Deadline: 29-Sep-2026
The European Commission is accepting applications for the Gender Equality Champions Award, which recognizes organisations that successfully implement Gender Equality Plans and advance inclusive gender equality practices. The award supports research organisations, higher education institutions, and other eligible entities that demonstrate measurable progress in creating fair and inclusive environments.
A total of €400,000 will be awarded to four organisations across three award categories: Sustainable Gender Equality Champions, Newcomer Gender Equality Champions, and Inclusive Gender Equality Champions.
Overview of the Gender Equality Champions Award
The European Commission Gender Equality Champions Award supports organisations that actively promote gender equality through the implementation of Gender Equality Plans (GEPs).
The initiative aims to:
- Recognize successful equality strategies
- Promote inclusive organisational cultures
- Encourage better gender equality practices
- Strengthen equality across the European Research Area (ERA)
The award highlights organisations that serve as examples for others working toward gender equality.
Programme Objectives
The award focuses on recognising organisations that:
- Successfully implement Gender Equality Plans
- Create measurable improvements
- Develop inclusive workplace policies
- Promote diversity and equal opportunities
- Share effective approaches with other organisations
The initiative supports broader European efforts to strengthen gender equality in research and innovation.
Gender Equality Plan (GEP) Explained
A Gender Equality Plan is a structured strategy that organisations use to identify and address gender inequalities.
A GEP typically includes actions related to:
- Organisational culture
- Recruitment and career progression
- Leadership representation
- Work-life balance
- Prevention of discrimination
- Inclusive decision-making
The European Commission uses Gender Equality Plans as an important requirement for participation in Horizon Europe funding.
Award Categories
The programme includes three main award categories.
Sustainable Gender Equality Champions
This category recognizes organisations with:
- Long-term commitment to gender equality
- Strong implementation records
- Continued improvement through Gender Equality Plans
Eligible organisations should demonstrate sustained achievements and effective equality policies.
Newcomer Gender Equality Champions
This category supports organisations that:
- Recently completed their first Gender Equality Plan
- Have demonstrated significant progress
- Do not have a long history of gender equality initiatives
The category recognizes organisations making strong first steps toward institutional change.
Inclusive Gender Equality Champions
This category recognises organisations that develop innovative approaches addressing intersectionality.
Applicants should demonstrate Gender Equality Plans that consider connections between gender and other social factors, including:
- Racial or ethnic origin
- Social background
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Disability
Organisations must show concrete results from implementing inclusive equality strategies.
Funding Support
The total award funding available is:
€400,000
The funding will be awarded to:
Four organisations
Successful organisations will receive recognition for their achievements and support for advancing gender equality practices.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include legal entities such as:
- Research organisations
- Higher education institutions
- Public bodies
- Private organisations
Applicants must be established in eligible countries.
Eligible Countries
Eligible applicants may be based in:
- European Union Member States
- Overseas countries and territories linked to EU Member States
- Countries associated with Horizon Europe
- Candidate countries for EU accession
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet several requirements.
Active Gender Equality Plan Requirement
Applicants must have:
- A current Gender Equality Plan
- The relevant implementation plan attached to the application
The plan must comply with Horizon Europe process requirements.
Category-Specific Requirements
For Newcomer Gender Equality Champions, organisations must:
- Have completed implementation of their first Gender Equality Plan before the call deadline
- Not have a previous long-term history of gender equality policy activities
How the Award Works
Step 1: Develop or Implement a Gender Equality Plan
Organisations should establish a clear plan addressing gender equality challenges.
The plan should include:
- Objectives
- Actions
- Implementation methods
- Monitoring systems
Step 2: Document Results
Applicants should collect evidence showing:
- Progress achieved
- Organisational improvements
- Impact of equality measures
Step 3: Submit an Application
Applications should explain:
- Gender Equality Plan activities
- Achievements
- Innovation in approach
- Long-term impact
Step 4: Evaluation and Selection
Applications are assessed based on:
- Quality of implementation
- Impact on equality
- Sustainability
- Innovation
- Inclusiveness
Why This Award Matters
Gender equality remains a key priority in research, innovation, and organisational development.
The award helps organisations:
- Improve workplace fairness
- Increase diversity
- Strengthen institutional policies
- Create inclusive environments
Recognising successful examples encourages other organisations to adopt stronger equality practices.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting an Incomplete Gender Equality Plan
Applicants should ensure their plan meets required standards and includes all necessary documentation.
Focusing Only on Policies Without Results
Strong applications should demonstrate:
- Actions taken
- Outcomes achieved
- Evidence of impact
Ignoring Intersectionality
Applicants for the Inclusive Gender Equality Champions category should address how gender interacts with other forms of inequality.
Lack of Long-Term Vision
Applications should show how equality improvements will continue beyond the award period.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Provide measurable evidence of progress
- Explain organisational impact clearly
- Highlight innovative approaches
- Show leadership commitment
- Include data and examples of outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Gender Equality Champions Award?
It is a European Commission award recognising organisations that successfully implement Gender Equality Plans and promote inclusive equality practices.
How much funding is available?
The programme provides €400,000 in total funding.
How many organisations will receive the award?
Four organisations will receive the award.
Who can apply?
Legal entities such as research organisations, higher education institutions, public bodies, and private organisations from eligible countries can apply.
What is a Gender Equality Plan?
A Gender Equality Plan is an organisational strategy designed to identify and address gender inequalities through specific actions and monitoring.
Can organisations without previous equality programmes apply?
Yes. The Newcomer Gender Equality Champions category supports organisations that have recently completed their first Gender Equality Plan.
What is the Inclusive Gender Equality Champions category?
It recognises organisations that address gender equality together with other factors such as ethnicity, disability, social background, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Conclusion
The European Commission Gender Equality Champions Award supports organisations leading meaningful change through Gender Equality Plans.
By recognising sustainable, innovative, and inclusive approaches, the initiative strengthens gender equality across research, education, and institutional environments throughout the European Research Area.
For more information, visit European Commission.
