The “Micro-Project-Scheme” of the German missions in Pakistan, the German Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Karachi aims to improve the social and economic development of the most underprivileged groups of society through “self-help”-projects. For years NGOs, local committees, associations, welfare societies, schools and kindergartens have been supported on a non-profit basis.

The scheme is solely for organizations based in Pakistan. Companies cannot apply.

What can be funded:

A project that falls in the range of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) generally qualifies to receive funds.
For 2021 the special focus of the German missions in Pakistan is on environmental protection and responsible consumption of resources and products as well imparting knowledge and skills from which others in the target group benefit.
Innovative ideas for sustainable projects are preferred.

These are the general conditions:

• Your organization cannot partially or fully fund a project on its own and needs financial assistance which does not exceed the equivalent of 25.000,- euros (about 4.500.000,- PKR as of November 2020)
• Your organization has previous experience in project financing and administration
• The suggested project has not begun yet and the overall financing is guaranteed
• It has a running time of up to a year and must be completed until 31 December 2021. The funding is required for a one-time engagement. The impact of the project should be sustainable. However, any follow-up costs must be covered by your organization or a third party
• If required, any necessary clearance and permission of local authorities must be obtained before the start of the project.
• Necessary technical equipment and goods are preferably bought in Pakistan and maintenance is ensured

What cannot be funded:

• German language courses, cultural heritage sites protection, projects within the realms of rule of law, human rights, strengthening democracy or humanitarian aid projects since these are covered by other German programs
• Acquisition of property, loans, legal cases, the purchase of vehicles (unless follow-up costs and maintenance can be guaranteed by your organization beyond the project’s time span)
• Recurring costs for your office (electricity, gas, water, fuel), salaries for your own staff
• limited travel expenses only if project-related
• Consumption goods (medicine, fabric, colors etc.) needed for start-up financing can only be funded for max 6 months)
• Grants, donations, food packages, etc. for distribution

After the deadline: 
Whilst all concept notes will be reviewed only the organizers of selected projects will be contacted. The funding of a project will only be decided on the basis of an application form.
After signing a contract the project partner needs to request funds which will be paid out in tranches.
The project partner will during the running time of the project have to update the embassy or consulate in writing on the development of the project on a regular basis.
The project will be monitored  and – the Covid19 circumstances allowing - be visited by the Embassy / Consulate General at least once. Finally the partner will have to submit a final report on the output and outcome of the project as well as a proof of employment of funds on the basis of the initial finance plan.  For this purpose original bills and receipts need to be presented based on the quotations.
The project partner is to use the German Cooperation Logo in his publications. Content of the project will be used, inter alia, on the embassy’s social media channels.