Changemaker Grants: The most frequently asked questions

What exactly is being funded? Only organisational development measures or also project activities?

• As a changemaker, you want to develop your organisation and share your experiences with others. We support you in strengthening voluntary commitment in your organisation and promoting equal cooperation.
• The funding is exclusively for internal and organisational development in the areas of ‘Recognising and strengthening volunteering’ and ‘Promoting equal cooperation’.
• The funding cannot be used to support direct project activities.

What can the funding be used for?

Funding can be used for the following:

• Measures to better support volunteers: Certificates, further training, childcare, monetary appreciation or expenses. 
• Workshops and training: Use the funding to organise exciting workshops that help to lower barriers and hierarchies in your organisation.  
• New opportunities for participation: Work together to develop new ways for your target groups to have a say in decisions, for example through regular meetings or online platforms. Start working groups that deal with specific topics or challenges.
• Useful materials and tools: Thanks to the Changemaker Grants, create simple manuals or videos that show how people can best get involved in your organisation. Or develop an app or platform that facilitates exchange and organisation.
• Rewards and recognition: Introduce certificates that volunteers receive for their great work and that they can also use on their CV. Use the Changemaker Grants to finance a person who looks after the volunteers or finances further training and course attendance for volunteers.
• Meetings and exchanges: Organise meetings or events where volunteers from your association can come together and learn from each other. 
• Sustainable projects: Use the funding to organise your association structures in such a way that they can continue to exist and grow in the future
• Personnel costs, consultancy services and communication costs for planning and implementing the measures.

What about measures that are only developed in a participatory manner as part of the project? These cannot be defined/budgeted in advance.

Please describe these measures roughly and enter an estimate in the budget.

We are a team that has been working together and implementing projects for over two years. However, we have been a non-profit organisation for less than two years. Can we still apply?

Yes, if you have been implementing projects as a collective for more than two years, but have been a non-profit organisation for less than two years, we will be accommodating. Please state this transparently in your application. 

Are the Changemaker Grants only aimed at large organisations?

The Changemaker Grants are not explicitly aimed at large organisations. It is important that the application clearly states that and how the requested grant (minimum CHF 60,000, maximum CHF 150,000) will be used sensibly.  

Is multiple funding possible, e.g. if the project/organisation has already received a mini-grant or is supported by a Migros Culture Percentage funding scheme? 

• A maximum of two grants can be paid out per organisation for two different projects per year.
• The Mini-Grants are independent of the Changemaker Grants. Even if you have received Mini-Grants, you can still apply for a Changemaker Grant.
• Do you need money or support to realise project activities? Then you can find information on other Migros Culture Percentage grants here.

Why is the form for the Changemaker Grants so extensive?

The requirements for organisations applying for a Changemaker Grant are higher than for the Mini-Grants. In order to understand your ideas and measures, we need some additional information. We know that the requirements are high, but we are also prepared to work with you to refine your ideas. It's definitely worth getting involved!

Do you have another question or need help? Then book a consultation with Valérie.