This programme funds small projects submitted by local community actors (non-government organisations (NGOs), local parishes, local schools, etc.). Information on how to apply is compiled on this webpage and can be downloaded here.
Background
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs finances assistance projects within the framework of the Small Grants Fund. Most often, those funds are used for subsidising small assistance projects (e.g. the renovation of a school building, the purchase of computers for a community centre or the construction of a well), which have a positive impact on the local community. Projects are subsidised on the request of Polish embassies in developing countries. In previous years, Small Grants Fund assistance was provided to African countries, Cambodia and Mongolia.
Types of Grant
Funding or co-funding of small projects submitted by local community actors (non-government organisations (NGOs), local parishes, local schools, etc.). Mainly, the instruments finances small infrastructure projects.
Grant Size
Maximum grant size: US$ 15,000; average grant size: US$ 3,000.
Own Contribution
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not ask applicants to make any obligatory contribution.
Funding Priorities
- Education
- Global education (development education)
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing
- Water and sanitation
- Public infrastructure – roads, bridges, other public facilities
- Social structure – support to unemployment reduction, public housing and public administration
- Civil society
- Support to unemployment-reduction policies
- Energy sector – production and distribution of energy; safety of energy sector
- Banking and public finance
- Industry sector support, including small, medium-sized and family enterprises
- Mining – geology and mineral exploration
- Commerce and tourism
- Environmental protection
- Empowerment of women
- Food aid
- Humanitarian and recovery assistance
- Migration – support to displaced persons
- Free market economy – support to economic transition and reforms
- European integration
- Euro-Atlantic integration
- Information access; support to mass media development
- Cross-border co-operation
- Post-conflict recovery
- Local government support
- Human rights protection
- Culture – support to rebuilding of cultural property
- Health care sector – HIV/AIDS prevention; improvement of maternal care
Grantmaking Criteria
Beneficiaries must be local community organisations, such as NGOs, Catholic Missions, schools, hospitals, etc.
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Guidelines
The projects must fit into one of the funding priorities. They should fulfill the general criteria of local ownership; sustainability; gender equality; partnership; and responsibility for development. To facilitate the proposal-writing process, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published guidelines for NGOs.
Project Duration
Maximum one year
Deadline
End of each calendar year
Application Forms
Application forms can be found at Polish embassies in developing countries in Africa and Asia.
Application and Procedures
Project proposals should be submitted to the Polish embassy in each country. After an initial selection by embassy experts, projects are submitted to the Development Co-operation department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which takes the final decision on which projects to fund.
Languages
English or Polish
Tips
Every applicant can get advice by sending an email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at: dwr@msz.gov.pl.
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