Core contribution and eligibility clearance

Once every four years, and synchronised with Switzerland's strategy on international cooperation, the SDC publicly invites Swiss NGOs to apply for Core contributions in accordance with a specified procedure posted on its website.

The SDC Guidance for Engagement with Swiss NGO provides the framework for SDC’s cooperation with Swiss NGOs and ensures an effective and efficient use of funds to help the poorest and most vulnerable communities in developing countries and crisis zones. The Guidance explains the system for allocating Core contributions, which ensures that the distribution process is transparent and competitive.

SDC Guidance for Engagement with Swiss NGO (PDF, 22 Pages, 313.1 kB, English)

Other languages

Richtlinien für die Zusammenarbeit mit Schweizer NGO
Directives pour la collaboration avec les ONG suisses
Direttive della DSC per la collaborazione con le ONG svizzere

Evaluation Report NGO Certifications  (PDF, 61 Pages, 1.1 MB, English)

Core contribution recipients from 2025 (PDF, 3 Pages, 116.2 kB, German)

Core contributions are granted to the following four categories of NGOs:

1. Large Swiss NGOs
2. Swiss NGO umbrella organisations
3. Cantonal federations
4. Swiss NGO alliances

Overview of categories (PDF, 1 Page, 170.9 kB, German)

Other languages

Vue d’ensemble catégories
Panoramica categorie

An NGO may apply for a Core contribution in one category only. Individual large Swiss NGOs may apply for Core contributions directly. Small NGOs may obtain Core contributions as members of umbrella organisations, cantonal federations or NGO alliances.

Eligibility process and application procedure 2025-2028

The SDC Guidance sets out the eligibility requirements, application and approval process for Core contributions.

The three stages involved in allocating Core contributions are set out below. 

Phase 1: Call for tender and eligibility clearance (completed)

FAQ Core contributions Phase 1 (PDF, 3 Pages, 411.9 kB, French)

Phase 2: Applications for Core contributions and assessment (June 2023 – January 2024)

Swiss NGOs that have received confirmation of their eligibility from the SDC may submit an application for a Core contribution. Applications should be submitted in the standard format provided by the SDC.

FAQ Core contributions Phase 2 (PDF, 3 Pages, 301.4 kB, German)

List of criteria (PDF, 6 Pages, 171.5 kB, English)

The transfer of documents needs to be done via the same platform used for phase 1.

Phase 3: Approval and allocation of funds (summer – autumn 2024)

The amount allocated to a programme depends on the quality of the application, the total SDC budget for Core contributions and the number of recipients.