Ordinance of May 22, 1996, regarding Financial Assistance pursuant to the Federal Act on Gender Equality - Financial Assistance Allocated to Action Programs

The Confederation may allocate financial assistance particularly to programs that: a. are strongly practice-oriented; b. have an impact beyond the duration of the financial assistance; c. are particularly well-suited to the organization or company beneficiaries; d. are capable of promoting cooperation with other organizations; e. allow for linkage with other programs; or f. have an experimental nature.

It may also allocate assistance for the purpose of: a. developing foundations for programs; b. evaluating existing programs; c. promoting awareness-raising work.

Internal programs of a company cannot receive direct financial assistance.

Only consultation services ensuring continuous activity can benefit from financial aid.

With regard to the activities of the consultation services referred to in Art. 15 of the Gender Equality Act, financial aid may be allocated to: a. salary costs; b. administrative expenses; c. rental expenses; d. acquisition of informational materials.

Applications for financial assistance must be submitted, along with supporting documentation, to the Federal Office for Equality between Women and Men (Office). The Office sets the annual submission deadline.

The following documents must be attached to the application: a. detailed project description; b. presentation of objectives; c. program for implementation and dissemination of project results (transfer plan); d. evaluation plan; e. detailed budget and financing plan; f. any relevant information concerning the organizations participating in the project; g. execution schedule.

The Office issues guidelines relating to the presentation of applications and provides forms to applicants.

In these guidelines, the Office may set additional conditions regarding the submission of applications.

The Bureau reviews applications seeking the grant of financial assistance. It may, if necessary, consult external specialists.

It can require that projects be adapted or coordinated with others.

Financial assistance is allocated either as a lump sum payment or in several installments.

The amount of the aid is either a fixed sum or proportional to the expenses. In the latter case, the Confederation initially sets a ceiling.

The following are authorized to decide the granting of financial aid: a. the Federal Department of the Interior, for aid exceeding 200,000 francs; b. the Office, for aid up to and including 200,000 francs.

Regarding aid covering multiple credit periods, the total amount is considered as the determining amount.

The Office supervises the execution of the project.

The applicant regularly informs the Office about the progress of the project and prepares a final report for the Office, no later than three months after the completion of the work.

The Office issues instructions related to the preparation of the report.

The Office reviews the project evaluation conducted by the applicant.

It may, if necessary, consult external specialists.

This Ordinance shall enter into force on 1 July 1996.