The Small Embassy Projects (KAP) programme of the Netherlands Embassy aims to support the strengthening of civil society in Lithuania. To this end, the Small Embassy Projects programme can make funds available for projects, proposed by non-governmental organizations, which contribute to the progress of social transformation. The funds, however, are extremely limited and will be available only until 2010.

To be eligible for a grant, projects must promote the process of transformation into a pluralist, democratic society. This process of transformation can take place in the following areas:

• legislation & law
• public administration, public order and police
• information & media
• human rights/minorities
• environment/NGOs
• labour & social policy
• welfare
• health care
• housing
• education

Requirements

• the duration of a KAP project may not exceed twelve months;
• the application must relate to one or more of the themes mentioned above;
• the project should be a local initiative;
• eligibility for funding is limited to local costs;
• the target group should be clearly defined and actively involved in implementing the project;
• the target group should bear part of the burden of the project (financial or in kind);
• maximum amount to be committed is €15.000.

The following factors will also be taken into account:

• how the problem, objective, target group and envisaged results are presented;
• activities, timetable and budget;
• active involvement of the target group at all stages of the project;
• extent of the target group's own contribution (financial or in kind);
• support for and feasibility/sustainability of the activity;
• management capacity of the implementing organization;
• preference is given to funding that serves as seed money, i.e. that stimulates local processes.

Not eligible for funding under the KAP Programme

• projects that are a repeat of previous projects or that were already under way before the application was submitted;
• running costs (salaries, fixed expenses, e.g. rent, electricity, water, gas, etc.);
• charitable activities;
• international travel expenses;
• commercial activities;
• activities whose target group includes governmental authorities.

Co-financing with other donors is possible if:

• KAP’s visibility is guaranteed;
• a clear, transparent description is given of the KAP activities;
• the other sources of funding are also specified in the proposal;
• the budget balances.

The application procedure

Applications should be submitted to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Jogailos str. 4, IV floor, LT-01116 Vilnius. Contact person for the Small Embassy Projects is Ms Birute Mumenaite, tel. +370 5 2690072. Applications should be submitted by the projects organizers themselves, though they may be assisted by third parties, such as Dutch NGO's. Applications and all correspondence should be in English. The standard application form can be downloaded here:

 Application form KAP

The application should be accompanied by a cover letter. If a letter of recommendation is added, translation in English should also be provided.

The Embassy will inform the applicant in writing if the application is not eligible for funding and explain why this is the case.

The Embassy's contribution is a one-off payment, meaning that no additional funding can be provided. The budget must be drawn up in Litas and detailed, well-founded calculations must be included. The Embassy prepares a Grant Letter and sends it to the applicant. After the applicant receives the Grant Letter, a first instalment (usually 90%) of the financial contribution will be transferred to the applicant’s bank account (in Litas). Private bank accounts can not be used. Payments in cash are not possible. In most cases, one final report (covering content and financial aspects) is expected from the applicant for the whole project period, reflecting the total budget of the project. The report must reflect the content and expected follow-up of the project. For all the expenses made within the project, corresponding payment copies must be presented. Budget items in the financial report must correspond to the same items in the application form. If changes appear necessary during the project, explicit approval of the Embassy must be asked for and received in writing. In case of co-financing, this report must reflect the entire budget of the project, showing how the contributions of the Embassy, other donors and own contribution has been used. After written approval of the final and financial report, the final instalment will be transferred to the applicant.

For a short overview of KAP programme commitments 2008, click here:  KAP commitments 2008