Guidelines for the Small Grant Program

Eligibility Criteria

1. The applicant must be registered local businesses, NGOs, community-based organizations within the Philippines project sites (Bulan, Calbayog, Daanbantayan, Dipolog, Puerto Princesa, Tandag) of MOF/PEMSEA Marine Plastics ODA Project.
2. Applications need to targeted towards recycling, upcycling, repurposing of plastics, including marine plastics. All applications should demonstrate how the project will contribute to the reduction of plastic wastes and promotion of circular economy, aligned with the objectives and priorities of the MOF/PEMSEA Marine Plastics ODA Project.
3. Applicants must provide a clear project proposal outlining objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
4. Any organization that has a questionable track record, as evidenced by poor implementation of previous projects and unsound financial management practices is ineligible.

Grant Amount

1. The maximum amount provided by the Small Grant Fund is to an applicant for a project is $10,000(USD).
2. The grant amount should cover project-related expenses, such as materials, equipment, design & invention of items, capacity building, and community engagement activities.
3. If the total project budget exceeds this amount, then the additional funds and funders must be identified in the Application and provide a clear rationale and justification must be provided in the Section C Project Budget of the Annex I.
4. Applications for projects with in-kind contributions and/or additional financial support are preferred.
5. Funds are limited and not all applications may be funded.

Grant Conditions

1. Funds are to be strictly used for the purposes of implementation of the project as per the application form and budget provided.
2. Lead focal points from selected organizations by the SGP are responsible for obtaining all necessary permits from government authorities, indigenous communities, ethics committees, and other relevant entities to undertake the approved project activities.
3. Applicants can undertake and complete the project, with the funds received from the SGP. This should be possible even if you do not receive co-funding from other sources that you propose/may have applied for from other sources, as mentioned in the budget table of the Section F of the Annex I.
4. The project should be completed within 12 months from the commencement date.
5. You are required to submit required documents to Ms. Gusung Lee, Technical Advisor of MOF/PEMSEA Marine Plastics ODA Project at glee@pemsea.org with the following:
   • a final report within two (2) months of the completion of the project;
   • a short write-up with photos for the PEMSEA newsletter and website within two (2) months of the completion of the project; and
   • a copy of any publications that result from your grant.
6. You are required to acknowledge the MOF/PEMSEA Marine Plastic ODA Project and the Small Grant Fund in any presentations, publications, reports, or promotional material arising from this work.
7. You are required to include a logo of the MOF and PEMSEA on any display material you will be preparing.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Alignment with recycling/upcycling/repurposing plastics and circular economy objectives under the goals of MOF/PEMSEA Marine Plastic ODA Project.
2. Feasibility and innovation of the proposed project.
3. Potential for community engagement and awareness.
4. Sustainability and long-term impact.
5. Budget justification and cost-effectiveness.

Grant Administration

1. Successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement outlining terms and conditions.
2. Regular monitoring and reporting will be required during the project implementation.
3. Grant disbursement will be subject to project milestones and deliverables.

Reporting and Evaluation

1. Grantees must submit mid-term and final project reports.
2. Evaluation of project outcomes and impact will be conducted by the Regional Project Management Unit for the MOF/PEMSEA Marine Plastics ODA Project.

Timeline

1. Application Deadline: 30 September 2025 (CLOSED)
2. Evaluation and Selection: September 2025
3. Grant Disbursement: within 10 days after signing of the Letter of Agreement (LOA)
4. Project Implementation: 1 year from the date of signing the LOA
5. Final Project Report Deadline: within two (2) months of the completion of the project