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Small Projects

Guidelines for the 2026 call for projects for grants from the Swiss Embassy

“Small projects” are a support instrument used by the Swiss Embassy to encourage small-scale local initiatives (local organizations or associations). These projects aim to promote innovative and sustainable solutions in the areas of sustainable development, local governance, human rights, and the environment.

This tool aims to strengthen civil society capacities, promote social innovation, and contribute to sustainable solutions adapted to the local context.

The Swiss Embassy pays particular attention to projects led by or benefiting women, young people, and vulnerable or marginalized groups.

Selection criteria

  • Organizations: Switzerland supports initiatives by groups (not individuals) that have legal status, are non-governmental, and have local roots in the country of implementation. Exceptions may be considered for public structures at the municipal level.
  • Beneficiaries: Initiatives must primarily target women, young people, minorities or vulnerable groups, as well as dynamic civil society actors.
  • Thematic areas: Particular attention will be given to projects that contribute in a concrete, measurable, and sustainable way to environmental protection. For 2026, proposals must fall within one or more of the following areas:
  • Multiplier effect: Priority is given to projects that aim to strengthen the autonomy of beneficiaries. The activities should continue or develop after the Embassy's funding has ended.
  • Sustainability: Priority is given to projects designed to ensure sustainable results over time, with a long-term vision.
  • Effectiveness: Priority is given to projects that are clearly defined, focused on specific objectives, and whose implementation and impact can be achieved within the allotted time frame.
  • Verifiability: Projects submitted must clearly indicate: the beneficiaries, location, duration, activities, methods, and expected results. These elements, as well as the project's impact, must be verifiable and demonstrable.
  • Autonomy: The Swiss Embassy is not involved in the design and implementation of projects. The organization is responsible for submitting a complete proposal according to the template provided. 
  • Climate adaptation and resilience
  • Sustainable agriculture and food security
  • Circular economy and sustainable resource management
  • Waste management
  • Environmental education and climate awareness

Types of projects that cannot be funded:

  • Projects that do not fall within the priority areas of Switzerland's commitment to development and international cooperation, as defined by the FDFA (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs).
    • Examples of FDFA priorities: governance, human rights, sustainable development, gender equality, etc.
  • Projects by organizations that are already partners in a program of the SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation) or other Swiss organizations/institutions
  • Commercial projects for profit
  • Projects of a religious nature
  • Charitable activities (fundraising, sponsorship)
  • Projects run by foreign organizations without a local base
  • Deliveries of materials (books, clothing, vehicles, medicines, etc.)
  • Travel (flights or other transport) to/from abroad
  • Contributions to individuals
  • Grants for study visits or study trips to Switzerland (information on grants 2026-2027)

 

Eligibility criteria

Timetable

  • Deadline for project submissions: January 31, 2026
  • Planned award date: March 15, 2026
  • Project completion deadline: September 30, 2026

Submission of applications

The application must contain:

  • The budget form: This form must be completed in full to describe the planned expenses. Funds allocated by the embassy cannot be used for the organization's operating costs; they must be allocated exclusively to the implementation of the project.

Budget indication: between 6 million and 10 million CFA francs.

 

 

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In order to ensure equal treatment and given the large number of project proposals we receive, we are unable to accept requests for meetings to discuss projects. However, if you receive a positive response, you will be invited to an individual meeting to discuss the project's priorities in more detail.

 

Project selection

Decision-making committee

  • The Swiss Embassy aims to promote equal opportunities by diversifying its support to as many organizations as possible. Therefore, priority will be given to organizations that have not yet received funding from the Embassy.
  • Only one project per organization will be supported during a calendar year, even if several applications have been submitted.
  • The results of the selection process will be communicated in writing between March 15 and 31. If you have not received a response by the end of March, please consider that your project has unfortunately not been selected.
  • Given the number of applications, the reasons for the selection, acceptance, or rejection of an application will not be communicated.

Contract

  • The collaboration will be governed by a contract signed with the Swiss Embassy.
  • The initial payment is subject to the signing of a contract. The final payment will be made after receipt of the final reports (narrative and financial). The specific amounts and payment dates will be detailed in the contract.
  • All focal persons in charge of selected projects must make arrangements to travel to Yaoundé to sign the project grant contract in person.
    • Travel expenses for the signing of this contract must be reasonable and included in the organization's budget for the project.
  • The contract gives the embassy authorization to visit the project throughout its implementation.
  • The following guidelines are an integral part of all our contracts and must be complied with:

 

Final reports

Final implementation reports consist of a narrative report and a financial report. They must be sent before October 15, 2026, accompanied by supporting documents and photos.

Narrative report: The narrative report on the project must not exceed 6 pages. The logical framework will be the main source of reference for the embassy's review of the report.

This report must contain:

  • Description of the activities carried out
  • Schedule of interventions
  • Results achieved and indicators
  • Difficulties encountered and solutions provided
  • 1 to 2 testimonials from direct beneficiaries
  • Photos illustrating each activity, and the equipment financed by the project

 

Final financial report: Please use the budget form and fill in the actual expenses in the section provided for this purpose and attach copies of the original receipts.

The financial report must cover the entire project, including co-financing.

This report must contain:

  • Written summary of the use of funds.
  • Summary table of expenses by budget line, 2nd page of the budget form.
  • Supporting documents must be scanned and compiled into a single PDF file in the order of the summary table.

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Last update 23.12.2025