Once every four years, and synchronised with Switzerland's strategy on international cooperation, the SDC publicly invites Swiss NGOs to apply for programme contributions in accordance with a specified procedure posted on its website.
Programme contribution and eligibility clearance
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 programme contributions, which ensures that the distribution process is transparent and competitive.
SDC Guidance for Engagement with Swiss NGO
Programme contribution recipients from 2021 (PDF, 372.9 kB, German)
Programme contribution recipients for the 2017–20 period (XLSX, 35.5 kB, multilingual: French, Italian, English, German)
Programme contributions are granted to the following four categories of NGOs:
- Large Swiss NGOs
- Swiss NGO umbrella organisations
- Cantonal federations
- Swiss NGO alliances
An NGO may apply for a programme contribution in one category only. Individual large Swiss NGOs may apply for programme contributions directly. Small NGOs may obtain programme contributions as members of umbrella organisations, cantonal federations or NGO alliances. Categories of programme contributions Eligibility verification and deadlines for contributions 2021-2024
Eligibility process and application procedure
The SDC Guidance sets out the eligibility requirements, application and approval process for programme contributions.
The three stages involved in allocating programme contributions are set out below:
1. Public invitation and eligibility clearance
The next public invitation for eligibility clearance is scheduled for 2023. Spontaneous applications will not be considered.
2. Applications for programme contributions and assessment
The SDC invites Swiss NGOs considered as eligible to submit applications for programme contributions. Applications must be submitted in the standard format required by the SDC.
Tendering criteria checklist 2019 (PDF, 522.9 kB, English)
3. Approval and allocation of funds
The amount allocated to a programme depends on the quality of the application, the total SDC budget for programme contributions and the number of recipients.
