Funding Opportunity: Small Grants Programme for Local Initiatives (Syria)

The DOZ Small Grants Program supports local community initiatives in Rural Damascus, Syria, that promote civic engagement, leadership, social cohesion, and sustainable development. The program provides grants of up to €2,500 for youth groups, women-led initiatives, disability-led groups, local associations, and community organizations implementing grassroots projects.

Funding Summary

Funding Organization: DOZ Organization – Syria and DOZ International
Program Name: Small Grants Program under “Empowering Syrian Communities in Rural Damascus: Civic Engagement, Leadership, and Social Cohesion for Sustainable Development”
Location: Rural Damascus, Syria
Funding Type: Small community grants
Grant Tracks: Two funding categories
Grant Amount:
- Track One: Up to €2,000 per grant
- Track Two: Up to €2,500 per grant
Number of Grants Available:
- Track One: 10 grants
- Track Two: 10 grants

About the Program

The DOZ Small Grants Program supports grassroots initiatives that strengthen community participation, leadership development, social cohesion, and sustainable development in Rural Damascus.

The initiative is part of the project “Empowering Syrian Communities in Rural Damascus: Civic Engagement, Leadership, and Social Cohesion for Sustainable Development.”

The program aims to empower local communities by supporting small-scale projects that encourage collaboration, improve community resilience, promote inclusive participation, and contribute to local development.

Program Objectives

The grants aim to:

Strengthen civic participation and community leadership.
Encourage youth and women’s involvement in local decision-making.
Promote inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Support community-led development initiatives.
Improve social cohesion among local communities.
Encourage cooperation and sustainable solutions to local challenges.

Target Areas

Projects must be implemented in the following areas of Rural Damascus:

Sahnaya
Daraya
Douma
Harasta
Zamalka
Jaramana

Grant Tracks

Track One: Civic Engagement and Leadership Initiatives

This grant track supports initiatives that strengthen community participation, leadership, and inclusion.

Supported projects may focus on:

Youth leadership activities.
Women’s empowerment initiatives.
Disability inclusion activities.
Civic participation programs.
Social cohesion activities.
Community awareness initiatives.

Funding Available:

10 grants of up to €2,000 each

Track Two: Community Development and Service Initiatives

This track supports initiatives focused on community cooperation, local development, and economic recovery.

Projects may include:

Community-based development activities.
Local cooperation initiatives.
Community services.
Economic recovery-related activities.
Grassroots solutions addressing local needs.

Funding Available:

10 grants of up to €2,500 each

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Youth groups.
Women-led initiatives.
Groups and teams led by persons with disabilities.
Informal community groups.
Local associations.
Community-based organizations.
Local community initiatives.

Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to improving their communities through practical and inclusive activities.

Eligible Project Focus Areas

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following areas:

Civic engagement.
Community leadership.
Social cohesion.
Youth empowerment.
Women’s participation.
Disability inclusion.
Community development.
Local economic recovery.
Community services.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

Completed project proposal.
Description of the proposed initiative.
Estimated project budget.
Required application form.
Any additional information requested in the guidelines.

The proposal should clearly explain:

The community challenge being addressed.
Project objectives.
Planned activities.
Expected community impact.
Budget requirements.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Download and review the Small Grants Guidelines.
Download and complete the official application form.
Prepare a project proposal describing the initiative.
Develop an estimated project budget.
Submit the completed application package through the designated application link.

Important Information

A questions and answers session will be conducted to support applicants.

Date: 4 August 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Damascus time

Applicants are encouraged to review all guidelines before submitting proposals.

Tips for Applicants

Clearly explain how the project benefits the local community.
Focus on practical and achievable activities.
Demonstrate community participation and inclusion.
Provide a realistic and detailed budget.
Highlight how the initiative can strengthen long-term community resilience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete application forms.
Proposing activities outside the target areas.
Providing unclear project objectives.
Missing budget details.
Failing to explain community impact.
Submitting applications after the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the DOZ Small Grants Program?

The DOZ Small Grants Program provides financial support for community initiatives that promote civic engagement, leadership, social cohesion, and sustainable development in Rural Damascus.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Track One applicants can receive up to €2,000, while Track Two applicants can receive up to €2,500.

Who is eligible to apply?

Youth groups, women-led initiatives, disability-led groups, informal community groups, local associations, and community initiatives are eligible to apply.

Where can projects be implemented?

Projects must take place in Sahnaya, Daraya, Douma, Harasta, Zamalka, or Jaramana in Rural Damascus.

What types of projects are supported?

The program supports civic engagement, leadership, social cohesion, community development, and local economic recovery initiatives.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a project proposal, estimated budget, and completed application form according to the Small Grants Guidelines.

Are organizations required to be formally registered?

The program allows applications from both formal local organizations and informal community groups, including youth and community initiatives.

Conclusion

The DOZ Small Grants Program provides an opportunity for Syrian community groups and local initiatives in Rural Damascus to develop projects that strengthen participation, leadership, inclusion, and sustainable development. Through targeted small grants, the program supports grassroots solutions that build stronger and more connected communities.