The In-Country Micro Projects Scheme (ICMPS) provides grants of up to €10,000 to support small-scale development projects implemented by local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in eligible countries where Ireland has diplomatic accreditation but no bilateral Irish Aid programme. The scheme funds one-year projects that address poverty, strengthen communities, promote human rights, improve access to essential services, advance gender equality, and support environmental sustainability.

What Is the In-Country Micro Projects Scheme (ICMPS)?

The In-Country Micro Projects Scheme (ICMPS) is a development funding programme established in 1994 that enables participating Irish Missions to directly support locally managed non-governmental organizations.

The programme focuses on financing small-scale, community-led development initiatives in eligible countries where Ireland maintains diplomatic relations but does not operate a bilateral Irish Aid programme.

The scheme encourages locally driven solutions that improve livelihoods, strengthen community participation, and promote sustainable development.

Programme Objectives

The ICMPS supports projects that contribute to one or more of the following objectives:

• Strengthen the voice of local communities in influencing policy decisions and implementation.
• Prevent hunger and improve livelihood security.
• Improve access to education, healthcare, and HIV prevention, care, and support services.
• Increase access to and control over resources for marginalized communities.
• Promote and protect human rights.
• Advance women’s empowerment and gender equality.
• Support initiatives that address gender-based violence and human trafficking.
• Promote environmental sustainability.
• Support climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives.

Priority Focus Areas

The programme supports projects in areas such as:

Community Participation and Good Governance

Projects that:

• Strengthen community engagement.
• Increase citizen participation in decision-making.
• Improve local governance.
• Support policy advocacy.

Food Security and Livelihoods

Projects that:

• Reduce hunger.
• Improve agricultural productivity.
• Strengthen livelihoods.
• Enhance household resilience.

Health and Education

Funding may support:

• Healthcare access.
• Community health programmes.
• HIV prevention, care, and support.
• Education initiatives.
• Capacity-building activities.

Human Rights

Projects promoting:

• Equality.
• Social justice.
• Protection of vulnerable groups.
• Community awareness of human rights.

Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality

Eligible activities include:

• Women’s leadership initiatives.
• Gender equality programmes.
• Prevention of gender-based violence.
• Anti-human trafficking initiatives.
• Women’s economic empowerment.

Environmental Sustainability

Projects supporting:

• Climate change adaptation.
• Climate resilience.
• Environmental conservation.
• Sustainable natural resource management.
• Community environmental initiatives.

Funding Information

The programme provides:

• Maximum grant per project: €10,000.

Project duration:

• Up to one year.

Projects must be completed within the approved funding period.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must be:

• Indigenous organizations.
• Locally managed organizations.
• Not-for-profit organizations.
• Independent of the state.
• Voluntarily established by members of society.
• Organizations working to address the root causes of poverty and injustice.

Applicants must also:

• Be legally registered where required.
• Provide appropriate registration details.
• Have a bank account in the organization’s name to receive grant funding.

Eligible Organizations

The following organizations may apply:

• Locally registered Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
• Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).
• Non-Profit Companies.
• Corporate Foundations.
• Faith-Based Organizations engaged in development work.
• Cooperatives.
• Farmer Associations.
• Trade Unions.

Faith-Based Organizations must demonstrate that development activities are implemented without discrimination where religious and development work overlap.

Why This Programme Matters

Local organizations are often best positioned to understand community needs and implement sustainable development solutions.

The ICMPS helps:

• Empower local civil society organizations.
• Support community-led development.
• Reduce poverty and inequality.
• Improve essential public services.
• Promote inclusive development.
• Strengthen local resilience.
• Encourage sustainable environmental practices.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm that your organization meets all eligibility requirements.
2. Develop a project that aligns with one or more programme objectives.
3. Register your organization with the relevant national authority if required.
4. Prepare a detailed project proposal and implementation plan.
5. Develop a realistic project budget not exceeding €10,000.
6. Gather registration documents and bank account information.
7. Complete the ICMPS Application Form.
8. Submit the application to the relevant Irish Mission before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application mistakes:

• Applying without meeting organizational eligibility requirements.
• Submitting projects that fall outside the programme objectives.
• Providing incomplete registration documentation.
• Failing to demonstrate community benefit.
• Preparing unrealistic budgets.
• Omitting bank account information.
• Submitting incomplete application forms.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your application:

• Clearly demonstrate the community need your project addresses.
• Show how local communities will participate in project implementation.
• Explain the long-term impact of the project.
• Present measurable outcomes and indicators.
• Include a realistic work plan and budget.
• Demonstrate your organization’s experience in community development.
• Highlight sustainability beyond the grant period.

Key Definitions

Indigenous Organization

A locally established and locally managed organization that serves the needs of its own community.

Community-Based Organization (CBO)

A non-profit organization formed by community members to address local social, economic, or environmental challenges.

Livelihood Security

The ability of individuals and households to maintain sustainable sources of income, food, and basic necessities.

Environmental Sustainability

The responsible management of natural resources and ecosystems to support present and future generations while addressing climate change and environmental degradation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the In-Country Micro Projects Scheme (ICMPS)?

The ICMPS is a grant programme that supports locally managed NGOs and community organizations implementing small-scale development projects in eligible countries where Ireland has diplomatic representation but no bilateral Irish Aid programme.

How much funding is available?

Eligible organizations may receive grants of up to €10,000 per project.

How long can projects last?

Projects funded under the programme may have a maximum duration of one year.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include locally registered NGOs, Community-Based Organizations, Non-Profit Companies, Corporate Foundations, Faith-Based Organizations engaged in development work, Cooperatives, Farmer Associations, and Trade Unions that meet the programme requirements.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme funds projects related to poverty reduction, food security, healthcare, education, human rights, women’s empowerment, gender equality, environmental sustainability, climate action, and community participation.

Are Faith-Based Organizations eligible?

Yes. Faith-Based Organizations engaged in development work may apply, provided they are appropriately registered and demonstrate non-discrimination in delivering development activities where religious and development work intersect.

Why is this programme important?

The ICMPS empowers local organizations to implement community-led development solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen civil society, improve access to essential services, promote human rights, and support sustainable development in underserved communities.

Conclusion

The In-Country Micro Projects Scheme (ICMPS) provides valuable funding of up to €10,000 for locally managed organizations working to improve the lives of vulnerable communities. By supporting grassroots initiatives in areas such as poverty reduction, education, healthcare, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment, the programme enables local organizations to deliver practical, sustainable, and community-driven development solutions that create lasting social impact.