The German Embassy has announced that support is currently available for micro-projects in Lesotho in the areas of vocational training, education, income generation and women’s empowerment. The deadline for applications is 27 March 2020.
The German Embassy in Pretoria(link is external) is looking to support micro-projects in Lesotho run by local NGOs that aim at sustainably improving the social and economic situation of disadvantaged groups. The Embassy is keen to support micro-projects in the fields of education, income generation and women´s empowerment.
Proposals will be accepted from locally registered non-for-profit-entities (e.g. community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations) that run projects which cannot be financed by the body itself.
A maximum amount of LSL120,000 can be granted per project.
Examples of projects that can be funded include boreholes projects, garden projects, shelters for vulnerable children, the construction/renovation of school classes, income generating articles (sewing machines, tools/machines for a joinery or a locksmith’s trade), among other projects.
Basic guidelines for applications
The support should be dedicated to a well-defined project that addresses the immediate needs of the People. It can also be part of a large-scale project.
Activities need to be finalized within the calendar year.
The applying organization has to contribute to the project financially or by labour (self-help). Communities and/or beneficiaries should actively participate in the micro-projects with input by the implementing organization. The Micro-projects should be supervised by a responsible person within the applying organization. After completion, the micro-projects should be continued by the beneficiary organization in Lesotho.
Notes
Please keep in mind that the following costs cannot be funded: salaries of your organization’s staff; administration and travel expenses; operational and recurring costs in general; acquisition of land or allocation of loans; the purchase of consumables; vehicle purchases; private business start-ups etc.
Co-financing of projects, e.g. by several donors, is not permitted, and the project may not be financed from other German sources (such as GIZ or others). Projects which are in the first place of advantage to Government agencies, business people or other individuals seeking support in order to establish or improve their services or private businesses do not qualify for the micro-project scheme.
How to apply
If you have a micro-project which meets the above-mentioned criteria as well as the requirements listed below, please submit your application via e-mail to Kati Grimm at [email protected](link sends e-mail) by 27th March 2020.
Please send the application form for 2020 (filled out in English or German only) in which you:
- describe your organization (members, financial background, etc.),
- give reference to projects already initiated by your organization (experience),
- explain the project you seek financial support for (target group, etc.),
- provide a detailed financial estimate of the project,
- (project´s self-contribution, donor´s contribution; membership dues) as well as,
- its time frame and location.
Background
Germany’s “Micro-Project-Scheme” was set up in 1980 to support the underprivileged groups of society to improve their social and economic situation through “self-help”-projects. For example, local committees, associations, welfare societies, schools and kindergartens have been supported through this mechanism in the past.