Deadline: 28-Feb-2026
The Micro-Project Funding Programme is now accepting applications to support small-scale, community-driven initiatives in Vanuatu that deliver practical and sustainable local benefits. The programme provides grants of up to €5,000 for projects led by local actors and focused on inclusive development, resilience, and support for vulnerable groups.
Programme Overview
The Micro-Project Funding Programme is open for applications to support small-scale initiatives that generate tangible benefits at the community level.
The programme directly finances projects initiated and led by communities, individuals, and civil society organisations, while strengthening local capacities through collective action that improves living conditions in an equitable and sustainable manner.
Purpose and Strategic Focus
The programme is aligned with France’s priority thematic areas of engagement and emphasises locally rooted, high-impact actions.
Its core objectives are to:
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Respond directly to identified community needs
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Strengthen local ownership and leadership
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Promote inclusive and sustainable development
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Support vulnerable and disadvantaged populations
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Deliver visible and measurable local impact
Projects are expected to be practical, achievable, and grounded in local realities.
Priority Beneficiary Groups
The programme prioritises initiatives that directly benefit disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.
Priority beneficiary groups include:
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Women and girls
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Children and young people
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People with disabilities
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Vulnerable and marginalised community members
Projects should clearly demonstrate how these groups will benefit from the proposed activities.
Funding Amount and Grant Limits
The Micro-Project Funding Programme provides small grants designed to support focused, community-driven actions.
Key funding details include:
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Maximum funding of €5,000 per project
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Funding applies to the full duration of the project
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Applications requesting more than €5,000 are not eligible
The funding is intended to maximise impact using modest financial resources.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The programme is open to a broad range of locally based applicants operating in Vanuatu.
Eligible applicants include:
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Community groups and local collectives
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Individuals with community-supported initiatives
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Registered local non-governmental organisations
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Academic and educational institutions
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Development-oriented organisations with local operations
Projects must be designed and led primarily by local partners, with strong community involvement at all stages.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Certain applicants and project types are not eligible for support.
Ineligible applicants include:
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Government entities
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Provincial or local government bodies
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Projects led or controlled by government institutions
The programme strictly supports non-governmental, community-led initiatives.
Eligible Activities and Thematic Areas
Funded projects may cover a range of development-focused activities.
Eligible thematic areas include:
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Education and skills development
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Promotion of the French language
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Empowerment of women and girls
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Sustainable economic development
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Environmental protection and conservation
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Climate change adaptation and risk management
Projects should demonstrate how activities contribute to resilience, inclusion, and long-term progress.
How the Programme Works
The programme supports initiatives that are locally initiated, managed, and implemented.
Funded projects are expected to:
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Be co-designed with community members
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Address clearly defined local challenges
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Use simple, effective, and scalable approaches
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Deliver measurable outcomes within a defined timeframe
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Strengthen community capacity and autonomy
Local ownership is a core requirement throughout the project lifecycle.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a clear and concise project proposal.
A strong application should include:
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Description of the local problem being addressed
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Target beneficiaries and community involvement
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Project location and duration
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Planned activities and implementation approach
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Expected results and local impact
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Project budget not exceeding €5,000
Proposals must clearly show that the project is feasible and community-led.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following common issues:
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Requesting funding above the €5,000 limit
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Submitting projects without strong local leadership
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Limited or unclear community involvement
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Overly complex or unrealistic project designs
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Weak explanation of beneficiary impact
Successful applications are simple, focused, and locally grounded.
Why This Funding Matters
Small-scale funding can generate meaningful change when driven by communities themselves.
This programme helps to:
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Empower communities to lead their own development
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Address urgent local challenges effectively
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Promote inclusion and social equity
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Strengthen resilience to economic and environmental risks
Community-led micro-projects often deliver lasting impact beyond their size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum grant amount available?
The maximum funding per project is €5,000.
Who can apply for this programme?
Communities, individuals, local NGOs, academic institutions, and development-oriented organisations operating in Vanuatu.
Are government-led projects eligible?
No. Projects involving government or provincial authorities are not eligible.
Which groups should benefit from funded projects?
Priority is given to projects benefiting women, children, youth, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
What types of activities can be funded?
Education, women’s empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, environmental protection, and climate risk management activities.
Can projects be implemented without community involvement?
No. Strong community involvement is required throughout design and implementation.
Are larger projects eligible?
No. Projects must be small-scale and request no more than €5,000.
Conclusion
The Micro-Project Funding Programme offers a valuable opportunity for communities and local organisations in Vanuatu to implement practical, inclusive, and sustainable initiatives. By prioritising local leadership, modest funding, and high community impact, the programme supports grassroots solutions that strengthen resilience, promote equity, and contribute to long-term social and economic development.
For more information, visit French Embassy in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.
