Deadline: 19-Jan-2026

The European Commission has announced a major funding call in Peru to strengthen civil society, protect human rights defenders, and expand youth employment opportunities. The call is divided into two thematic lots, with a total budget of EUR 3,338,666 supporting projects focused on democracy, human rights, gender equality, decent work, and community justice. Eligible organizations must apply through PADOR and PROSPECT under a restricted two-stage process.

European Commission Funding Call for Civil Society and Human Rights in Peru

The European Commission has launched a new funding opportunity to support civil society organizations (CSOs) in Peru working to advance human rights, democratic governance, youth employment, gender equality, and social inclusion. The program strengthens local capacities, protects vulnerable groups, and promotes sustainable and equitable development across diverse regions of Peru.

Key Focus Areas

The call prioritizes initiatives that reinforce democratic participation, foster inclusiveness, and expand civic space across the country. Core themes include:
• Strengthening civil society organizations and local networks
• Promoting democratic values and public participation
• Protecting and empowering individuals and groups at risk
• Advancing gender equality and eliminating gender-based violence
• Supporting youth employment and decent work
• Ensuring protection for human rights defenders
• Enhancing community justice systems and access to justice
• Encouraging multi-actor collaboration and policy advocacy
• Applying a rights-based and gender-mainstreamed approach
• Improving territorial reach beyond major urban centers

Thematic Lots

Youth Employment and Social Integration

This lot targets young people under 30 facing economic exclusion, informality, or limited access to opportunities. Projects may focus on:
• Increasing access to decent employment
• Linking education and labor market needs
• Supporting vulnerable youth (rural, minority, migrant, disabled)
• Building youth skills through market-aligned technical training
• Creating public-private employment platforms
• Supporting internships and competency recognition
• Promoting entrepreneurship, incubation, and access to microcredit

Grant range: EUR 700,000–900,000
Budget allocation: EUR 2,606,666 (Peru 2025 budget)

Protection of Human Rights Defenders & GBV Prevention

This lot strengthens systems that safeguard defenders of human rights, including Indigenous, environmental, minority, and press freedom advocates. It also targets gender-based violence (GBV) prevention through capacity building and community mechanisms.
Priority actions include:
• Improving risk prevention and protection mechanisms
• Enhancing institutional coordination
• Training defenders and frontline actors
• Supporting emergency and psychosocial services
• Increasing public visibility of defenders’ roles
• Strengthening Peru’s network of community justice advisors (orientadoras judiciales)

Grant range: EUR 300,000–400,000
Budget allocation: EUR 732,000 (Peru 2026 budget)

Rights-Based and Gender-Responsive Requirements

All proposals must clearly demonstrate:
• Participation of affected groups
• Non-discrimination and inclusion
• Accountability, transparency, and use of legal frameworks
• Concrete gender equality actions with measurable indicators
• Gender-disaggregated data collection
• Conflict sensitivity, environmental responsibility, and scalability

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:
• Civil society organizations (local, national, or international)
• Non-profit associations
• Rights-based, democratic governance, youth development, or human rights-focused entities
• Organizations capable of forming multi-actor partnerships with public institutions, academia, private sector actors, and local authorities

Lead applicants may submit only one proposal, but may join one additional proposal as co-applicant or affiliated entity.

Why This Funding Matters

This call addresses critical development challenges in Peru, including:
• Rising risks to human rights defenders
• Persistent youth unemployment and labor informality
• Gender-based violence and gaps in protection
• Weak access to justice for vulnerable communities
• Uneven participation of civil society in public policymaking
• Inequitable territorial development outside capital regions
The program strengthens democracy, promotes social cohesion, and enhances long-term structural reform.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Register in PADOR (Potential Applicant Data Online Registration).

2. Prepare and submit the Concept Note through PROSPECT under the restricted procedure.

3. Wait for shortlisting results after concept note evaluation.

4. If selected, submit the Full Application with complete documentation, budgets, and partnership confirmations.

5. Ensure compliance with all eligibility, financial, and operational guidelines.

Key Evaluation Criteria

• Relevance to call priorities
• Logical and high-quality project design
• Operational and financial capacity
• Sustainability and long-term impact
• Territorial reach and inclusion of vulnerable populations
• Strength of multi-actor collaboration

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing activities outside Peru
• Failing to apply a measurable gender-mainstreaming approach
• Missing required registration in PADOR
• Submitting more than one proposal as lead applicant
• Ignoring rights-based principles (participation, accountability, equality)
• Overlooking sustainability and post-project continuity
• Providing weak evidence of local partnerships

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for this European Commission call?

Registered civil society organizations and non-profit entities with capacity to implement rights-based, gender-responsive, and multi-actor development projects in Peru.

2. Can projects be implemented outside Peru?

No. Every activity must take place exclusively within Peru.

3. What is the total funding available?

The total budget is EUR 3,338,666, divided into two thematic lots (youth employment and human rights defenders).

4. What is the funding coverage?

The EU will fund 70%–90% of eligible costs. The remaining percentage must come from non-EU sources.

5. What is the first step for applicants?

Organizations must register in PADOR before submitting the concept note through PROSPECT.

6. Can a lead applicant submit multiple proposals?

No. Only one proposal per lead applicant is permitted.

7. What types of activities are encouraged?

Projects promoting youth employment, human rights defender protection, GBV prevention, community justice systems, democratic participation, and institutional strengthening.

Conclusion

This European Commission call offers a significant opportunity for civil society organizations in Peru to advance democratic governance, youth empowerment, human rights protection, and gender equality. With strong thematic focus, substantial financial support, and a clear two-stage application process, the program aims to create lasting, equitable, and community-driven impact across Peru’s diverse territories.

For more information, visit EC.