Request for Proposals: First Call for Strategic Projects (Portugal)

The First Call for Strategic Projects under the EEA Civil Society Fund in Estonia provides funding to strengthen democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and civic participation through strategic civil society initiatives. Eligible Estonian non-governmental organizations can apply for medium-sized grants of €50,001–€70,000 (up to €80,000 with donor partnerships) or large grants of €80,001–€100,000 (up to €120,000 with donor partnerships), with 100% of eligible project costs covered.

First Call for Strategic Projects (EEA Civil Society Fund – Estonia)

The First Call for Strategic Projects supports strategic initiatives that strengthen civil society, promote democratic values, protect human rights, and increase public participation in democratic processes across Estonia.

The program encourages long-term collaboration between Estonian civil society organizations and partners from Estonia, donor countries, and other eligible stakeholders to create lasting democratic and social impact.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Strengthen democratic values and the rule of law.
• Promote and protect human rights.
• Increase civil society participation in democratic processes.
• Strengthen advocacy and watchdog functions.
• Enhance public policy engagement.
• Promote civic participation and civic literacy.
• Improve media literacy.
• Increase resilience to disinformation.
• Strengthen government accountability.
• Foster community engagement and social cohesion.

Priority Areas

Projects may focus on one or more of the following areas:

• Democracy and democratic governance.
• Rule of law.
• Human rights protection.
• Civic participation.
• Advocacy and policy influence.
• Watchdog activities.
• Civic education and literacy.
• Media literacy.
• Countering disinformation.
• Government transparency and accountability.
• Community engagement.
• Social cohesion.

Special Focus Areas

The call also supports projects that:

• Increase the participation of young people in democratic life.
• Promote the inclusion of minorities.
• Support Ukrainian refugees and host communities.
• Address the consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
• Protect the rights of Ukrainian refugees.
• Counter discrimination and disinformation.
• Promote intercultural, interethnic, and interreligious understanding.
• Strengthen bilateral cooperation between Estonian organizations and partners from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

Grant Types and Funding

Medium-Sized Strategic Grants

Medium-sized grants support projects that:

• Last 12 to 24 months.
• Receive funding between €50,001 and €70,000.
• May receive up to €80,000 for projects involving donor-country partnerships.

Large Strategic Grants

Large grants support partnership-based projects that:

• Last 18 to 24 months.
• Receive funding between €80,001 and €100,000.
• May receive up to €120,000 for donor partnership projects.

Total Funding Available

The total funding available under this call is:

• €1,405,000

Successful projects are expected to begin implementation in January 2027.

Funding Coverage

The grant covers:

• 100% of eligible project costs.

Funding is provided through:

• Advance payments.
• Interim payments.
• Final payments.

Eligible expenditures include:

• Actual project costs.
• Simplified cost options permitted under the program guidelines.

Eligible Applicants

Applications are open to:

• Non-profit associations established in Estonia.
• Foundations established in Estonia.

Organizations must:

• Be established under the Non-profit Associations Act or the Foundations Act.
• Qualify as non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Meet all program eligibility requirements.

Each eligible organization may submit:

• One application as the lead applicant.

There is no limit on participation as a project partner.

Ineligible Applicants

The following organizations are not eligible to apply as lead applicants:

• Religious institutions.
• Political parties.
• Trade associations.
• Professional associations.
• Profit-distributing cooperatives.

Eligible Partners

Projects may include partnerships with:

• Civil society organizations.
• Public entities.
• Private organizations.
• International organizations.
• Eligible informal groups.
• Organizations from donor states.
• Organizations from beneficiary states.

Partners should actively contribute to project implementation and share responsibility for achieving project objectives.

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects are expected to:

• Strengthen democratic governance.
• Increase citizen participation.
• Improve public accountability.
• Protect human rights.
• Build stronger civil society organizations.
• Enhance cooperation between Estonian and donor-country organizations.
• Promote inclusive and resilient communities.

Program Benefits

The First Call for Strategic Projects helps organizations to:

• Deliver strategic democracy initiatives.
• Strengthen advocacy and policy influence.
• Expand civic participation.
• Build international partnerships.
• Increase organizational capacity.
• Promote long-term democratic resilience.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Demonstrating a clear strategy for long-term impact.
• Showing how the project strengthens democratic governance.
• Including meaningful citizen participation.
• Building strong partnerships with relevant organizations.
• Addressing inclusion, human rights, and social cohesion.
• Presenting realistic budgets, timelines, and measurable outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the First Call for Strategic Projects?

Eligible applicants are non-profit associations and foundations established in Estonia under the Non-profit Associations Act or Foundations Act that qualify as non-governmental organizations.

How much funding is available?

Funding is available through:

• Medium-sized grants: €50,001–€70,000 (up to €80,000 for donor partnership projects).
• Large grants: €80,001–€100,000 (up to €120,000 for donor partnership projects).

Are partnerships required?

Partnerships are encouraged, particularly for large strategic projects. Eligible partners may include civil society organizations, public and private entities, international organizations, and eligible informal groups from donor and beneficiary states.

What project themes are supported?

The program supports projects related to democracy, the rule of law, human rights, civic participation, media literacy, government accountability, social cohesion, inclusion, and resilience to disinformation.

What percentage of project costs does the grant cover?

The program covers 100% of eligible project costs.

When are funded projects expected to begin?

Selected projects are expected to start implementation in January 2027.

Conclusion

The First Call for Strategic Projects under the EEA Civil Society Fund in Estonia provides fully funded support for strategic civil society initiatives that strengthen democracy, protect human rights, promote civic participation, and reinforce the rule of law. By encouraging long-term partnerships, inclusive participation, and collaboration with organizations from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, the program seeks to build a stronger, more resilient civil society and foster lasting democratic change in Estonia.