The Small Grants Scheme (SGS) is designed to provide a cost effective way for the British Embassy to fund small-scale developmental projects that are in line with the Department for International Development's (DFID) development objectives.

HOW DOES IT OPERATE?

The Embassy receives proposals throughout the year from a range of organisations, including NGO's, People's Committees' and Mass Organisations.  These proposals are assessed against the criteria and then submitted to the Ambassador for final approval.

WHAT TYPE OF PROJECTS ARE SUPPORTED?

Applications can be submitted for projects of up to three years duration.  Projects funded under the scheme must meet at least one of the following priority objectives

• Enhancing productive capacity
• Direct poverty reduction
• Human Development (better education, disabled, health, children by choice)
• Women in development
• Environment

In the financial year 2003/2004 the Embassy will focus on the following

Projects that contribute to an improvement in human rights, the empowerment of women, the protection of the rights of children and disabled people including supporting basic education.

The Ambassador will always want to see a strong local commitment, the involvement of the local community in development, management and some funding of the project. 

Preference will be given to projects which clearly demonstrate how they will benefit the most disadvantage groups on Vietnam.

The number of applications always exceeds the amount of funding available, so there is tough competition for funds.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested organisations should complete a Project Memorandum and submit it to Mrs Elaine Henry Plieger, Vice Consul British Embassy.