme must be provided by the applicant organisation out of its own resources, if the individual projects are to be implemented in ADC priority countries and regions and a) are coherent with the respective country, sector or regional programme of the ADC or b) contribute substantially to the implementation of national/regional development agendas.

At least 30% of the total budget of the Framework Programme must be provided by the applicant organization out of its own resources if, within the scope of the Framework Programme, a) at least 70% of the individual projects are to be implemented in ADC priority countries and regions and are coherent with the respective country, sector or regional programme of the ADC or contribute substantially to the implementation of national/regional development agendas, and b) not more than 30% of the individual projects are to be implemented in developing countries, which are not ADC priority countries or constitute projects that contribute independently to development co-operation.

• Framework Programmes with individual projects must be in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals and the “Austrian Development Co-operation Three-Year Programme” and should be primarily aimed at poverty reduction, sustainable management of natural resources, gender mainstreaming, promoting human rights education, good governance and democracy, strengthening socially disadvantaged groups (in particular people with disabilities), and conflict prevention and peace-building
• All activities should meet the basic needs of disadvantaged parts of society in a sustainable manner while enhancing the target group´s own capacity, as well as strengthening local institutions
• Programmes should correspond with ADC country and sector programmes or other thematic focuses of the ADC in accordance with the current “Austrian Development Co-operation Three-Year Programme”.

The Framework Programme must have one or more objectives defined by the applicant organisation. These objectives are to be implemented via individual projects. Pilot projects and initiatives promoting an exchange of experience and information may also form part of the programme. It is required, that the co-operation between the Austrian applicant organisation and local project partners takes place in the spirit of subsidiary and partnership. All projects should be sustainable and aim at strengthening the local civil society. Gender and environmental aspects should be mainstreamed into the projects wherever possible.

• The applicant has to have a registered office in Austria. The organisation must have been in existence for at least three years with development co-operation being its main activity
• Objectives of the programme must be in accordance with the ADC and based on the national strategies of the partner country, where it will be implemented
• Capacity of the organisation (number of staff) and scope of the project (the Framework Programme must not exceed 40% of the organisation`s total programme activities) must be appropriate
• Demonstrated previous experience of the applicant in implementing projects for the ADC, proof of organisational and financial integrity (i.e.. “Spendengütesiegel”)
• Demonstrated profile and integration of the applicant within the civil society of the partner country and in Austria
• Several criteria are used to assess the level of grant that will be provided under the Framework Programme with the ADC. Please consult the “Explanations to the Guidelines” for more information.

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Please follow the 2005 guidelines and explanations. For the legal framework, see the “General Guidelines 2004 for the concession of grants from federal funds”, as well as the “Development Co-operation Act” (Entwicklungszusammenarbeitsgesetz, EZA-G, BGBl. I No. 49/2002) and the current “Austrian Development Co-operation Three-Year Programme” (as amended).

The duration of a Framework Programme is three years.

As a general rule, letters of interest have to be submitted by the end of February while full applications are due by the end of September (see “Applications and Procedures”).

The application forms can be downloaded at www.ada.gv.at .

• The application must consist of
• Summary of the proposed programme (logical framework, evaluation plan), financial plan
• Descriptions of the individual projects and the project partners (including logical framework and budgets)
• Environmental impact assessment and gender questionnaire for each project

Templates of these documents and details on the exact application procedures that apply are available on the ADA web site. 

The following procedure was effective in 2006: 

• Interested organisations have to express their interest to the ADA by February 28^th
• In case of initial approval, a first consultation between the organisation and the ADA will take place until May 31^st. This consultation should establish objectives and scope of the Framework Programme.
• The full application based on the consultation has to be submitted by September 30^th. If approved, a grant contract will be signed.
• During the implementation phase, annual progress reports will have to be submitted using the relevant templates. Evaluations will have to be carried out as agreed in the Framework Programme.

German. If the projects are to be implemented in one of the ADC priority countries, the project descriptions may be in the official local language (either English, French, Spanish or Portuguese) provided that a short German summary is enclosed.

Assistance concerning proposal development, formal grantmaking criteria and application procedures can be obtained from the ADA Unit for NGO Co-operation and Humanitarian Aid (see “Contact”). In case of financial or budgetary inquiries, please contact the ADA Unit for Budget, Finance and Audits:

Mr. Gerhard Gerlza
Austrian Development Agency
Unit for Budget, Finance and Audits
Zelinkagasse 2, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Phone: + 43 (1) 90399-620
E-mail: finanzen@ada.gv.at

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