Development and cooperation
Through international cooperation, the Canton of Basel-Stadt promotes poverty reduction and the strengthening of sustainable development at a global level. Find out more below about the principles of funding and how you can apply for funding for your initiative.
Organisations active in international cooperation may apply for project and programme grants from 2026 onwards for initiatives that contribute both to poverty reduction and to strengthening sustainable development at the global level.
Funding purpose
Purpose | Description |
|---|---|
Poverty reduction | The initiative addresses poverty as a multidimensional issue and – depending on the needs – strengthens the economic, human, political, sociocultural and self-protection capacities of the target groups. |
Strengthening of sustainable development | The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and takes their ecological, social and economic dimensions into account. It particularly promotes participation, local ownership and the strengthening of local structures (localisation principle). |
Thematic scope | Initiatives are supported in the areas of development cooperation, peacebuilding and human security. In fragile and conflict-affected contexts, the integrated Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) Nexus approach must be taken into account. Within this framework, humanitarian measures may also form part of the funding. Initiatives consisting exclusively of humanitarian aid are excluded from project and programme funding. |
Geographical scope | The initiative targets countries listed on the current OECD DAC list of recipients of official development assistance (ODA). |
Funding criteria and procedures
Here you will find further information on the funding criteria and procedures for project and programme grants.
Approved grants
This page lists the project and programme grants awarded by the Canton of Basel-Stadt since 2020.
Legal and strategic framework
With the entry into force of the Act on International Cooperation for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development (GIZA), the Canton of Basel-Stadt will gradually expand its funding from 2026 onwards. By 2029, the budgets will increase to 0.7% of cantonal tax revenue – amounting to around 19.5 million Swiss francs.
With the Strategy for International Cooperation 2026–2029, the Canton of Basel-Stadt specifies its legal mandate and ensures that its international cooperation is geared towards impact in low- and middle-income countries. The aim is to improve the living conditions of people affected by poverty, strengthen local capacities and institutions, and create added value through knowledge, innovation and partnerships from Basel.
