Small Projects

Guidelines for small projects of the Swiss Embassy in Yaounde

Call for proposals 

Embassy fund for development and human rights 2024

Eligibility requirements

Timeline

  • Deadline for applications: 31st January 2024
  • Expected award date: 1st March 2024
  • Maximum duration: 6 months
  • Implementation period: between 1st April and 31st October

Submission of applications

Only by digital means to: yaounde.projets@eda.admin.ch

The application must contain

  • Completed project summary form: template (PDF, 6 Pages, 797.6 kB) provided (please download and save the template on your computer before completing it),
  • Project description: Proposals shall be submitted using the template (PDF, 6 Pages, 797.6 kB) provided which includes the summary form (One page) and the actual template (5 Pages). Interested persons are advised to stick to the space available in the form and to keep it within the said limit. Proposals that exceed the limit will be rejected. You are also not obliged to fill out every column in the form. Only do so as per the need.
  • Budget: template provided. Carefull: fill in just the yellow cells, automatic calculation, you have the possiblility to add lines. Budget indication: CFAF 6 million - CFAF 10 million. Priority is given to projects that can count on the support of other sponsors.
  • In order to ensure equal treatment, and given the large number of requests for hearings that we receive, no requests for appointments will be accepted. However, following receipt of your application, you may be asked for further information or an interview.

Guidelines for small projects of  the Swiss Embassy 

Objective

  • An instrument to support small local initiatives in the field of local development.
  • Small projects intended to support civil society actors, especially women, youth and minorities.
  • Through targeted actions, small projects should contribute to innovative and sustainable solutions in the fields of development and human rights protection.

Selection criteria 

  • Organisers: Switzerland supports initiatives of groups (not individuals) with legal status in the country of implementation. The project leaders must have local ties (roots) and represent a non-governmental organisation. (Exceptions for cooperation with public institutions may be considered at the municipal level).
  • Beneficiaries: Switzerland supports initiatives that mainly aim to promote dynamic actors of civil society, with a particular focus on women, youth and members of minorities.
  • Thematic areas: Swiss international cooperation aims to reduce poverty and promote peace and sustainable development. Special attention is given to fragile and conflict-affected regions. For the years 2021-2024, Switzerland’s thematic priorities will include issues such as jobs, climate change, and the prevention of irregular migration and the rule of law. Particular attention will be given to projects that focus on innovation, sustainability, vocational training and the promotion of human rights.
  • Multiplier effect: Priority is given to projects that provide the initial impetus for activities that can then develop and expand on their own.
  • Sustainability: Priority is given to projects that are designed to ensure sustainable results over time.
  • Effectiveness: Priority is given to projects that are simple and clearly defined, that do not duplicate objectives and activities, and whose implementation and impact can be monitored effectively.
  • Verifiability: Project managers must convincingly demonstrate who benefits from the project, to what extent and in what way, exactly where and for how long the project will be implemented with reachable beneficiaries.
  • Autonomy: The Swiss Embassy is not involved in the design of projects, it is the responsibility of the organisers to present a structured idea using the template.

Types of projects that cannot be funded: 

  • Projects that deal with topics that do not fall within the mandates of Swiss development cooperation.
  • Projects by organisations that are already partners in a Swiss development cooperation project
  • Commercial or semi-commercial projects for profit
  • Charitable events (fundraising, sponsorships, etc.)
  • Contributions to individuals
  • Travel (flights or other transport) to/from abroad
  • Material deliveries (books, clothes, vehicles, medicines, etc.)
  • Scholarships for study visits or study tours in Switzerland (information on scholarships 2023-2024)

Selection of projects

Decision-making committee

  • The Swiss Embassy wishes to ensure equal opportunities by diversifying its support among as many organisations as possible. For this reason, priority will be given to organisations that have not yet received support.
  • In addition, a maximum of one project per organisation will be supported in any calendar year, even if the organisation has submitted more than one application.
  • The result of the selection will be communicated in writing between 1st and 15th March. The reasons for selection, acceptance or rejection of an application, will not be specified.

Contract

  • The collaboration will be regulated by a contract with the Swiss Embassy.
  • The first payment is conditioned on the signing of a contract, the final payment is conditioned on the receipt of the final reports. The amounts and dates of each payment are agreed in the contract.
  • For your information, our contracts always include the following annex: Code of Conduct (PDF, 5 Pages, 812.1 kB, English)

Final reports

  • Final operational report on the implementation of the project: (2-10 pages) Organisations are invited to base it on the verifiability criteria detailed in the application for support (quantitative and qualitative objectives) and to include some photos of the project. There is no template for this report, the organisation can choose the format that suits it.
  • Final financial report: (1 page) Organisations have to take the budget included in the contract and complete it with a column indicating the actual expenditure, and to attach copies of the original receipts.