Deadline: 05-Jul-2026
The Transatlantic Foundation (TF), in cooperation with the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (BST) of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, has launched a travel grant programme supporting civil society representatives from the six Eastern Partnership countries. The grants help civic actors participate in regional networking events, exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and strengthen civil society cooperation.
The programme will provide up to 50 travel grants over two and a half years, with each grant offering a maximum of EUR 1,500.
Overview of the Transatlantic Foundation Travel Grants Programme
The Transatlantic Foundation, together with the Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation, is offering individual travel grants to strengthen regional cooperation among civil society actors.
The programme supports:
- Civil Society Organization (CSO) representatives
- Civic activists
- Community leaders
- Informal group representatives
from the six Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries.
The initiative is part of the Enhancing the Resilience of Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership (ERICS-EaP) programme.
Programme Objectives
The travel grants aim to strengthen civil society networks and cooperation across the Eastern Partnership region.
Key objectives include:
- Supporting participation in regional events and forums
- Encouraging exchange of ideas and best practices
- Improving cooperation among civic actors
- Strengthening regional civil society networks
- Increasing visibility of civil society initiatives
What the Grant Supports
The funding supports participation in:
- Regional networking events
- Civil society forums
- Cooperation meetings
- Knowledge-sharing activities
- Partnership-building opportunities
The grants help participants connect with other organizations and contribute to regional discussions.
Available Funding
The Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation will provide:
50 individual travel grants
over a period of:
Two and a half years
Each selected applicant may receive:
Up to EUR 1,500
The grant is intended to cover eligible travel-related costs connected to participation in regional networking activities.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include individuals who are actively involved in civil society work.
Applicants may include:
- CSO leaders
- CSO staff members
- CSO volunteers
- Civic activists
- Community organizers
- Informal group representatives
Applicants must be:
- Based in one of the six Eastern Partnership countries, or
- Actively working within one of the Eastern Partnership countries
Eligible Countries
The programme supports civil society actors from the six Eastern Partnership countries.
Eligible participants may come from:
Exiled civil society organizations are also eligible to apply.
Applicant Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Active involvement in their organization or initiative
- A clear role in civil society activities
- Ability to contribute to regional networking
- A connection between the event and their organization’s goals
Participation should create value for both the applicant and the represented organization.
How the Grant Works
Step 1: Identify a Relevant Event
Applicants should select a regional activity that supports:
- Networking
- Cooperation
- Knowledge exchange
- Civil society development
Step 2: Submit a Proposal
Applicants must explain:
- The purpose of participation
- The relevance of the event
- Expected benefits
- How the experience will support their organization
Step 3: Proposal Assessment
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Alignment with programme objectives
- Potential impact on regional cooperation
- Importance and timing of the event
- Budget justification
- Cost-effectiveness
Step 4: Participate and Build Networks
Selected participants attend events, exchange experiences, and develop partnerships with other civil society actors.
Selection Criteria
Proposals are assessed according to:
Relevance
The proposed activity should clearly support:
- Regional cooperation
- Civil society networking
- Knowledge sharing
Impact
Applicants should demonstrate how participation will:
- Strengthen their organization
- Improve cooperation capacity
- Create future opportunities
Event Importance
Reviewers consider:
- The relevance of the event
- Timing
- Expected outcomes
Budget Quality
Applicants should provide:
- Realistic costs
- Clear explanations
- Cost-effective planning
Why This Programme Matters
Civil society organizations play an important role in strengthening democratic participation, community resilience, and regional cooperation.
The programme helps address challenges by:
- Connecting civic actors across borders
- Sharing successful approaches
- Supporting collaboration
- Increasing the visibility of grassroots initiatives
Regional networks allow organizations to learn from each other and respond more effectively to shared challenges.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Weak Connection to the Event
Applicants should clearly explain why the selected event is important.
Unclear Organizational Benefits
Applications should describe how participation supports the applicant’s organization or initiative.
Poor Budget Explanation
Budgets should be realistic and directly linked to participation costs.
Limited Regional Impact
Strong applications show how participation contributes beyond individual benefit.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Choose events closely related to their work
- Explain expected outcomes clearly
- Highlight previous civic engagement experience
- Show how knowledge will be shared after participation
- Provide a realistic budget
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Transatlantic Foundation Travel Grant?
It is a funding opportunity supporting civil society representatives from Eastern Partnership countries to participate in regional networking and cooperation activities.
How much funding is available?
Each selected applicant can receive up to EUR 1,500.
How many grants will be awarded?
The programme plans to provide 50 travel grants over two and a half years.
Who is eligible to apply?
CSO representatives, civic activists, leaders, volunteers, staff members, and informal group representatives from the Eastern Partnership region can apply.
Are exiled civil society organizations eligible?
Yes. Exiled CSOs are eligible to apply.
What activities can the grant support?
The grant supports participation in regional forums, networking events, cooperation activities, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are assessed based on relevance, expected impact, event importance, and budget justification.
Conclusion
The Transatlantic Foundation and Black Sea Trust Travel Grants Programme creates opportunities for civil society actors across the Eastern Partnership region to connect, collaborate, and strengthen their networks.
By supporting regional exchange and cooperation, the programme helps build more resilient civil society communities and increases the impact of civic initiatives across the region.
For more information, visit GMFUS.