The In-Country Micro Project Scheme (ICMPS) is a funding program aimed at supporting micro projects as implemented by local, grassroots NGOs in order to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice. Priority is given to sustainable projects. The objectives of ICMPS are to prevent hunger, improve access to essential services, empower women and marginalised communities, social justice, help local communities advocate for themselves and to combat climate change.

Applications for the scheme should outline how the proposed project would contribute to at least one of the following Irish Aid objectives:

1. Strengthening the voice of local communities to influence policy decisions that impact upon them and implementation at local and national levels.
2. The prevention of hunger, and the improvement of livelihood security.
3. Improved access to essential services, such as education, health care and programmes of HIV prevention, care and support.
4. Improved access and control of resources for marginalised communities.
5. The promotion and realisation of human rights.
6. The promotion of women's empowerment and gender equality, including initiatives to tackle gender-based violence and women trafficking.
7. The promotion of environmental sustainability and in particular, initiatives that combat climate change.

Applicants must be an indigenous, locally managed, Non-Governmental Organisation which meets one or more of the following criteria:

1. Locally Registered NGO; registered as a trust or society with relevant authority to receive funds from a foreign source.
2. Community Based Organisation; registered as a trust or society with relevant authority to receive funds from a foreign source.
3. Non Profit Company or Corporate Foundation; with relevant authority to receive funds from a foreign source.
4. Faith Based Organisations involved in development work and registered as a religious trust or charitable trust or society with relevant authority to receive funds from a foreign source. Where developmental and religious work is convergent (e.g. schools/training run by faith based organisations) enforcement of non-discrimination policies should be documented in the application.
5. Defence Forces
6. Co-operative
7. Farmer Association
8. Trade Union

NGOs should also meet the following criteria:

• Previous project experience and relevant expertise
• Donor references must be provided
• All organisations which have contact with young children and vulnerable adults must provide a child protection policy setting out the procedures to be followed and safeguards in place

Geographical Focus: The Embassy of Ireland in Beijing and Consulate General of Ireland in Shanghai administer the ICMPS fund in mainland China and Mongolia. The Consulate General in Shanghai manages the ICMPS in Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and Jiangxi provinces. Embassy Beijing manages the ICMPS in all other parts of mainland China as well as Mongolia.

Thematic Sectors: The primary thematic focus will be on improved access to essential services, such as education, health care and programmes of HIV prevention, care and support; improved access and control of resources for marginalised communities; the promotion of the rights of women, children and minorities; and the promotion of environmental sustainability and initiatives that combat climate change. Most successful projects cross cut a number of issues.

Size of grants and budget aspects: The maximum ceiling for funding is 70% of project costs; 30% of each project must be covered by the NGO or other donors. The maximum monetary amount of each grant is €5,000 to €10,000 per year. Applications from NGOs which have previously availed of the scheme will be decided on a case by case basis.

Duration: The duration of one-off grants approved under the scheme is 1 year only.

We accept applications throughout the year. The first step is to submit a concept note of 2 pages (including a budget), from a China or Mongolia based NGO, outlining the problems of poverty against a local context of causes and suitable solutions proposed along with a clear implementation plan, budget and measurable outcomes. Eligible China or Mongolia based NGOs may send a concept note as an email attachment in Word or PDF format to: Shanghai[at]dfa[dot]ie (Shanghai; Zhejiang; Jiangsu; Jiangxi or Anhui provinces) or Beijing[at]dfa[dot]ie (all other parts of mainland China and Mongolia).

If the concept is found viable to Irish Aid's application review team, an application form will be sent to the NGO. A visit may be arranged before funding is considered. After funding, the Irish Aid supported projects will be inspected and audited periodically to ensure funds are utilised properly. Successful projects will work closely with the Embassy or Consulate General of Ireland and Irish Aid on all reviews.

Please note that documents, including application forms and annexes, any report submitted to Irish Aid and any other written communication with Irish Aid, automatically become records of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and as such, are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014.

There are some projects which we cannot fund such as:

• Welfare support(s) that are not sustainable
• Individual or family support
• Major infrastructural schemes
• Educational scholarships
• Projects that involve evangelisation for the proselytising of religious beliefs
• Retrospective expenditure (i.e. cost incurred prior to the date of submission of the application)
• International travel
• Emergency projects that are in response to natural or human disasters