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CFAs: Estonian Centre for International Development Project Funding in Belarus

Deadline: 16-Jan-2026

The Estonian Centre for International Development is accepting applications to support Belarusian democratic civil society in exile, focusing on civic engagement and independent media.

This funding opportunity aims to strengthen democratic resilience by empowering exile communities to advance democratic initiatives and ensure access to reliable information.

The Estonian Centre for International Development has launched a new application round to back projects that empower Belarusian democratic actors operating from abroad.

This initiative focuses on sustaining civic engagement, democratic values, and the development of free and independent media within the Belarusian exile community.

Purpose of the Funding

The grant aims to:

  • Strengthen Belarusian democratic civil society operating outside Belarus

  • Promote civic engagement and participation in democratic initiatives

  • Support the development of free and independent media for information access and public accountability

  • Encourage projects that contribute to long-term democratic resilience

Key Priorities

  1. Civic Engagement in Exile

    • Projects that mobilize and empower Belarusian communities abroad

    • Initiatives that foster collaboration among exile organizations to sustain democratic practices

  2. Free and Independent Media

    • Activities promoting reliable news, investigative journalism, and public accountability

    • Projects that facilitate access to information for Belarusians living both abroad and within Belarus

  3. Democratic Resilience

    • Efforts that strengthen civil society structures and maintain visibility of democratic initiatives

    • Capacity-building activities for organizations and activists in exile

Funding Details

  • Total Budget Available: €60,000

  • Focus: Well-defined, realistic projects with tangible impact

  • Eligible Applicants: Organizations working with Belarusian democratic actors in exile

  • Scope: Projects that efficiently use resources to achieve measurable outcomes

Application Assessment Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Alignment with the goals of the funding round

  • Feasibility and clarity of project design

  • Efficient budget use relative to expected outcomes

  • Robust monitoring and results evaluation plans

  • Organizational capacity, experience, and past performance

  • Sustainability and risk management strategies

How to Apply

  1. Identify a project that aligns with the grant’s purpose and focus areas

  2. Prepare a detailed proposal including:

    • Objectives and expected impact

    • Target beneficiaries and community engagement plan

    • Implementation timeline and key activities

    • Budget breakdown and justification

    • Monitoring and evaluation strategy

  3. Submit the application through the official channels provided by the Estonian Centre for International Development

Why This Grant Matters

  • Supports the continuation of democratic efforts despite restrictive conditions within Belarus

  • Strengthens the Belarusian exile community’s capacity to organize and maintain civic engagement

  • Promotes independent media as a tool for transparency, accountability, and informed citizenry

  • Contributes to the long-term resilience and visibility of democratic initiatives

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Demonstrate clear alignment with the grant’s objectives

  • Provide a feasible and actionable project plan

  • Highlight measurable outcomes and impact indicators

  • Include evidence of organizational capacity and experience in democratic or civic initiatives

  • Detail risk management and sustainability strategies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting proposals without clear relevance to Belarusian exile democratic initiatives

  • Failing to present a realistic budget or measurable outcomes

  • Overlooking monitoring and evaluation plans

  • Neglecting to demonstrate organizational capacity and previous achievements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply?

Organizations working with Belarusian democratic actors operating in exile.

What types of projects are prioritized?

Projects promoting civic engagement, democratic initiatives, and independent media.

What is the total funding available?

€60,000 for this application round, distributed to projects demonstrating high impact and feasibility.

How will proposals be evaluated?

Based on alignment with goals, project feasibility, budget efficiency, monitoring plans, organizational capacity, and sustainability.

Are individual applicants eligible?

No, only organizations may apply.

Can projects focus on media initiatives?

Yes, support for free and independent media is a central priority.

Conclusion

This funding opportunity provides a targeted platform for organizations supporting Belarusian democratic civil society in exile.

By backing initiatives that strengthen civic engagement and independent media, the Estonian Centre for International Development helps sustain democracy, visibility, and resilience for Belarusian actors operating beyond their home country.

For more information, visit ESTDEV.