Can an embassy be an eligible partner?
It is possible to have an embassy as a partner, provided it is based either in Portugal, or in one of the Donor or Beneficiary countries, and that it is relevant for the application. Naturally, the costs incurred by an embassy are not eligible.
Shouldn’t there be the possibility for partnerships to have more than 3 partners beside the promoter? Is it preferable to partner with Portuguese or Donor Countries’ NGOs?
The three partner limit was chosen for practical management and in order not to dilute support among more than four entities. Even so, the promoter may find it difficult to manage the partnership. The option made allows for more partners than in some of the other Beneficiary countries where NGO Programmes exist. We were careful to consult the NGO Programme rules in other countries before this decision was made regarding our Programme.
By itself, the nationality of the partners will have no impact on the evaluation scores – foreign NGOs can of course have a very positive impact on the Portuguese Civil Society, and applications contributing towards that end will be valued. NGOs from Donor countries can only be supported within the framework of Bilateral Cooperation Initiatives.
Does the Programme support costs incurred in other countries?
The Programme supports projects in Mainland Portugal and the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira, and can also support activities to be carried out in the Donors or Beneficiary countries in the context of Bilateral Cooperation Initiatives, if these actions are necessary to its success. Similarly, when the partnership involves intergovernmental organizations, supported activities may be carried out any State of the European Economic Area.
Furthermore, only eligible costs incurred by entities that meet the eligibility requirements as a promoter may be supported, with the sole exception of projects under Field of Intervention D, where other entities may be eligible. We may also support be the expenses of Donor countries’ partner organizations falling under Bilateral Cooperation Initiatives.
The payment of costs incurred by partner organizations outside of Portugal must be justified by accounting documents certified by a chartered accountant or someone, in the State of origin, who has powers equivalent to that effect.
Is it mandatory to include a foreign NGO when establishing partnerships? Does the CGF support the creation of partnerships?
It is not mandatory that partnerships include foreign NGOs, apart from those under the scope of the call for Bilateral Cooperation Initiatives, where it is indeed necessary. The Foundation hosted a number of Donor countries NGOs on the Programme’s launching event on March 22, 2013, and for those interested, contacts and presentations for these entities are available on the Programme website. Those interested should also visit eeagrants.org and ngonorway.org. Regarding large projects, the Programme Management Unit will encourage partnerships with NGOs from Donor countries during the calls phase.