Diakonia is one of the Swedish non-profit organisations which receive the largest allocation of funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Sida. The largest single agreement with Sida is the framework agreement, where Diakonia in 2013 will receive grants of SEK 145 million for development work in poor countries and SEK 3.6 million for information and communication work in Sweden.

This is how Diakonia spends the money it receives from Sida

Diakonia can be found in over 30 countries, working there with over 400 local partner organisations. The focus is on support for people who live in poverty, giving them the power to change their own lives. Thematically, Diakonia concentrates on human rights, democracy, gender equality, social and economic justice and peace and reconciliation.

32 percent to Africa

In percentage terms, the largest amount of Diakonia’s funding from Sida in 2013 will be spent in Africa.

A small proportion, just under four percent, is used by Diakonia’s head office in Sweden. This work primarily involves supporting global development work in the form of more in-depth knowledge in specific theme areas. It also involves developing methods and quality assurance.

Grants depend on donations

Eligibility for grants from Sida is conditional upon a self-funded element. This means that Diakonia has to contribute at least ten percent itself in order to receive the funding applied for from Sida. In this year’s application Diakonia is putting in approximately SEK 14.9 million in match funding. This money comes from donations from private individuals, parishes, societies and companies.

Funding for information and communications

The information grant, which for Diakonia amounts to SEK 3.6 million in 2013, is used to disseminate information in Sweden about the driving forces behind development in poor countries.
The money from Sida may not be used for advocacy work. Instead Diakonia funds this with money from the Swedish Postcode Lottery. 
 

Tep Vanny in Cambodia is one of thousands of enthusiasts with a passion for change in Diakonia's global network. She is prepared to sacrifice her own life to make sure that she and other Cambodian farmers will be able to own their land. Photo: Stephen Welch