A micro-project is a low-budget project, generally ranging from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of euros, with significantly simplified administration compared to standard projects. The application tends to be shorter, evaluation faster, and expenditure is often reported using a flat rate or a lump sum instead of documenting every item. This form is intended mainly for municipalities, civic associations, schools and small businesses that would not have the capacity or co-financing for a large project. Micro-projects occur most often in cross-border cooperation programmes and in foundations' grant schemes. Despite the simplification, the rules on publicity, sustainability and the purpose-bound use of funds still apply, which smaller applicants often forget. With a lump sum, moreover, it is not the item's accounting that is documented, but the achievement of the agreed output, which changes the way supporting documents are prepared.
See also: Simplified cost options, Umbrella project, Flat rate.
