The SDC's new approach to cooperating with Swiss NGOs delivers greater impact

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) aims to deploy its funds more effectively and efficiently in the future to help the poorest and most vulnerable communities.

It has therefore altered its approach to cooperating with Swiss non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in response to changed circumstances. In order to ensure a fair and comprehensible distribution of federal government contributions, it has established a transparent system of allocation and set new upper limits. The SDC is also seeking to boost innovation and intensify competition among NGOs.

The general conditions for international cooperation have changed considerably in recent years. State and non-state actors need to cooperate more closely in order to mount effective responses to growing challenges in relation to poverty reduction, human rights, migration, and the environment. Against this backdrop, the SDC has decided to adjust its strategy for cooperating with Swiss NGOs and update the system for allocating programme contributions which has evolved over time.

Cooperating with Swiss NGOs creates synergies and multiplier effects, enabling available funds to be used even more effectively and efficiently to help the poorest and most vulnerable communities. The SDC’s work with Swiss NGOs facilitates access to Swiss expertise, innovation and services and strengthens civil society in developing and transition countries and in relation to humanitarian crises.

The new allocation system set up by the SDC will ensure that programme contributions are distributed fairly and transparently. From 2021, contributions to the international programmes of individual NGOs will be limited to 30%, while federal contributions to the international budgets of umbrella organisations, cantonal federations and NGO alliances will be capped at 40%. In all cases, a CHF 8 million annual ceiling now applies to each NGO, umbrella organisation or cantonal federation, as applicable. There is no change in the total programme contributions available.

The new allocation system should help to increase competition and boost innovation. Contributions will be reallocated every four years allowing new and existing NGOs to access federal funding, provided that they can bring added value to Switzerland’s international cooperation efforts.

NGOs play a key role in international cooperation. The SDC channels approximately one-third of its funds through NGOs. Swiss NGOs bring specific expertise, experience of key areas or operations and local knowledge to international cooperation, thus contributing to its success.

Original source: SDC
Published on 02 July 2019