The Federal Republic of Germany has earmarked P3 million to finance a number of small-scale development projects under its Small-Scale Projects scheme for this year.

In a statement, the German Embassy in Manila said small-scale projects are local initiatives financed by the financed by the Federal Foreign Ministry and are implemented through nonprofit entities.

“Through quick and direct assistance, the projects aim to directly improve the quality of life among the poorest sectors of society,” the German Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

To qualify for funding, the project should include a sizable number of beneficiaries, partnership contribution from the proponent organization, be completed within the same year, and should be sustained by the proponent organization.

The embassy said it is currently evaluating projects for possible funding in 2012 and is keen on forging partnerships with nonprofit organizations in the Philippines that implement development projects in the field of health/sanitation, education, infrastructure and income generation.

Last year, six projects worth a total of P2.1 million were financed all over the Philippines. These include the construction of a water-supply system and service facility building for food processing, road concreting, purchase of carabaos for breeding, and vermicomposting.

On its web site, the embassy said possible projects that may be financed under the Small-Scale Projects scheme range from infrastructure, income generation and food security (especially in agriculture), public health and sanitary facilities as well as education and vocational training.