In section 2.8 of the ToR it is stated that “Small projects are designed to provide rapid and flexible support for urgent and time sensitive needs.” Can we suggest small projects not just for these purposes?
Small projects are defined in the Programme Implementation Agreement as projects with a project grant of € 25,000 or less. The main difference between these projects and other projects is that they are required to use simplified cost options and that they may be selected through a simplified selection procedure. This makes them well-adapted to providing rapid and flexible support for urgent and time-sensitive needs, but bidders are free to suggest small projects for any purpose they see fit.
What is a simplified selection procedure (in the case of small grants)?
As described in Article 7.5.8 of the Programme Implementation Agreement (PIA), a simplified procedure can be used for calls for proposals for small grants. This means that the Fund Operator can apply a selection procedure that does not follow all the steps described in Article 7.5 of the PIA, as long as it complies with the general principles and rules listed in Article 7.3 and the procedure has been agreed upon in the operational rules of the programme (Annex II to the PIA). The purpose is to allow for more flexibility and efficiency when re-granting to smaller projects.
For more details you can consult the Fund Operator Manual, available here: https://fobidcsf.eeagrants.org/support/solutions/articles/77000573551--fund-operator-manual-pdf-full-version-