EEA Civil Society Fund Grant

About this grant

The EEA Civil Society Fund, part of the EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028, aims to support a vibrant and resilient civil society that protects and promotes democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in Europe. It responds to the challenges civil society faces, including restrictive regulatory environments, limited access to resources, intimidation and harassment, and obstacles to participation in decision-making, as well as the opportunities and threats posed by the digital transformation of civic space. The fund supports civil society organisations engaged in advocacy, monitoring, strategic litigation, civic education, citizen engagement, training and capacity building, and research and analysis to inform policymaking. Areas of support include democratic values, civic engagement, information integrity and media literacy; civil society participation in democratic processes; human rights, anti-discrimination and social justice; gender equality including sexual and reproductive health and rights and LGBTIQ+ rights; climate action and a just green transition; and organisational development and an enabling environment for civil society. A strong focus is placed on developing the capacities and resilience of civil society organisations, including skills to engage volunteers, diversify funding, enhance transparency and accountability, and communicate in complex environments. A transnational component fosters European-level learning and networking. Programmes are managed by Independent Fund Operators in each Beneficiary State, which ensure accessibility and respond to national needs. Target groups include women, youth, minorities, marginalised groups, LGBTIQ+ people, migrants and refugees, and Roma people.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are civil society organisations in the Beneficiary States working at grassroots, local, national, or regional levels. Social movements, informal groups, community leaders, and human rights defenders are named as key partners and may take part through partnerships. Public sector entities, private companies, and entities from Donor States may contribute through partnerships with civil society organisations. Applications are handled by the national Fund Operator in each Beneficiary State. Beneficiary States listed on the page are Poland, Slovakia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovenia, Portugal, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, and Estonia.

Key requirements

• ✓Must be a civil society organisation registered in an EEA Beneficiary State
• ✓Work must align with at least one of: democracy, civic engagement, human rights, anti-discrimination, gender equality, climate action, or organisational development
• ✓Applications submitted through national Fund Operators in each beneficiary country

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for EEA Civil Society Fund?

Eligibility covers organisations in EU, EUROPE; nonprofit, charity, social-enterprise, community-group, consortium. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Climate adaptation funding helps communities, infrastructure and businesses prepare for heat, flooding, drought and sea level rise. Most of it is public and multilateral money, often targeted at vulnerable regions and delivered with local government. Calls usually ask for a climate risk assessment and evidence that local people shaped the plan.