This programme co-finances small projects regarding development education in the Czech Republic. Information on how to apply is compiled on this webpage and can be downloaded here.
Background
The Czech system for funding non-government organisations (NGOs) is highly decentralised. NGOs can receive funding from the Czech government through public tenders and multiple grant schemes for development projects abroad. Projects first need to be submitted to the different line ministries responsible for development projects in their specific areas of interest and which announce calls for proposals. One such grant scheme for development education is organised by the Development Centre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Development Centre works as an important contact manager and co-ordinator, communicating with government institutions of the Czech Republic, foreign partners, developing project workers from non-government and the private sector, the media and the public. The Development Centre is gradually broadening its activities so that it can meet the tasks of the foreign aid programme itself, which enables the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to concentrate on the conceptual co-ordination of the programme.
Czech development co-operation is still evolving. ‘The Concept of the Czech Republic Foreign Aid Programme for the Period 2002–2007’ and ‘Foreign Development Aid of the Czech Republic after the Accession to the European Union’ are two documents which set out where Czech NGO co-funding is heading. Currently, regular calls for proposals are issued, on the basis of which NGO projects are selected for co-funding. It is intended to establish long-term progammes of co-operation in the future.
Types of Grant
Co-funding small projects regarding development education in the Czech Republic.
Grant Size
Grants are available up to a maximum of CZK 1.5 million (€ 55,000). In 2006, the overall budget was € 335,000, and 18 projects were accepted. This is an average of € 18,611 per project.
Own Contribution
In most cases, up to 80% of the costs are funded by the Czech foreign aid budget. As a general rule, the Czech organisation must provide at least 10% of the total project costs.
Funding Priorities
The grant scheme focuses on three areas:
- Capacity building and promotion of partnership between development NGOs
- Development education and public awareness
- Support for umbrella organisations (platforms) of development NGOs
All projects focus on domestic issues connected to development co-operation.
Grantmaking Criteria
Support is given to the development activities of Czech NGOs or international NGOs with a Czech legal status and based in the Czech Republic. Moreover, the guidelines specify that the Czech NGO must fulfill certain criteria to be eligible for funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
- The applicant must be registered according to Czech law for non-profit and non-government organisations.
- The applicant must be non-profit making or have co-operative objectives.
- It must possess a democratic structure with open membership as well as a constitution and an elected committee.
- The project proposed must be in accordance with the Czech development co-operation programme.
Guidelines
Project proposals should be based on the national strategies and the needs of the individual aid-receiving partner countries. Also, project cycle management guidelines are available from the development centre.
Project Duration
One year
Deadline
31 October each year
Application Forms
Application forms are available from the development centre.
Application and Procedures
After submitting the project proposal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the appraisal phase takes approximately six weeks. The results are published each year in December, and funding is disbursed from January or February of the following year.
Languages
Czech
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