Through this programme Luxemburg co-finances multi-annual framework agreements submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by 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). Luxemburg’s assistance channelled through non-government organisations (NGOs) amounted to € 22.5 million in 2004, which was 11.64% of ODA.
Types of Grant
Multi-annual framework agreements submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by NGOs
Grant Size
The annual maximum amount is defined during the negotiations with the ministry. This amount must not exceed the total costs of co-financed activities in one of the years preceding the application. The reference year can be chosen by the NGO from the three years before the framework agreement.
Own Contribution
The ministry contributes 80% of total project costs. 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
The framework agreement is targeted at NGOs whose projects have been co-funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before. These NGOs have to possess a certain experience in development co-operation, which can be proven by its relationship with the ministry in the years preceding the framework agreement.
This means that the NGO must be authorised in the first place: authorisation is open to every non-profit NGO or foundation set up in accordance with the law on NGOs and foundations of April 21st 1928. NGOs have to request authorisation by showing their capacity, competencies and experience in the field of development co-operation. Most importantly, they 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 framework agreement scheme. However, NGOs from the South are encouraged to approach authorised NGOs and form partnerships with them.
Guidelines
General conditions regulating the relations between the ministry and NGOs are available from the ministry.
Project Duration
Between two and 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 submit its proposal for a framework agreement directly to the ministry. The ministry evaluates proposals on the basis on how they fit the general objective of poverty eradication. The proposal is accepted or rejected within two to three months. NGOs which are not authorised yet should first seek authorisation and apply for project co-funding.
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
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