Deadline: 01-Feb-2026
The Embassy of Switzerland to India and Bhutan is offering grants of CHF 5,000–7,000 to support short-term, high-impact projects by Indian and international civil society organizations. Funding focuses on human rights, migration, humanitarian action, peacebuilding, governance, gender equality, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability, with projects implemented within a single calendar year. The initiative aims to advance locally relevant, innovative, and rights-based approaches to development and poverty reduction.
What is the Swiss Embassy Small Action Fund?
The Small Action Fund provides flexible, short-term financial support to civil society organizations (CSOs) working on development, poverty reduction, and rights-based initiatives. The fund prioritizes:
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Impactful and locally relevant projects
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Inclusive and sustainable approaches
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Rights-based and equitable outcomes
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Innovative solutions in thematic areas
Grants are designed for clearly defined activities, such as trainings, workshops, and other actionable projects that can be completed within a single calendar year.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Indian and international civil society organizations operating in India or Bhutan.
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Organizations with projects addressing human rights, migration, humanitarian action, peacebuilding, governance, inclusivity, gender equality, or environmental sustainability.
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Groups proposing well-defined short-term activities that are locally relevant and impactful.
Important Eligibility Notes:
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The same CSO cannot receive funding in two consecutive years.
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Activities can be part of a larger long-term project, provided they comply with this call’s specific timeframe and criteria.
Grant Amounts and Project Scope
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Typical grant size: CHF 5,000–7,000
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Funding supports:
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Workshops, trainings, and capacity-building initiatives
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Community-based interventions aligned with thematic priorities
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Pilot projects and innovative solutions in human rights, governance, inclusivity, and sustainability
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Restrictions:
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Funding cannot be used solely for staff salaries or purchase of supplies.
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Projects must start after contract signing in early 2026 and conclude by the end of October 2026, allowing time for reporting and approval of deliverables.
How to Apply
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Confirm Eligibility
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Ensure your organization is a CSO operating in India or Bhutan.
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Project must align with the fund’s thematic priorities and timeframe.
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Prepare Your Proposal
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Include project description, objectives, expected impact, activities, and budget.
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Highlight local relevance, innovation, and sustainability.
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Submit Application
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Follow the Swiss Embassy’s submission guidelines for the Small Action Fund.
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Include all supporting documentation as requested.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Proposing projects that only cover staffing or supplies.
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Applying in consecutive years without meeting eligibility rules.
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Submitting proposals with unclear objectives or impact measurement.
Tips for Success:
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Emphasize innovation and local relevance.
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Clearly define activities, deliverables, and expected outcomes.
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Demonstrate how the project aligns with rights-based, inclusive, and sustainable principles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the Small Action Fund?
Indian and international civil society organizations operating in India or Bhutan.
2. What is the typical grant amount?
CHF 5,000–7,000 per project.
3. Which types of projects are supported?
Short-term, locally relevant activities such as trainings, workshops, and community initiatives in human rights, governance, peacebuilding, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.
4. Can funding be used for salaries or supplies?
No, grants cannot cover solely staffing costs or purchase of supplies.
5. How long can projects last?
Projects must be completed within the 2026 calendar year, concluding no later than end of October 2026.
6. Can an organization apply two years in a row?
No, the same CSO cannot receive funding in consecutive years.
7. Can funded activities be part of a larger project?
Yes, as long as they fit within the Small Action Fund’s timeframe and criteria.
Why This Fund Matters
The Swiss Embassy Small Action Fund strengthens grassroots initiatives, rights-based development, and local innovation. By supporting short-term, high-impact projects, it enables CSOs to address pressing social challenges, promote inclusion, and implement sustainable, locally relevant solutions.
Conclusion
The Swiss Embassy Small Action Fund offers a strategic opportunity for CSOs to implement high-impact, rights-based initiatives in India and Bhutan. With flexible funding, clearly defined activities, and a focus on innovation and sustainability, the programme supports projects that advance human rights, inclusivity, environmental awareness, and community development within a practical one-year timeframe.
For more information, visit Embassy of Switzerland to India and Bhutan.
