Sweden co-finances development programmes of Swedish NGOs in co-operation with local civil society in various ways. Information on how to apply is compiled on this webpage and can be downloaded here.
Background
Sweden’s support to development activities by Swedish or international NGOs is channelled through 14 Swedish umbrella organisations that have signed long-term partnership agreements with the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). The Division for Co-operation with NGOs in the Department for Co-operation with NGOs, Humanitarian Assistance and Conflict Management (SEKA) is responsible for administering this scheme.
The so-called ‘project grant’ is the most common form of SIDA’s funding of Swedish development NGOs. These grants allow civil society organisations to operate independently with the funds contributed by SIDA. Around 10% of NGO grants are allocated for information campaigns that aim to raise awareness of development issues among the Swedish public. These ‘programme grants’ are usually given for a period of two or three years.
Neither international NGOs nor civil society groups from the South can apply directly for any of these grants. However, they are frequently used by Swedish NGOs to implement development projects in close co-operation with local NGOs (see ‘Application and Procedures’ for more information).
Types of Grant
Various forms of co-financing of development programmes of Swedish NGOs in co-operation with local civil society organisations.
Grant Size
Not specified
Own Contribution
As a general rule, the applicant must provide at least 10% of the total project or programme costs.
Funding Priorities
All projects should be targeted at the overall goal of poverty reduction and have positive effects on the living conditions of the local populations. With its NGO co-operation, SIDA aims to enhance the capacities of local civil society to foster an environment supportive of poor people’s own efforts to improve their quality of life.
The main areas of Swedish co-operation, as set out in its policy for global development, should serve as a reference for all activities:
- Human rights
- Democracy and good governance
- Gender equality
- Sustainable use of natural resources
- Economic growth
- Social development and welfare, including HIV/AIDS prevention
- Conflict management and security
- Global public goods
Grantmaking Criteria
The guidelines specify that the applicant must fulfill certain criteria to be eligible for funding from SIDA, and the relevant umbrella organisation will inform SIDA whether the NGO meets them. The applicant must have:
- a registered address in Sweden;
- non-profit-making or co-operative objectives;
- a democratic structure and open membership as well as a constitution and an elected committee;
- connections with development co-operation in its activities in Sweden;
- worked in Sweden for a minimum of two years documented by annual reports and accounts;
- co-operated with an organisation in the recipient country for at least one year; and
- fulfilled its reporting obligations in respect of any previous grants from SIDA.
The local partner organisation will be assessed by the umbrella organisation with regards to the following requirements:
- democratic structure and a non-profit-making or co-operative orientation;
- working in the field of social development based on democratic principles;
- operations documented for at least one year; and
- ability to assume responsibility for the proposed project (including personnel and financial resources).
In addition, the proposed project must be cost-effective, promote the advancement of local skills and knowledge, have the capacity to mobilise local resources and be based on the assumption of responsibility by the target group.
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Guidelines
The following guidelines apply to all Swedish NGOs applying for grants for development projects from SIDA:
- General conditions for SIDA grants for Swedish NGOs
- Guidelines for SIDA's support to development programmes of Swedish NGOs
- Guidelines for SIDA's support to development programmes of Swedish NGOs in central and eastern Europe
- SIDA's co-operation agreements with umbrella organisations including annual sub-agreements.
Separate guidelines are available for information activities of Swedish NGOs. All regulations can be accessed on the SIDA homepage. Under ‘publications’, please enter the name of the relevant document in the ‘search’ field.
Project Duration
Not specified; forms of co-operation can range from short-term staff training of local NGOs to larger programmes running over several years.
Deadline
Umbrella organisations have to apply to SIDA for grants by 15 October each year.
Application Forms
No specifications exist regarding to a single application format. Please contact the relevant umbrella organisation for more information.
Application and Procedures
International civil society organisations interested in entering into a partnership with a Swedish NGO should contact one of the 14 umbrella organisations first, as SIDA’s support to local NGOs in the South is always channelled through them. When the local NGO has developed close co-operations with a Swedish NGO, they can present their project proposal to a Swedish umbrella organization and apply for funding. For more information on this co-operation process and the chain of agreements between local NGOs, Swedish NGOs and the umbrella organisation, please consult the SIDA’s SEKA department: www.sida.se/ngo. On this website, you will also find the contact information for all 14 umbrella organisations.
Languages
Swedish or English
Tips
Forum Syd is by far the largest Swedish organisation with a framework agreement with SIDA. It serves as an umbrella organisation for around 200 Swedish NGOs that work in the field of development co-operation, therefore, NGOs form the South are advised to contact Forum Syd headquarters in Stockholm or one of its regional offices to explore potential forms or co-operation with Swedish NGOs.
Contact:
Forum Syd
Box 15407
104 65 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone: +46 (8) 506 370 00
Fax +46 (8) 506 370 99
Website: www.forumsyd.org
Interested organisations should also consult SIDA’s NGO database for further information regarding potential Swedish partner organisations and a list of development projects supported through framework agreements. It is available at: www.sida.se/ngodatabase.
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