Call for Applications: Large Projects (Portugal)

The Large Projects Grant Programme supports civil society organizations in Portugal implementing initiatives that promote human rights, social justice, equality, climate action, and community inclusion. The programme provides grants between €37,500 and €62,500 for projects lasting 12 to 24 months that address discrimination, gender inequality, migrant and refugee support, environmental justice, and social cohesion.

Eligible non-profit civil society organizations in Portugal can apply for projects aligned with Axis 2 – Supporting and Defending Human Rights under the Fund Regulations.

Overview of the Large Projects Grant Programme

The Large Projects call provides financial support to civil society initiatives in Portugal that strengthen human rights protection, promote equality, and address social and environmental challenges.

The programme aims to support organizations working with marginalized communities and vulnerable groups while encouraging inclusive participation, dialogue, and cooperation across society.

Funded projects should contribute to creating more equal, sustainable, and socially connected communities.

Objectives of the Programme

The main objective of this call is to support and defend human rights while advancing social justice and equality.

The programme supports projects that:

• Protect and promote fundamental human rights
• Reduce discrimination and inequality
• Promote gender equality and inclusion
• Support migrants and refugees
• Address gender-based violence
• Encourage climate action and environmental protection
• Strengthen community participation
• Build trust and dialogue between different groups

Key Focus Areas

Human Rights Protection and Social Justice

The programme supports initiatives that defend human rights and promote equality.

Projects may focus on:

• Non-discrimination
• Social justice
• Rights awareness
• Protection of vulnerable groups
• Community empowerment

Gender Equality and LGBTIQ+ Rights

The programme promotes initiatives addressing gender inequalities and protecting the rights of diverse communities.

Supported activities may include:

• Gender equality awareness
• Sexual and reproductive rights
• LGBTIQ+ rights protection
• Inclusion campaigns
• Advocacy initiatives

Preventing and Addressing Gender-Based Violence

Projects may support efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence through:

• Awareness programmes
• Community education
• Support networks
• Prevention initiatives
• Advocacy for stronger protection mechanisms

Climate Action and Just Green Transition

The programme recognizes environmental protection as an important part of social justice.

Supported projects may include:

• Climate action initiatives
• Environmental awareness
• Community-based sustainability activities
• Promotion of a just green transition

A just green transition focuses on ensuring that environmental changes benefit all communities, including vulnerable groups.

Supporting Migrants and Refugees

The programme supports initiatives that improve inclusion and protection for migrants and refugees.

Activities may include:

• Social integration programmes
• Community support activities
• Rights awareness
• Dialogue between communities
• Services supporting participation and belonging

Community Dialogue and Social Cohesion

Projects are encouraged to strengthen relationships between different groups.

Supported activities may include:

• Community meetings
• Dialogue platforms
• Mutual learning activities
• Cultural exchange initiatives
• Trust-building programmes

These activities aim to strengthen social capital, solidarity, and community participation.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants are Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) established in Portugal.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be legally established in Portugal
• Operate as non-profit organizations
• Be voluntary and private entities
• Serve the general interest or common good
• Operate independently from government authorities
• Be independent from political parties and commercial organizations

Organizations Not Eligible

The following entities cannot apply:

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

Financial Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate financial capacity.

Organizations must have:

• An average annual turnover of at least €20,000

The turnover calculation must be based on:

• The most recent three financial years with available information, or
• A shorter period if the organization was established more recently

Eligible Project Activities

Projects funded under this call may include:

Human Rights and Equality Activities

• Rights awareness campaigns
• Anti-discrimination initiatives
• Equality promotion activities
• Community empowerment programmes

Community Engagement Activities

• Community meetings
• Dialogue between different groups
• Mutual learning activities
• Social inclusion initiatives

Migrant and Refugee Support Activities

• Integration programmes
• Community participation activities
• Support networks
• Awareness campaigns

Climate and Environmental Activities

• Climate awareness campaigns
• Environmental protection actions
• Community sustainability projects
• Green transition initiatives

Gender Equality Activities

• Gender equality programmes
• LGBTIQ+ inclusion initiatives
• Sexual and reproductive rights awareness
• Gender-based violence prevention

Project Duration and Timeline

Funded projects must have a duration of:

12 to 24 months

Expected project start period:

January to March 2027

Projects must be implemented in territories covered under Article 6 of the Fund Regulations.

Funding Details

Total Available Funding

The total budget available under this call is:

€1,562,500

Grant Amount

Funding available per project:

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

How to Apply

Organizations interested in applying should follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should verify that they:

• Are established civil society organizations in Portugal
• Meet non-profit and independence requirements
• Have sufficient financial capacity

Step 2: Identify the Project Focus

Applicants should select a project area related to:

• Human rights
• Equality
• Social justice
• Climate action
• Migrant and refugee inclusion
• Gender equality
• Community participation

Step 3: Develop a Project Proposal

The proposal should include:

• Description of the social challenge
• Target groups and communities
• Project objectives
• Planned activities
• Expected outcomes
• Timeline
• Budget details

Step 4: Demonstrate Impact

Strong proposals should explain:

• How the project protects human rights
• How it benefits marginalized communities
• How it strengthens social cohesion
• How results will continue after funding ends

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted according to the official programme guidelines and requirements.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly connect activities with human rights objectives
• Identify specific community needs
• Include marginalized groups in project planning
• Provide measurable results
• Explain partnership and community engagement strategies
• Demonstrate long-term impact

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects unrelated to human rights or equality
• Failing to identify target communities
• Ignoring climate or social justice priorities
• Providing unclear budgets
• Not demonstrating organizational independence
• Missing financial eligibility requirements

Expected Impact of Funded Projects

Successful projects are expected to contribute to:

• Stronger human rights protection
• Reduced discrimination
• Increased equality and inclusion
• Improved migrant and refugee support
• Greater community participation
• Stronger social cohesion
• Increased climate awareness
• More inclusive green transition efforts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Large Projects Grant Programme?

It is a funding initiative supporting Portuguese civil society organizations working on human rights, equality, social justice, climate action, and community inclusion.

Who can apply for this grant?

Civil Society Organisations legally established in Portugal that operate as non-profit, independent, and voluntary entities can apply.

How much funding is available?

Projects can receive grants between €37,500 and €62,500.

What is the total budget of the call?

The total available funding is €1,562,500.

How long can projects last?

Projects must run between 12 and 24 months.

What topics are supported?

The programme supports human rights, anti-discrimination, gender equality, LGBTIQ+ rights, migrant and refugee inclusion, climate action, and social cohesion.

Can political parties or religious organizations apply?

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

Conclusion

The Large Projects Grant Programme in Portugal provides important funding opportunities for civil society organizations working to advance human rights, equality, and social justice.

With more than €1.5 million available, the programme supports projects that protect vulnerable communities, promote inclusion, strengthen social connections, and encourage sustainable solutions through human rights-based approaches.