Through this programme Luxemburg co-finances development projects of NGOs. Information on how to apply is compiled on this webpage and can be downloaded here.
Background
Luxembourg's development co-operation increased significantly throughout the 1990s and continues to do so. In 2000, Luxembourg joined the group of countries which devote at least 0.7% of their gross national income (GNI) to Official Development Assistance (ODA). In 2005, it spent 0.87% of GNI on development co-operation (€ 263 million). In 2006, the amount is expected to be € 230 million (0.86% of GNI). Luxembourg’s assistance channelled through NGOs amounted to € 22.5 million in 2004, which was 11.64% of ODA.
Types of Grant
Co-funding of individual development projects submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by NGOs.
Grant Size
For one year, the ministry’s contribution to a project budget cannot exceed € 300,000.
Own Contribution
The ministry contributes 75% of total project costs regarding activities in target countries and 66.67% for activities in other countries. The rest has to be covered by NGOs themselves.
Funding Priorities
The projects only have to respond to the general goal of poverty eradication. No other thematic priorities are set. Luxembourg tries to induce NGOs to work in target countries – by funding a higher percentage of project costs – to optimise its development assistance. However, in no way is this an obligation.
Grantmaking Criteria
Any non-profit NGO or foundation can be co-funded by the government, as long as it is set up in accordance with the law on NGOs and foundations of 21 April 1928 and is authorised by the ministry in charge of development co-operation. NGOs request this authorisation by the ministry by demonstrating their capacity, competencies and experience in the field of development co-operation. Most importantly, NGOs have to prove that they are experienced in implementing programmes and projects benefiting the people of developing countries.
NGOs from countries other than Luxembourg, thus, are excluded from the government’s co-funding schemes. However, NGOs from the South are encouraged to approach authorised NGOs and form partnerships, since these project costs are eligible for co-funding.
top
Guidelines
General conditions regulating the relationship between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NGOs are available from the ministry.
Project Duration
The maximum project duration is five years.
Deadline
No deadline applies. Project proposals can be submitted all year long. The average duration from receipt of proposal to approval or rejection is two to three months.
Application Forms
Application forms are available from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the guidelines.
Application and Procedures
If the applicant is an NGO authorised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it should send the project proposal – completed according to the guidelines – directly to the ministry. The ministry evaluates project proposals on the basis of how they fit the general objective of poverty eradication. Depending on how much budget is still available, the proposal is accepted or rejected within two to three months.
NGOs which are not yet authorised should first seek authorisation. There are no special application forms for this. The NGO has to submit its official statutes and documentation.
Languages
Luxemburgish, German or French.
Tips
NGOs can contact the technical assistance office of the ‘Cercle des ONG’ NGO platform before submitting a proposal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to get advice on how to design it. In addition, this office offers workshops on project cycle management as well as more specific thematic training. The NGO platform can also be contacted for more general information on development co-operation and on authorized NGOs.
Contact:
Nelson Bindarye – Advisor
Dennis Yaun – Assistant
Bureau d’Assistance Technique (BAT) – Cercle des ONG
13, avenue Gaston Diderich
1420 Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Phone: +352-26 02 09 21/22
Fax: +352-26 02 09 26
Email: bat@cercle.lu
Website: www.cercle.lu
top