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Request for Applications: Small Grants Scheme (India)

Deadline: 01-Feb-2026

The German Missions in India Small Grants Scheme supports short-term, high-impact projects that improve the social situation of the least privileged communities. For 2026, the German Consulate Bengaluru will fund gender equality projects in Karnataka and Kerala, with grants up to approximately EUR 25,000 and a strict six-month implementation period.

The German Missions in India Small Grants Scheme provides direct, targeted funding to civil society organisations working with the least privileged members of society. The scheme prioritises quick relief, measurable outcomes, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while focusing on small, self-contained projects that can be completed within a short timeframe.

Funding Focus for 2026

For the 2026 funding cycle, the German Consulate Bengaluru will only accept project proposals in the thematic area of gender equality. Eligible focus areas include:

  • Women’s rights and empowerment

  • Prevention of gender-based violence

  • Safeguarding vulnerable women and girls

  • Legal advice and legal support services for women
    Projects outside this thematic focus will not be considered.

What the Scheme Does Not Fund

The Small Grants Scheme does not support:

  • Public or community infrastructure projects (water supply, sanitation, energy, school buildings)

  • Income generation or livelihood projects

  • Nutrition-related projects

  • Overheads or administrative running costs

  • Land or building purchases

  • Office equipment or furniture

  • Scholarships or individual grants

  • Unskilled labour costs

  • Lump-sum or non-itemised budgets

Grant Size and Duration

  • Maximum funding: approximately EUR 25,000 per project

  • Project duration: maximum of 6 months

  • Projects must be new, stand-alone initiatives and not part of an ongoing or larger programme

  • All activities must be completed within the approved six-month period

Geographic Scope

Eligible projects must be implemented exclusively in:

  • Karnataka, or

  • Kerala
    Projects located outside these two states are not eligible.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be a legally registered organisation in India

  • Hold a valid FCRA licence at the time of application

  • Not have received funding from the German Consulate in the previous two years

  • Not be co-financed by any other institution supported by the German Federal Budget

  • Be able to contribute own funds and in-kind support

  • Demonstrate active community involvement in project implementation

Community Contribution Requirements

Organisations are expected to demonstrate ownership and sustainability by contributing:

  • Own financial resources

  • Workforce participation

  • Administrative and logistical support

  • Engagement of the local community in planning and execution

Why This Scheme Matters

The German Missions in India Small Grants Scheme is designed for rapid, focused interventions that create tangible social impact. By prioritising gender equality and excluding large infrastructure or long-term development projects, the scheme ensures that funding reaches vulnerable women quickly and supports immediate protection, empowerment, and access to justice.

How the Application Process Works

Step 1: Initial One-Pager Submission

  • Submit a completed one-page project overview

  • Deadline: 1 February 2026

  • Only shortlisted organisations will be invited to the next stage

Step 2: Full Application (By Invitation Only)

Selected organisations must submit:

  • Signed official application form

  • Authorised signatory documentation

  • Detailed finance plan and budget

  • Three competitive quotations for planned procurements

  • Latest annual report

  • Audited financial statements

  • Valid FCRA licence copy

  • Organisational statutes and registration documents

  • Organisational staffing chart

  • Proof of own funds contribution

  • Photographs showing the current situation at the project site

  • Credentials or references from previous funding partners

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting projects outside gender equality themes

  • Proposing infrastructure, livelihood, or nutrition activities

  • Applying without a valid FCRA licence

  • Submitting projects that are part of an ongoing or larger programme

  • Including overheads or lump-sum costs in the budget

  • Missing the one-pager submission deadline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum grant amount?
Funding is capped at approximately EUR 25,000 per project.
What is the project duration?
Projects must be completed within a maximum of six months.
Which themes are eligible in 2026?
Only gender equality-related projects will be considered.
Which locations are eligible?
Projects must be implemented in Karnataka or Kerala.
Is an FCRA licence mandatory?
Yes, a valid FCRA licence is required to apply.
Can previously funded organisations apply again?
No, organisations funded by the German Consulate in the past two years are not eligible.
Are infrastructure or livelihood projects allowed?
No, infrastructure, income generation, and nutrition projects are explicitly excluded.

Conclusion

The German Missions in India Small Grants Scheme 2026 offers a focused funding opportunity for organisations addressing gender equality and women’s rights in Karnataka and Kerala. With clear exclusions, a short implementation window, and strict eligibility criteria, the scheme is best suited for well-defined, community-driven projects that deliver measurable social impact within six months.

For more information, visit German Consulate General in Bengaluru.