Published on 1 April 2025

FDFA mandates and contributions

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) uses two main instruments to implement its projects and programmes, particularly in development cooperation and humanitarian aid: mandates and contributions. These differ in terms of their legal and operational structure.

Mandates

Definition

The FDFA mandates aid organisations, specialist institutes and private-sector companies to implement projects or programmes under a given contract.

Characteristics

• Mandates are based on a contract under civil law (e.g. service contract, purchase agreement or contract for work and services).
• Contractors must have specific expertise in the given domain.
• The services are provided in return for payment and the contracting authority (the FDFA) has a direct influence on their provision.

Objective

To ensure that the FDFA can fulfil its constitutional mandate, for example in the area of development cooperation or disaster relief.

Contributions

Definition

Contributions are financial support mechanisms provided by the FDFA to organisations in accordance with the relevant legal bases in order to promote their activities.

Characteristics

• Contributions are based on a contribution contract or a commitment.
• Contribution recipients are independent in the implementation of their projects, but their work must further the FDFA's objectives.
• Contributions are often the instrument used for non-profit or humanitarian organisations.

Objective

To promote projects and programmes that are in the public interest, in particular due to their role in furthering development and humanitarian objectives.

Summary

The FDFA chooses between mandates and contributions based on the objective of the cooperation. While mandates are used for clearly defined and directly controllable projects, contributions promote independent activities that help to fulfil the constitutional mandate.