CFAs: Promoting Inclusive Democratic Processes and Citizen Empowerment (Portugal)

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (FCG) is accepting applications from civil society organizations in Portugal to strengthen democratic participation, civic engagement, and information integrity. With a total funding allocation of €1,562,500, the programme provides grants ranging from €37,500 to €62,500 to support projects that promote resilient, inclusive, and participatory democratic processes.

What is the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Democracy and Civic Participation Grant?

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Democracy and Civic Participation Grant is a funding programme that supports Portuguese civil society organizations working to strengthen democracy, encourage civic participation, improve information integrity, and empower citizens to engage actively in democratic life.

The initiative seeks to build stronger democratic institutions by supporting projects that increase citizen participation, strengthen civil society, promote informed public debate, and encourage inclusive decision-making.

Funding Available

The programme has a total budget of €1,562,500.

Successful projects may receive grants ranging from:

• Minimum grant: €37,500
• Maximum grant: €62,500

Funding is intended to support projects that contribute to stronger democratic governance and increased civic participation across Portugal.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen democratic culture.
• Promote active civic participation.
• Improve information integrity.
• Empower citizens to engage in democratic processes.
• Strengthen the role of civil society organizations.
• Foster inclusive and participatory governance.
• Build resilient democratic institutions.
• Encourage collaboration between citizens and civil society.

Focus Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following priorities:

• Civic participation
• Democratic culture
• Information integrity
• Citizen engagement
• Civil society empowerment
• Participatory democracy
• Democratic resilience
• Inclusive governance
• Public participation
• Community engagement
• Democratic innovation
• Social inclusion

Eligible Activities

Projects may include activities such as:

• Civic education programmes
• Public awareness campaigns
• Community engagement initiatives
• Citizen participation projects
• Information integrity initiatives
• Activities promoting democratic values
• Capacity-building for civil society organizations
• Participatory governance initiatives
• Public dialogue and consultation activities
• Collaborative projects that strengthen democratic participation
• Initiatives encouraging informed public debate

Who is Eligible?

The call is open to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) established in Portugal.

Eligible organizations must:

• Be legally established in Portugal.
• Operate as non-profit, voluntary, and private entities.
• Pursue the general interest or common good.
• Operate on a non-commercial basis.
• Be independent of government institutions.
• Be independent of political parties.
• Be independent of commercial organizations.

Applicants may have different legal structures provided they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Financial Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate financial capacity by having:

• An average annual turnover of at least €20,000.
• The turnover should be calculated using the most recent three financial years.
• Newly established organizations may use a shorter financial period where applicable.

Who is Not Eligible?

The following entities are not eligible:

• Political parties
• Political organizations
• Religious institutions
• Government bodies
• Public entities
• Commercial organizations

Why This Programme Matters

Strong democracies depend on informed citizens, active public participation, and independent civil society organizations.

This funding programme supports initiatives that:

• Strengthen democratic values.
• Encourage citizen participation.
• Improve public trust.
• Promote accurate and reliable information.
• Support inclusive governance.
• Increase civic engagement.
• Build resilient democratic institutions capable of responding to future challenges.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these general steps:

1. Verify that the organization meets all eligibility requirements.
2. Develop a project aligned with the programme’s objectives.
3. Define clear outcomes that strengthen democracy and civic participation.
4. Prepare a realistic project budget.
5. Gather all required organizational and financial documents.
6. Complete the official application form.
7. Submit the application before the programme deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances of success by:

• Clearly explaining the democratic challenge being addressed.
• Demonstrating measurable community impact.
• Showing strong citizen engagement strategies.
• Including practical and achievable activities.
• Providing realistic budgets.
• Demonstrating organizational capacity.
• Explaining how project outcomes will continue beyond the funding period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following when preparing an application:

• Submitting incomplete documentation.
• Proposing activities outside the programme priorities.
• Providing unclear project objectives.
• Presenting unrealistic budgets.
• Failing to demonstrate public benefit.
• Not explaining how citizens will actively participate.
• Weak monitoring or evaluation plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this funding?

Civil Society Organisations legally established in Portugal that operate on a non-profit basis and serve the public interest are eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

Projects may receive grants ranging from €37,500 to €62,500, with a total programme budget of €1,562,500.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports projects that strengthen civic participation, democratic culture, information integrity, citizen engagement, and democratic resilience.

Can newly established organizations apply?

Yes. Newly established organizations may demonstrate financial eligibility using a shorter financial history where applicable, provided they meet the programme requirements.

Are political organizations eligible?

No. Political parties, political organizations, and religious institutions are not eligible to receive funding.

What financial requirements must applicants meet?

Applicants must have an average annual turnover of at least €20,000, calculated over the most recent three financial years or a shorter period for newer organizations.

Why is this funding important?

The programme helps strengthen democratic institutions by supporting civil society organizations that encourage informed public participation, build trust, and promote inclusive democratic processes.

Conclusion

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Democracy and Civic Participation Grant offers an important opportunity for Portuguese civil society organizations to strengthen democracy, empower citizens, and promote inclusive public participation. With grants ranging from €37,500 to €62,500 and a total funding allocation of €1,562,500, the programme supports impactful initiatives that foster democratic resilience, information integrity, and stronger civic engagement across Portugal.