Deadline: 22-May-2026
The In-Country Micro Project Scheme is a small-grants programme designed to support grassroots organisations working directly with vulnerable and marginalised communities. Funded by Irish Aid and managed through the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, the scheme aims to promote inclusive development, reduce poverty, and strengthen local capacity through community-led initiatives. Projects supported under this scheme are expected to be practical, sustainable, and locally relevant, with a strong focus on reaching disadvantaged populations.
Key Objectives of the Programme
- Strengthen the voice of local communities in policy-making and implementation
- Prevent hunger and improve livelihood security
- Enhance access to essential services such as education and healthcare
- Support HIV prevention, care, and awareness programmes
- Improve access to and control over resources for marginalised groups
- Promote human rights and social justice
- Advance women’s empowerment and gender equality
- Address gender-based violence and trafficking
- Encourage environmental sustainability and climate action
Funding Details
- Grant size typically ranges from €2,000 to €5,000 per project
- Funding covers up to 70 percent of total project costs
- Applicants must contribute at least 30 percent through own or external sources
- Project duration is limited to a maximum of one year
- Funding is awarded based on proposal quality and alignment with programme priorities
Key Features of the Scheme
- Focus on small-scale, high-impact community projects
- Emphasis on locally driven solutions and grassroots implementation
- Prioritises sustainability and long-term impact
- Targets vulnerable and marginalised communities first
- Encourages capacity building and local ownership
Who Is Eligible?
- Locally registered non-governmental organisations
- Community-based organisations
- Non-profit companies and corporate foundations
- Faith-based organisations involved in development work
- Cooperatives and farmer associations
- Trade unions engaged in social development
Eligibility Requirements
- Organisation must be legally registered
- Must be authorised to receive foreign funding
- Must have a dedicated organisational bank account
- Must demonstrate experience working with vulnerable communities
What Types of Projects Are Funded?
- Community empowerment and advocacy initiatives
- Livelihood development and food security programmes
- Education and healthcare access projects
- Gender equality and women’s empowerment initiatives
- Projects addressing gender-based violence and trafficking
- Environmental sustainability and climate action initiatives
- Human rights awareness and social justice campaigns
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Identify a community need aligned with the scheme’s priority areas
- Design a small-scale, practical project with clear outcomes
- Prepare a budget ensuring at least 30 percent co-funding
- Ensure organisational eligibility and required documentation
- Develop a proposal highlighting impact, sustainability, and community involvement
- Submit the application through the Embassy of Ireland or designated platform
- Await evaluation based on relevance, feasibility, and impact
Evaluation Criteria
- Alignment with programme priorities
- Potential impact on vulnerable communities
- Feasibility and sustainability of the project
- Level of community involvement and ownership
- Organisational capacity and experience
- Cost-effectiveness and realistic budgeting
Why This Programme Matters
- Provides accessible funding for small grassroots organisations
- Supports direct community-level impact and development
- Encourages inclusive and participatory approaches
- Promotes social justice, equality, and human rights
- Strengthens local capacity and long-term resilience
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects without clear community involvement
- Lack of co-funding or unrealistic budgets
- Weak alignment with priority focus areas
- Overly complex projects that are difficult to implement within one year
- Incomplete documentation or eligibility requirements
Pro Tips
- Focus on simple, practical, and high-impact interventions
- Demonstrate strong community participation
- Highlight sustainability beyond the funding period
- Clearly show how the project benefits vulnerable groups
- Ensure financial planning is realistic and transparent
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the ICMPS? It is a small-grants programme supporting grassroots development projects
- How much funding is available? Grants typically range from €2,000 to €5,000
- What percentage of costs are covered? Up to 70 percent, with 30 percent co-funding required
- Who can apply? Registered grassroots organisations, NGOs, and community-based groups
- What is the project duration? Maximum of one year
- What types of projects are prioritised? Projects focused on poverty reduction, human rights, gender equality, and sustainability
- Can individuals apply? No, only registered organisations are eligible
Conclusion
The In-Country Micro Project Scheme offers a valuable opportunity for grassroots organisations to implement impactful, community-led initiatives. By focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and local ownership, the programme supports meaningful development outcomes that address poverty, inequality, and social challenges at the local level. Organisations with strong community connections and practical project ideas are well positioned to benefit from this funding opportunity.
For more information, visit Embassy of Ireland.
