This programme co-finances annual action plans of authorised Belgian non-government development organisations until 2010. Information on how to apply is compiled on this webpage and can be downloaded here.
Background
Belgium’s overall development co-operation – including its non-government instruments – is undergoing major reforms. However, the financing and management of non-government co-operation initiatives remain in the domain of the Directorate General for Development Co-operation which directly reports to the Federal Minister of Development Co-operation. Its role is to conceive development co-operation policy guidelines, to manage co-operation instruments, allocate funds and follow up and evaluate their use. The unit in charge of the non-government co-operation with Belgian non-government actors works under the responsibility of Directorate 3 ‘Non-government Programmes’, and different units deal with different types of Belgian non-government actors.
Types of Grant
Co-funding of annual action plans of authorised Belgian non-government development organisations until 2010.
Grant Size
Open
Own Contribution
The instrument co-funds 75% of project costs. Own contributions amount to 25% and have to be covered by funds originating in OECD countries.
Funding Priorities
Funding is allocated on the basis of a five-year programme prepared by the applicant NGO and submitted to and approved by the DGDC. This programme outlines the NGO’s activities, its structure, its long-term objectives, how it chooses to attain them, and a financial plan. Directly or indirectly, the programme’s objectives must lead to a structural and long-term improvement of the position of disadvantaged groups and individuals.
One or more of the following types of activities can be financed:
- Funding of activities carried out in co-operation with partners;
- Development education to sensitise and educate the Belgian population on North–South solidarity;
- The supply of services to other NGOs or partners in the South, such as training, evaluation, research and data processing, methodological and technical support;
- Provision of staff to support or foster exchanges with local partners, as well as scholarships (for studies and internships) offered to staff of local partners.
Grantmaking Criteria
Eligible are Belgian NGOs authorised by the DGDC as defined by the royal decree of 14 December 2005 and whose five-year programme has been approved. These NGOs are allowed to submit annual action plans which are the basis for receiving the funds of this instrument. A list of the 135 Belgian organisations which currently have this status can be found here. To be eligible, an action plan has to be consistent with the five-year programme.
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Guidelines
The instrument is defined in the royal decree relating to the authorisation and subsidisation of non-government development co-operation organisations and their federations, signed on 18 July 1997, and its amendments through the royal decree of 2002.
Project Duration
One year
Deadline
For the first action plan the deadline is 16 September of the year which precedes the activities. For following action plans the deadline is 1 July of the year which precedes the activities.
Application Forms
Application forms and guidelines can be obtained from the DGDC or online.
Application and Procedures
Individually or in a consortium, the NGO first submits its five-year programme to Directorate 3 ‘Non-government Programmes’ of the DGDC. Then, every year, the NGO proposes annual action plans which are subject to acceptance or refusal by the ministry. The decision on the action plan is taken at the latest by 31 December.
Languages
French or Dutch
Tips
NGOs can submit joint programmes, with one NGO taking the lead within these consortia. The law encourages such partnerships, and in practice they receive higher funding. Non-Belgian NGOs can obtain support through a partnership with Belgian NGOs.
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