Project selection often takes place in a competitive process. The partner country is generally in charge of selecting suitable projects. Switzerland then examines the applications and allocates funding.

Many countries hold a competitive selection process. Project proposals may also be submitted by public institutions in the partner countries, e.g. municipalities, regional or national authorities and international organisations. The selection process is usually supported by an advisory committee made up of representatives from line ministries, NGOs, regional and local authorities, academia and the private sector. During the project approval phase, Switzerland is also keen to attract Swiss partner institutions to the projects in order to promote the exchange of experiences.