Denmark supports Danish NGOs through Framework Agreements, funding for single projects and a Mini-Project Fund. 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

The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports development projects by Danish NGOs via various funding schemes. In 2004, 73 Danish NGOs received a total of US$ 145 million for their initiatives in developing countries. Civil society organisations in the South are supported through local agreements with the Danish Embassies, most notably through the Local Grant Authority scheme. The Agency for Danish International Development Assistance (Danida) is responsible for all large project proposals submitted by Danish NGOs (with a grant size of more than DKK 3 million). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commissioned the Project Counselling Service (PR), an association of more than 200 small and medium sized Danish NGOs, with administering all other applications.

Seven large Danish NGOs are currently operating under multi-annual Framework Agreements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

• Care Denmark
• Danish Red Cross
• DanChurchAid
• Ibis
• Mellemfolkeligt
• Samvirke
• Save the Children Denmark

This co-operation instrument has been launched to enable experienced Danish NGOs to flexibly plan and implement development activities over a longer duration within the negotiated budget. These organisations have the freedom to identify, plan, implement and monitor projects of their own choosing within the given frames. The government has decided not to enter into agreements with further Framework Organisations.

Single Projects are the main instrument of support for Danish civil society organisations which have not entered into Framework Agreements. In 2003, the Danish government decided to reallocate parts of the budget for Framework Organisations to the Single Projects scheme in order to support the development activities of a larger number of smaller NGOs. It is also possible for several NGOs to form alliances or networks within a specific thematic area and to apply for Single funds for these joint programmes.

The Mini-Project Fund supports small-scale projects of Danish NGOs in co-operation with local civil society partners in developing countries. The Project Counselling Service is responsible for administering this fund.

The Local Grant Authority (LGA) is a flexible and largely non-bureaucratic funding instrument available to local civil society organisations, authorities or enterprises in developing countries. The budget for the LGA is administerd by Danish Embassies, which are authorized to approve grants whithout consulting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In 2005, the seven Framework Organisations have received between DKK 40 million and DKK 165 million from Danida.

For Single Projects, Danida is responsible for applications for more than DKK 3 million, while the Project Counselling Service administers applications for all other grants. The maximum grant size for grants in excess of DKK 3 million has to be negotiated with Danida.

Under the LGA, Danish Embassies can fund projects up to a maximum grant size of DKK 5 million.

 

With the exception of Framework Agreements (10% self-financing by the NGO), Danida provides up to 100% of the total eligible project costs.

All proposed project activities should concur with the general objectives and principles of Danish development policy as laid down in the annual “Priorities of the Danish Government for Danish Development Co-operation”, the Strategy for Danish Development Policy “Partnership 2000” and other relevant thematic policies. Moreover, applications should make reference to the specific Danish country strategy, if applicable. However, the target country of the project proposal need not necessarily be one of Denmark’s programme countries.
The “Strategy for Danish Support to Civil Society in Developing Countries” (2000) particularly emphasizes Danish support for NGO projects in the following areas:

• Capacity building of civil society in developing countries
• Project activities that seek to deliver specific services (in areas such as education, health, etc.)
• International lobbying activities and advocacy

The cross-cutting issues of gender, sustainable development and human rights and democracy should be mainstreamed intro the project proposal if possible.

 

Only Danish NGOs and networks are eligible to apply for funds from Danida. Civil society organisations from developing countries can apply for Danish Embassy funds under the Local Grant Authority only.
The “General Guidelines for grant administration through Danish NGOs” (new version of April 2006) lists responsibilities and obligations, which apply to all Danish NGOs receiving grants from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for development and humanitarian activities (except Framework Organisations). Among other things, NGOs are required to:

• Have the technical and administrative capacity for proper administration of allocated government funds
• Ensure that partner organisations are not registered on either the UN or EU list of terrorist organisations
• Comply with DANIDA’s anti-corruption code of conduct and ensure that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ anti-corruption clause is entered in all contracts and agreements with partners and suppliers
• Use transparent staff selection procedures (if applicable) and fair employment conditions

Project proposals under the Local Grant Authority (LGA) of Danish Embassies will be appraised according to the following criteria:

• The project’s feasibility and effectiveness in regard to the problem it intends to address
• Sustainability of the proposed activities and coherence with national poverty reduction strategies
• Sound project budget and appropriate timeframe
• Capacity of the local executing partner to manage the project and to properly report on the funds received
• The applying civil society organisation must be legally established and have audited annual accounts

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The following guidelines are available for download at the Aid Management Guidelines’ web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.amg.um.dk):

• “General guidelines for grant administration through Danish NGOs” (April 2006)
• “Administrative guidelines for Danish framework organisations operating under framework agreements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs” (June 2006)
• “The Local Grant Authority of Danish Embassy – Instructions and Guidelines” (March 2006)

The guidelines for the Mini-Project Scheme are available on the web site of the Project Counselling Service (PR) under “Minipuljen”: www.prngo.dk

No specifications exist. Project duration will be negotiated with Danida or the local Danish Embassy.

February 1^st and September 1^st for applications to Danida.

For the Mini-Project Scheme, the Project Counselling Service is accepting applications by January 1^st, April 1^st, June 1^st and October 1^st.

There are no deadlines for the funding scheme under the Local Grant Authority (LGA).

Application forms can be downloaded from the following Danida website (in Danish). 

For the Mini-Project Scheme, forms are available from the Project Counselling Service (www.prngo.dk).

Organisations from developing countries apply for funds under the LGA to the local Danish Embassy.

 

Please follow the relevant procedures specified by Danida and the Project Counselling service. Organisations are advised to contact these institutions beforehand to familiarize themselves with the rules and procedures of application process.

Interested organisations from developing countries should contact the local Danish Embassy to get more information about the availability of funds under the LGA.

Danish, English

The Project Counselling Service (PR) should serve as the starting point for Danish NGOs interested in applying for funds from Danida. PR offers seminars and workshops, as well as individual counseling in relation to project formulation, strengthening organisational capacity, etc. It also facilitates networks among NGOs with common regional of thematic interests focuses. Southern civil society groups should also not hesitate to contact PR if they are interested in forming partnerships with Danish NGOs.

Contact:
Projektrådgivningen (PR)
Klosterport 4A, 3 sal
DK-8000 Århus C
Denmark
Phone: + 45 (8612) 0342
Fax: + 45 (8612) 0343
E-mail: prngo@prngo.dk

Contact information for Danish Embassies is available on the web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.um.dk/en

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