Diaspora organisations as bridge builders and knowledge mediators
The German Federal Government’s Integration Commissioner estimates that there is a network of around 20,000 diaspora organisations in Germany working to strengthen cultural cohesion and exchange through various non-profit activities. A part of these associations are also involved in projects in their countries of origin, thereby contributing actively to sustainable development at the local level. They facilitate the exchange of knowledge between their old and new homes, foster innovation, and help improve living conditions for local people.
What we offer
Your Profile
- Funding for small-scale projects
- Advice on submitting applications, project management, and PR work
- Training on methods for successful knowledge transfer in preparation for project implementation
- Targeted assistance in planning, implementing, and sustainably anchoring your project in local structures from our coordinators in around 25 priority countries
- Organisation of exchange, networking, and specialist events
- You work with a non-profit diaspora organisation registered in Germany that was predominantly founded by and is represented by migrants.
- You carry out non-profit, development-related projects in one of our priority countries.
- Your project has a development focus and contributes to sustainable development in your country of origin through knowledge and technology transfers.
- You work closely with local partners who are also involved in planning and implementing the project.
- You are able to contribute at least 10 percent of the total funds requested.


Regular call for tenders
The GIZ issues a call for tenders to promote development-relevant small-scale projects by diaspora organisations in their countries of origin. Whether you want to initiate educational projects or the use of modern technologies in your country of origin with your organisation, whether you train teachers or technical staff, or provide education on topics such as HIV/Aids, energy efficiency and environmental protection - apply with your project idea to one of our calls for proposals! We support you in the application process, project planning and the actual implementation of your project idea on site. Unfortunately, there are no current calls for proposals at the moment - but we publish them on our website and our distribution list. To be included in the distribution list, you can send an informal e-mail to: diaspora2030[@]giz.de
This service is available in the following partner countries of German development cooperation: Albania, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, Peru, Senegal, Serbia, Tunisia, Ukraine, and Vietnam.Send us your project idea!

Real-life examples
Asociación Cultural Iberoamericana campaigns for women’s rights and peace in the border region between Ecuador and Colombia. Together with local organisations, it holds workshops and dialogue events for women migrants and locals on the issues of refugees, violence and discrimination.
Supporting development in your country of origin through your diaspora organisation answers to frequently asked questions.
Is your diaspora organisation keen to submit an idea for a project? Do you still have unanswered questions about the requirements, general conditions, and application process?
Here you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Contact and mailing list
Do you have a question for us? Would you like to be informed about new tenders and events?
Feel free to contact us via: