Chisinau, June 24 (Infotag). The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has launched the 4th phase of its NGO Small Grant Program, it was announced at a news conference in Infotag today organized by the Swiss Cooperation Office in the Republic of Moldova and the CAMIB Chisinau non-governmental organization providing technical and administrative support. The Head of the Swiss Office Doris Mauron pointed out that the Program in question was highly appreciated by its recipients – non-governmental organizations, as well as donors and local authorities. It is among the few programs in the Republic of Moldova that offer inexperienced NGOs from rural and marginal areas the chance to become a full-fledged organization able to contribute to a democratic and participative civil society in Moldova.

In order to implement a project in the civil society sector, the program allocates NGOs small grants ranging from $3,000 to $15,000. The grants should enable the NGOs to provide services to the most vulnerable segments of society, gain credibility within the community and improve cooperation with local authorities and international donors. In the fourth phase of the program, the previously benefited NGOs are now also invited to participate in a project proposal competition.

Since the start of the NGO Small Grant Program, a total grant amount of $245,000 has been allocated to implement humanitarian projects all over the Republic of Moldova, including the Transnistrian region. The amount available for 2004/2005 is $104.000.