Submit Applications for Ethiopiaid Small Grants Programme

Deadline: 07-Sep-2026

The Ethiopiaid Small Grants Programme provides funding to registered charitable organizations in Ethiopia working on sustainable projects that create lasting change in their communities. The program aims to strengthen the capacity of Ethiopian charities by supporting projects that demonstrate sustainability and align with Ethiopiaid’s values and safeguarding standards. Eligible organizations must meet specific organizational requirements, including charity registration in Ethiopia, two years of audited accounts, a safeguarding policy, and a current strategic plan. Applicants must also demonstrate how their work will continue after the grant ends and must not have received Ethiopiaid funding during the previous two years. What Is the Ethiopiaid Small Grants Programme? The Ethiopiaid Small Grants Programme supports local charitable organizations in Ethiopia that are working to improve conditions within their communities through sustainable projects. The program is designed not only to provide financial assistance but also to strengthen the organizational capacity of Ethiopian charities. Funding is targeted toward projects that can demonstrate: - Sustainable community impact. - Alignment with Ethiopiaid’s values. - Compliance with safeguarding standards. - Organizational readiness. - A clear plan for continuing project activities after grant funding ends. Main Purpose of the Programme The programme aims to help Ethiopian charities develop and implement projects that create lasting benefits for their communities.

Its key objectives include:

- Supporting sustainable community projects. - Strengthening Ethiopian charitable organizations. - Building organizational capacity. - Supporting projects aligned with Ethiopiaid’s values. - Promoting strong safeguarding practices. - Encouraging long-term sustainability beyond the grant period. The focus on sustainability means applicants should demonstrate how their project can continue delivering benefits after the funding period has ended. Who Can Apply? The programme is intended for registered charities in Ethiopia. To be eligible, an organization must meet several organizational and compliance requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be registered as a charity in Ethiopia. - Have audited accounts for the last two years. - Maintain a safeguarding policy. - Have a current strategic plan. - Commit to Ethiopiaid’s safeguarding policy and code of conduct. - Demonstrate how the proposed work will continue after the grant ends. - Not have received Ethiopiaid funding during the previous two years. Applicants should ensure that all requirements are met before submitting their application. Organizational Eligibility Requirements The programme places emphasis on organizational capacity and accountability. Registered Charity in Ethiopia Applicants must be formally registered as charities in Ethiopia. This requirement ensures that funding is directed toward established local charitable organizations operating within the country. Two Years of Audited Accounts Organizations must have audited accounts covering the last two years. Applicants should ensure that the required financial records are complete and available as part of their application documentation. Safeguarding Policy Applicants must maintain a safeguarding policy. Safeguarding is an important requirement because organizations working with communities and potentially vulnerable groups need appropriate systems for preventing and responding to harm. Current Strategic Plan Applicants must have a current strategic plan. The strategic plan should demonstrate that the organization has a clear direction and understands how its proposed work contributes to its broader organizational objectives. Safeguarding Requirements Safeguarding is a core requirement of the Ethiopiaid Small Grants Programme.

Applicants must:

- Have an organizational safeguarding policy. - Commit to Ethiopiaid’s safeguarding policy. - Commit to Ethiopiaid’s code of conduct. - Demonstrate willingness to meet the required safeguarding standards. Organizations should therefore ensure that their internal safeguarding systems are active and appropriate before applying. Sustainability Requirement A major feature of the programme is its focus on sustainability. Applicants must explain how their work will continue after the grant ends. A strong sustainability plan should clearly explain: - What will happen after grant funding ends. - How project activities will be maintained. - What organizational capacity will support continuation. - How the community will continue to benefit. - What resources or mechanisms will support longer-term implementation. Applicants should avoid presenting the grant as the only source of support for the continuation of the project. Previous Ethiopiaid Funding Requirement Organizations that have received Ethiopiaid funding during the previous two years are not eligible. Applicants should review their organization’s funding history before submitting an application. This requirement is particularly important because an otherwise eligible organization may be excluded if it has received Ethiopiaid funding within the specified period. What Makes a Strong Project? The programme is intended to support sustainable projects that create lasting change. A strong project should therefore demonstrate: - A clearly identified community need. - A practical and achievable approach. - Strong organizational capacity. - Alignment with Ethiopiaid’s values. - Appropriate safeguarding systems. - Sustainable benefits. - A realistic plan for continuing activities after funding ends. The proposal should make it easy to understand how the project will contribute to long-term community change. How to Prepare a Strong Application Organizations should ensure that both their institutional requirements and project plans are clearly presented. Demonstrate Organizational Readiness Clearly establish that the organization meets all eligib