Who can apply?
Sweden's support to development programmes by Swedish or international CSOs is generally channeled through the 15 Swedish framework organisations.
International CSOs interested in entering into a partnership with a Swedish CSO should contact the organisation first, as Sida's support to CSOs in development countries is always channeled through a Swedish CSO. The local CSO can present their project proposal to a relevant Swedish organisation and apply for funding.
Neither international CSOs nor civil society groups from other countries than Sweden can apply directly from Sida for any of these grants.
However, Swedish CSOs can apply for support to implement development projects and programmes in close cooperation with local CSOs.
Non-Swedish CSOs can also apply for direct support to initiatives for increased democratisation and freedom of speech, through Sida’s so called Calls for proposals. It is a way to get in touch with different types of actors, in order to support the best ideas for projects and programmes, within different kind of areas.
CSOs outside Sweden can also recieve funding as part of the bilateral cooperation strategy with the different cooperation countries.
More about co-operation
Forum Syd is by far the largest Swedish organisation with a framework agreement with Sida and it serves as an umbrella organisation for around 200 Swedish CSOs working with development co-operation. CSOs from other countries than Sweden can contact the headquarter of Forum Syd in Stockholm or one of its regional offices to explore more information about potential co-operation with a Swedish organisation.
About Sida’s funding
Project- or programme grants are the most common form of Sida's funding of Swedish development cooperation with CSOs and are usually given for a period of three years. These grants allow civil society organisations to operate independently. A minor part is allocated for development education about development cooperation with the aim to raise awareness of development issues among the Swedish public.
Support for civil society in partner countries. This aims to:
- Promote the development of a vibrant and democratic civil society that strengthens the ability of the poor to improve their living conditions.
- One of the cornerstones of Sida's cooperation with Swedish NGOs is the "CSO appropriation grant", which allows the organisations to operate based on its own priorities (countries and areas) while using own contribution and funds contributed by Sida.
- By supporting the work of CSOs, Sida hopes to promote the development of a dynamic and democratic civil society and strengthen local partner organisations.
The team of Co-operation with CSOs (Civsam) at Sida is responsible for administering this scheme.
