The Small Embassy Projects (SEP)

The SEP-programme supports local initiatives to improve the socio-economic position of the poorest in society, in particular women, and to offer solutions for acute needs and problems. The budgets for SEP-projects range between € 7,500 and approximately € 20,000. Projects should be implemented within a period of 12 months.

The application period runs from 1st December to 31st January. The Netherlands Embassy in Zambia can receive proposals from Malawi. A hardcopy of the application form is available at the reception of the Embassy and an electronic version can be downloaded here (Word doc). In February the screening and selection of the proposals takes place. Funding requests submitted by organisations, known by the Embassy, get preference treatment. Find here an overview of SEPs in 2008.

Positive criteria
A SEP must be based on a small-scale local initiative originating in the community or agency involved. It must be targeted at a clearly defined group of people who are actively involved in it and prepared to contribute whatever they can to its implementation (money, labour, materials or land). It must be capable of being sustained by the local population once complete.

Negative criteria
A SEP may not take the form of charity (such as supplying food, regional study grant, salaries or medical aid) or constitute a gift or part of an election campaign or for social functions. It is not meant as emergency aid. It may not be part of a project or programme belonging to another development agency, or of a larger project split up into different SEP’s.