Apply for Strengthening Umbrella Organisations Grants (Portugal)

The Organisational Grants Call provides multiannual financial support to umbrella organisations in Portugal to strengthen civil society organisations (CSOs), improve organisational capacity, and support long-term strategic development. Eligible nonprofit civil society organisations can receive €150,000 grants for projects lasting 36 or 48 months under the Fund’s Axis 3 – Strengthening Civil Society Organisations.

What is the Organisational Grants Call?

The Organisational Grants Call is a funding opportunity designed to support umbrella organisations in Portugal that work to strengthen the civil society sector.

The programme provides flexible, long-term financial support that enables umbrella organisations to:

• Implement strategic plans
• Strengthen organisational capacity
• Improve human resource skills
• Support member organisations
• Deliver long-term development activities

The grants are designed to help civil society organisations achieve their organisational goals through sustainable and structured support.

Objective of the Organisational Grants Programme

The main objective of this call is to strengthen civil society organisations by providing organisational grants to umbrella organisations.

The programme supports organisations in:

• Implementing multiannual work plans
• Improving internal capacity
• Developing sustainable organisational models
• Supporting civil society networks
• Enhancing professional skills within the sector

Key Focus Areas

The call focuses on strengthening civil society organisations through several areas.

Long-Term Organisational Support

The grants provide flexible funding that allows umbrella organisations to:

• Pursue strategic objectives
• Implement organisational strategies
• Strengthen core activities
• Improve long-term sustainability

Capacity Building for Civil Society Organisations

Projects can support:

• Training programmes
• Professional development
• Skills improvement
• Organisational strengthening activities

Improving Human Resource Capacity

The programme aims to improve the skills and knowledge of civil society professionals and volunteers through structured capacity-building initiatives.

Supporting Umbrella Organisations

Umbrella organisations play an important role in:

• Coordinating civil society actors
• Sharing knowledge
• Providing support services
• Strengthening collective action

The grants help these organisations expand their ability to support other CSOs.

Alignment with Axis 3 – Strengthening Civil Society Organisations

Projects must contribute to the indicators established under:

Axis 3 – Strengthening Civil Society Organisations
Area of Intervention 3.1

Each project should define targets based on:

• Project objectives
• Expected results
• Organisational needs

Project Requirements

Projects must be based on one of the following:

• The organisation’s multiannual work plan
• The organisation’s strategic plan

Applicants should demonstrate how their project contributes to strengthening civil society capacity.

Expected Results and Indicators

Projects will be measured through specific indicators, including:

Capacity Building Participation

Number of:

• Civil society organisation staff and volunteers completing capacity-building programmes
• Civil society organisations completing capacity-building activities

Organisational Strengthening

Number of:

• Civil society organisations with improved organisational capacity

Skills Development

Number of:

• Human resources with improved professional skills

Funding Details

The Organisational Grants Call provides:

• Total available funding: €750,000
• Grant amount per project: €150,000
• Project duration: 36 or 48 months

The multiannual funding approach allows organisations to plan and implement long-term development activities.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants are:

• Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
• Umbrella organisations established in Portugal

Applicants must operate as:

• Nonprofit entities
• Voluntary organisations
• Private organisations serving the public interest or common good

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be legally established in Portugal
• Operate without commercial purposes
• Be independent from government entities
• Be independent from political parties
• Be independent from commercial organisations

Who Cannot Apply?

The following organisations are not eligible:

• Political organisations
• Political parties
• Religious institutions

Eligible Activities

Projects may support:

Organisational Development

Examples:

• Strategic planning
• Organisational improvement processes
• Management systems development

Capacity-Building Programmes

Examples:

• Staff training
• Leadership development
• Professional skills development

Support for Member Organisations

Examples:

• Training services for CSOs
• Knowledge-sharing initiatives
• Sector support activities

Strategic Implementation

Examples:

• Activities included in multiannual organisational plans
• Long-term development initiatives

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Review Organisational Strategy

Applicants should ensure the proposed project is connected to:

• Existing strategic plans
• Multiannual work programmes
• Organisational objectives

Step 2: Define Project Goals

The proposal should explain:

• Capacity challenges
• Planned improvements
• Expected results
• Benefits for civil society organisations

Step 3: Develop an Implementation Plan

Applicants should include:

• Activities and timeline
• Target groups
• Monitoring approach
• Sustainability strategy

Step 4: Prepare Budget Information

The budget should clearly explain:

• Use of grant funds
• Project costs
• Resource allocation

Step 5: Submit Application

Applicants must submit their application according to the call requirements and provide all required supporting documents.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are expected to be assessed based on:

Strategic Alignment

Projects should demonstrate alignment with:

• Organisational strategies
• Axis 3 objectives
• Civil society strengthening goals

Capacity-Building Impact

Assessment will consider:

• Number of organisations supported
• Skills developed
• Long-term organisational improvements

Sustainability

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Long-term benefits
• Strong organisational planning
• Continued impact beyond the grant period

Why This Programme Matters

Umbrella organisations provide essential support to civil society networks by improving cooperation, sharing expertise, and strengthening organisational resilience.

This funding helps:

• Build stronger CSOs
• Improve professional capacity
• Increase sector coordination
• Create sustainable civil society structures
• Enhance the impact of community organisations

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly link the project with their strategic plan
• Define measurable capacity-building outcomes
• Explain benefits for member organisations
• Include realistic implementation timelines
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing activities unrelated to organisational strengthening
• Failing to connect the project with strategic plans
• Providing unclear indicators
• Ignoring long-term sustainability
• Submitting incomplete documentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Organisational Grants Call?

It is a funding programme supporting umbrella organisations in Portugal to strengthen civil society organisations through multiannual grants.

2. How much funding is available per project?

Each selected project can receive a grant of €150,000.

3. How long can projects run?

Projects must have a duration of either 36 months or 48 months.

4. Who can apply?

Legally established nonprofit civil society organisations and umbrella organisations in Portugal can apply if they meet eligibility requirements.

5. What activities can funding support?

Funding can support organisational development, capacity building, training programmes, strategic activities, and strengthening civil society networks.

6. What are the main indicators for success?

Indicators include the number of CSOs completing capacity-building programmes, improved organisational capacity, and improved skills among civil society human resources.

7. Can political or religious organisations apply?

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

Conclusion

The Organisational Grants Call for Umbrella Organisations in Portugal provides important multiannual support to strengthen the civil society sector. By investing in organisational capacity, skills development, and strategic planning, the programme helps umbrella organisations build stronger networks, improve sustainability, and increase the long-term impact of civil society organisations across Portugal.