This programme provides small-scale support for projects by German NGOs together with their overseas partners. Information on how to apply is compiled on this webpage and can be downloaded here.
Background
BMZ is the Federal Ministry for Official Development Assistance (ODA) in Germany and has different funding lines. In 2005, Germany's overall ODA budget was US$ 9.915 billion. The German ODA has different funding lines for financial co-operation, technical co-operation and exchange of personnel. BMZ supports both bilateral governmental co-operation and bilateral non-governmental organisations abroad. BMZ makes intra-governmental agreements on the basis of German ODA. Non-governmental support is only given to German NGOs (in co-operation with overseas institutions). This programme provides small-scale support for projects by German NGOs together with their overseas partners.
Types of Grant
Non-repayable grants in support of development projects by private German organisations ("Förderung entwicklungswichtiger Vorhaben privater deutscher Träger in Entwicklungsländern", Titel 68706, Kapitel 2302).
Grant Size
The grant size for small-scale projects is between Euro 12,500 and Euro 37,500 per annum.
Own Contribution
25% own contribution is required (minimum 10% from the German partner and up to 15% from other non-governmental sources, although the German partner can also finance the full 25%).
Funding Priorities
Funding can be provided for projects that bring about a direct and sustained improvement in the economic, social or ecological situation of the poor in the partner countries, provide effective support to the self-help efforts of these people and involve them as partners in the process of planning and implementation or foster observance of human rights in the partner countries. No restrictions apply within combined projects (= different activities, i.e. costs for training, hardware and equipment, personnel or transport). However, the combined total of personnel and regular costs should not exceed 50% of the total project costs. This means that at least 50% of the total budget is to be spent on investments in the field of structure building measures. Training measures are usually not funded within small-scale projects.
Grantmaking Criteria
- German NGO as applicant and grantee is a prerequisite
- Only charitable and registered NGOs may apply
- Clearly defined goals and activities as described in the application package
- Co-operation with appropriate German partners is desired
- Experience in development work is a precondition for the German NGO (minimum of three years experience)
- German NGO and beneficiary must be two separate institutions, one being independent from the other
Guidelines
The detailed and complex guidelines should be followed explicitly. Please see "Förderung entwicklungswichtiger Vorhaben privater deutscher Träger in Entwicklungsländern" (Titel 68706, Kapitel 2302) (Support of development projects by private German organisations in developing countries). These guidelines can be downloaded at the BENGO web site (see “Tips”).
Project Duration
The maximum project duration is one year. Projects may not exceed one year (January 1st – December 31st of the same year).
Deadline
In previous years, the deadline was May 30th of each year.
Application Forms
German organisations can order application forms directly from BMZ or the BENGO consultancy office. Application forms can also be downloaded from the BENGO web site (see “Tips”). Organisations from developing countries should contact their German NGO partner to receive application forms.
Application and Procedures
All proposals should be submitted to the BENGO consultancy office and not the BMZ BENGO can also offer helpful advice how to fill out the application forms. (see “Tips”). NGOs from developing countries should complete the application together with a German NGO partner and proceed accordingly. The contact organisation for BMZ must be the German NGO. Please follow the formal rules and procedures closely as incomplete applications will lead to the rejection of the proposal.
Languages
German
Tips
Please make use of the BENGO consultancy office with their experience. BENGO (“Beratungsstelle für private Träger in der Entwicklungszusammenarbeit”) is a consultancy office for private German organisations (NGOs) working in the field of development co-operation. BENGO works closely with BMZ and gives national NGOs advice on improving their applications; close co-operation from the beginning helps to get a proposal approved. BENGO organizes seminars several times a year on application procedures and proposal development, project implementation and project accounting. Use the experience of others and meet the BENGO staff for their expertise in applying for projects (the German NGO partner should contact the BENGO office). Ms. Anita Braun, Ms. Margret Junk, Ms. Karin Gierszewski, Mr. Bertold Trittler or Ms. Sylvia Becker of BENGO can be reached at the following address:
BENGO
Villichgasse 7
D-53177 Bonn
Germany
Phone: +49 (228) 830 01-0
Fax: +49 (228) 830 01-20
E-mail: bengo@paritaet.org
Internet: www.paritaet.org/bengo
To apply for funding, a good knowledge of BMZ procedures is necessary and contacts with officers and embassy representatives is advised.
The decision process is as follows: once they have passed the BENGO office, applications will be negotiated within BMZ. Additional statements will be asked from Sectoral Departments within BMZ, the BMZ Country Department and the responsible German embassy. Therefore, it can be helpful to inform the German embassy in your partner country beforehand.