Deadline: 30-Nov-2025
The German Missions in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini have announced the Micro‑Project Scheme for 2026, inviting civil society organizations to submit proposals for funding.
This scheme is designed to empower NGOs, non‑profit organizations, and community groups that support marginalized or transitioning communities, particularly in rural or underserved regions.
Under the Micro‑Project Scheme, funding of up to €25,000 per project is available. Projects must be self‑contained and carried out within the same calendar year; funds cannot be carried over to the next year. The scheme aims to fill gaps in funding by supporting income‑generating and poverty‑reduction initiatives that cannot be financed through existing government or institutional channels.
Priority is given to projects aligned with goals such as promoting a just energy transition, stimulating local economic development or alternative livelihoods, enhancing women’s rights and equality, and advancing anti‑discrimination in areas of gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Applications from Mpumalanga and Limpopo receive special consideration, and for projects in the Eastern, Northern, or Western Cape, applications should be sent via the Consulate General in Cape Town.
Eligible applicants must be registered civic organizations in South Africa, Eswatini, or Lesotho operating in areas where funding is otherwise unavailable. Acceptable projects include solar energy installations, water boreholes, community gardens, workshops for vulnerable populations, renovations of educational infrastructure, or income‑generating tools like sewing machines. Projects supporting government agencies, private businesses, or projects already underway are excluded, as are ongoing operational costs such as salaries, rent, consumables, or medical supplies.
Before funds are disbursed, the German Mission will conduct a site visit and must sign a contract with authorized representatives from the applicant organization. Once the project is complete, beneficiaries must submit a Proof of Employment of Funds report, with original invoices and expense lists. A final site inspection by the German Mission will assess outcomes and verify proper fund use; any unspent or misused amounts must be refunded.
This Micro‑Project initiative offers a concrete chance for grassroots organizations to secure funding for impactful, short-term community development projects. It encourages transparency, accountability, and community-driven change in areas often underserved by larger funding mechanisms.
For more information, visit German Missions.