Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The German Embassy in Dhaka invites proposals for its 2026 Small-Scale Projects programme, providing up to EUR 15,000 per project to NGOs, local communities, and social institutions in Bangladesh. The initiative supports interventions in WASH, inclusion, infrastructure, health, empowerment, protection, and climate action, aiming for direct, measurable benefits for disadvantaged groups.
Overview of the Programme
The 2026 Small-Scale Projects programme offers direct financial support to organizations working for disadvantaged groups, climate action, and social issues in Bangladesh. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the programme prioritizes innovative, beneficiary-focused interventions that provide concrete benefits and have sustainability potential beyond two years.
Focus Areas
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WASH: Water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities for vulnerable groups and remote schools.
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Inclusion: Livelihood training, IT facilities for the visually impaired, and assistive devices for children with disabilities.
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Infrastructure: Extension or renovation of community school buildings in hard-to-reach areas, such as haor or hilly regions.
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Health: Community health camps for preventable blindness and awareness campaigns.
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Empowerment: Vocational training for women, girls, and boys in peri-urban areas.
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Protection: Support for survivors of Gender-Based Violence or Sexual Harassment.
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Climate Action: Projects addressing climate change and environmental challenges.
Funding and Eligibility
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Grant Amount: Up to EUR 15,000 (~BDT 2,000,000, subject to exchange rate fluctuations).
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Eligible applicants include NGOs, registered local communities, and social institutions.
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Projects must provide direct and measurable benefits to intended beneficiaries.
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Organizations must demonstrate the capacity to sustain the project for at least two years post-completion.
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Funding cannot be used for overhead costs exceeding 25%, micro-credits, seminars, workshops, land purchases, state institutions, military/police facilities, or UN entities.
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Co-financing with organizations already receiving German federal funds (e.g., EU, UN, GIZ) is not allowed.
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Projects must be implemented and completed within the 2026 calendar year, ending by late November.
How to Apply
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Confirm eligibility as an NGO, registered community, or social institution in Bangladesh.
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Identify a project aligned with one or more programme focus areas.
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Develop a detailed proposal showing direct benefits to beneficiaries and sustainability beyond two years.
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Prepare a clear budget, including contributions from the implementing agency or beneficiaries (labor or in-kind support).
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Submit the proposal following German budgetary regulations and programme guidelines.
Expected Outcomes
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Improved access to water, sanitation, hygiene, and infrastructure for vulnerable communities.
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Increased inclusion for persons with disabilities through training, assistive devices, and IT solutions.
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Enhanced health awareness and access to preventive care.
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Strengthened empowerment and vocational opportunities for marginalized groups.
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Measurable contributions to climate action and environmental sustainability.
Why This Programme Matters
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Supports direct, tangible improvements in the lives of disadvantaged groups.
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Encourages innovative solutions and locally relevant interventions.
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Promotes sustainability by requiring organizational commitment beyond project completion.
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Contributes to broader social, health, and environmental development goals in Bangladesh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Exceeding 25% of project cost on personnel and administrative expenses.
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Using funding for land, state institutions, military, police, or UN entities.
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Co-financing with other German federal-funded projects.
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Submitting projects without clear beneficiary impact or sustainability plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply? NGOs, registered local communities, and social institutions in Bangladesh.
2. What is the maximum funding amount? Up to EUR 15,000 (~BDT 2,000,000).
3. What activities are eligible? WASH, inclusion, infrastructure, health, empowerment, protection, and climate-related projects.
4. Can projects receive co-financing from other German federal-funded organizations? No.
5. Are personnel and administrative costs covered? Yes, but cannot exceed 25% of total project cost.
6. When must projects be completed? By late November 2026.
7. Is sustainability required? Yes, organizations must demonstrate the capacity to maintain the project for at least two years post-completion.
Conclusion
The German Embassy Dhaka Small-Scale Projects programme empowers local organizations to deliver innovative, direct, and sustainable interventions across social, health, education, inclusion, and climate sectors in Bangladesh. By prioritizing measurable beneficiary impact and long-term sustainability, the programme strengthens communities and promotes equitable development in hard-to-reach and marginalized areas.
For more information, visit German Embassy in Dhaka.