Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects

 

Introduction

 

The Japanese Government offers a financial assistance for development projects designed to meet the diverse needs of developing countries. Known as the "Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects" (GGP), this scheme supports projects proposed by various bodies, such as non governmental organizations (NGO's) and local government authorities. The GGP has acquired an excellent reputation because it provides flexible and timely support to development projects at the grassroots level.

Objectives


The GGP provides non-refundable financial assistance to NGO's, hospitals, primary schools, research institutes, and other non-profit associations to help implement their development projects.

The availability of GGP funding in each eligible country provides Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) with a new means of cooperation that has a direct impact on the well-being of grassroots communities.

Projects implemented in Lebanon since 1996:
[See Annex 2]

 

Eligibility Requirements

 

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS


Any type of non-profit organization can be a GGP recipient. The only requirement is to be a non-profit organization implementing development projects at the grassroots level in eligible countries.
The following are examples of potential recipients: international or local NGOs (of any nationality), hospitals, primary schools, research institutions, and other non-profit organizations.

 

PROJECT AREAS


1) As long as a development project is geared towards grassroots assistance, it can be eligible for financing under the GGP scheme. However, particular attention is given to projects in the following areas:

 

- Primary health care.
- Primary education.
- Poverty relief.
- Public welfare.
- Environmental Protection.
- Anti-personnel mine clearance.


Some examples (not an exhaustive list) of eligible projects are:

 

- Refurbishment and supply of equipment for primary schools.
- Refurbishment and supply of medical equipment for hospitals.
- Refurbishment and supply of facilities for water supply.
- Refurbishment and supply of equipment for vocational training.


Particular attention is also given to projects which involve women in development activities.

 

Priority areas may be determined by the Embassy of Japan in each eligible country, according to the development needs of that country.

 

AVAILABLE FUNDS


GGP funds are provided after an examination and evaluation of each application on an annual project-by-project basis.

 

The grant amount per project prefarably does not exceed US$90,000 and the annual budget of applicants. Prospective applicants should note that the following budget items cannot be financed: Computers, vehicles, Taxes (VAT, cutoms fees), salaries, fuel, travel expenses, per diem charges, and other administrative and operating costs of the organization.

 

HOW TO APPLY


If your organization satisfies the conditions described above and you want to receive GGP funds to implement a development project, download the application form, fill it out and send it to the Embassy of Japan in Lebanon. For more information, contact us: 01-989751/2/3 Ext.402

Application Form(HTML)

Application Form (Excel)

 

When submitting your application form, please bear the following in mind:

 

1) In selecting projects for funding, the Government of Japan places a high priority on the impact and sustainability of the project. First and foremost, you must convince the Embassy that your organization is capable of the sound management of sustainable development projects. A detailed description of the past achievements of your organization would therefore be appreciated.

2) As mentioned above, the Government of Japan cannot provide funding for salaries and other recurrent operational costs. The operations of the project must therefore be independently financed by your organization. In order to convince the Embassy that you can maintain the project, you must show that you have sufficient funds to cover running costs.

 

APPROVAL PROCEDURES


The Japanese Government receives far more applications than it is able to support. Funds are therefore provided only for the most suitable projects after detailed examination and evaluation.

 

After the application form and accompanying documents are received by the Embassy of Japan, the procedures below are followed:

 

1) Examination of the project: When the application is received, the project is examined by Embassy staff, who pay particular attention to the objectives, socio-economic impact, and cost of the project. On this basis, potentially suitable projects for grant assistance will be selected.

2) Site visit: The Embassy staff will visit the site of the selected project, after which a decision will be made whether or not to provide grant assistance.

3) Grant Contract: The Embassy of Japan and the recipient organization sign a Grant Contract. The Grant Contract contains the title, objectives and details of the projects, the name of the recipient organization, and a clause outlining the appropriate use of funds; and it specifies the maximum amount to be disbursed.

4) Disbursement of funds: The recipient organization must conclude procurement contracts with relevant suppliers for the delivery of goods and/or services. The contracts are carefully examined by the Embassy of Japan to verify that the costs and budget items are appropriate. Once it has approved the costs and received a signed request for payment from the recipient organizations, the Embassy will disburse the funds.

5) Implementation of the project: The grant should be used properly and exclusively for the purchase of the products and/or services necessary for the approved project. Once the grant funds have been disbursed, implementation of the project is expected to proceed in a timely manner, and in conformity with the agreed-upon timetable.

6) Audit account by an independent auditor: An independent accountant or auditing body will conduct audit accounting on the implementation of the project and issue a report. The organization is requested to provide the information needed by the auditor and ccoperate with him in order to facilitate his task.

7) Reports: At the discretion of the local Embassy of Japan or consulate, the recipient organization may be asked to provide an interim report during implementation. The final report must be accompanied by a financial statement and receipts showing how the funds were utilized.

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS


1) Funds received must be used exclusively within the framework of the implementation of the project. The Embassy of Japan reserves the right to claim a refund of the grant if the funds are used for any purpose other than for the implementation of the project.

2) It would be preferable if the recipient organization could maintain separate accounting for the implementation of the project in order to facilitate audit operations by the Embassy of Japan or its representative.

3) Regardless of the project's starting date, grant funds shall be disbursed prior to March 31 (the end of the Japanese fiscal year).

4) If the recipient organization finds that it has to modify the project plan for any unexpected reason, it must consult the Embassy and seek its prior approval.


(c) Embassy of Japan in Lebanon

Serail Hill Area, Army St. Zokak El-Blat, Beirut, Lebanon

 

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