Call for Proposals to Strengthen Civil Society Engagement (India)

The European Commission has launched a Call for Proposals to strengthen civil society organisations (CSOs) working on governance, climate action, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth in India. The programme provides large-scale grants to support policy dialogue, climate resilience, green economic development, social inclusion, and sustainable development initiatives across India, including the North Eastern Region.

About the European Commission Civil Society Organisations Call for Proposals

The European Commission has announced a funding opportunity to empower civil society organisations (CSOs) in India to contribute to sustainable development, effective governance, and inclusive economic growth.

The programme aims to strengthen the role of local organisations as important partners in addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges while supporting stronger collaboration between India and the European Union.

Through this initiative, CSOs will receive support to improve policy engagement, promote community participation, and develop solutions aligned with sustainable development goals.

Purpose of the Programme

The programme is designed to enhance the capacity of civil society organisations to contribute to:

Good governance.
Sustainable development.
Climate action.
Inclusive economic growth.
Environmental protection.
Social inclusion.
Evidence-based policymaking.

The initiative recognizes CSOs as key actors in connecting communities with decision-makers and supporting locally driven development solutions.

Key Focus Areas

The Call for Proposals supports projects working across multiple priority areas.

Strengthening CSO Participation in Policy Dialogue

Projects may focus on improving the role of civil society organisations in EU-India sectoral policy discussions.

Activities may include:

Evidence-based advocacy.
Stakeholder consultations.
Policy research.
Community representation.
Dialogue between governments, communities, and development partners.

Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability

The programme supports initiatives addressing environmental challenges through:

Climate resilience.
Clean energy solutions.
Resource efficiency.
Circular economy approaches.
Environmental governance.
Ecological sustainability.

Projects should contribute to climate adaptation and sustainable environmental management.

Water Management and Sustainable Urbanisation

Supported activities may include solutions related to:

Sustainable water management.
Urban environmental challenges.
Climate-resilient cities.
Improved community infrastructure.
Sustainable urban development.

Digitalisation and Inclusive Development

The programme encourages projects using digital solutions to improve:

Public participation.
Access to information.
Social services.
Economic opportunities.
Digital inclusion.

Women, Youth and Vulnerable Group Inclusion

Projects should promote inclusive development by supporting:

Women’s empowerment.
Youth participation.
Social inclusion.
Equal access to opportunities.
Protection of vulnerable communities.

The programme encourages approaches that address barriers faced by marginalized groups.

Sustainable Economic Growth and Job Creation

The initiative supports activities that promote:

Local entrepreneurship.
Sustainable businesses.
Green economic development.
Job creation.
Responsible private sector engagement.
Sustainable value chains.

Projects should contribute to economic opportunities while protecting environmental and social interests.

Funding Lots Under the Programme

The call is divided into two funding categories.

Lot 1: CSO Engagement Across India

Lot 1 supports civil society organisations working across India to strengthen:

EU-India policy dialogue.
Inclusive governance.
Sustainable development.
Climate action.
Global Gateway initiatives.
Stakeholder collaboration.

Projects under this lot should help improve cooperation between communities, institutions, and development partners.

Lot 2: Sustainable Development in North Eastern Region of India

Lot 2 focuses specifically on organisations working in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India.

Priority areas include:

Green economic development.
Climate resilience.
Sustainable value chains.
Participatory governance.
Community-based environmental solutions.

The objective is to support sustainable growth and resilience in the region.

Project Principles and Requirements

Funded projects are expected to follow important development principles, including:

Gender equality.
Women’s empowerment.
Human rights-based approaches.
Inclusive participation.
Results-based monitoring.
Innovation.
Multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Long-term sustainability.
Efficient resource management.

Applicants should design projects that create lasting benefits and strengthen local capacities.

Available Funding

The total indicative budget available under the call is:

EUR 9,976,000

Grant amounts are expected to range between:

EUR 1,500,000
EUR 2,000,000

Funding will support eligible projects that demonstrate strong potential for sustainable impact and community benefits.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

Non-profit civil society organisations.
Non-governmental organisations.

Organisations must be established in:

India.
European Union Member States.
European Economic Area countries.

Applicants must meet the specific eligibility requirements outlined in the official call guidelines.

Expected Project Outcomes

Successful projects are expected to contribute to:

Stronger civil society participation.
Better governance practices.
Improved climate resilience.
Sustainable economic opportunities.
Increased community empowerment.
Stronger environmental protection.
Inclusive development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the European Commission CSO Call for Proposals?

It is a funding programme that supports civil society organisations working on governance, climate action, sustainable development, and inclusive growth in India.

Who can apply for this funding opportunity?

Non-profit civil society organisations and NGOs established in India, EU Member States, or EEA countries can apply, subject to eligibility requirements.

How much funding is available under the programme?

The total available budget is EUR 9,976,000, with individual grants ranging from EUR 1.5 million to EUR 2 million.

What are the main focus areas of the call?

The programme focuses on governance, climate action, clean energy, circular economy, water management, digitalisation, social inclusion, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.

Does the programme support organisations in North Eastern India?

Yes. Lot 2 specifically supports CSOs working in the North Eastern Region of India on green development, climate resilience, and sustainable value chains.

Are for-profit organisations eligible to apply?

No. The programme is primarily designed for non-profit civil society organisations and NGOs.

What type of projects are encouraged?

Projects should promote sustainable development, community participation, innovation, policy engagement, and long-term social and environmental impact.

How can projects demonstrate impact?

Applicants should include clear objectives, measurable results, monitoring plans, and strategies for sustainability beyond the funding period.

Conclusion

The European Commission Civil Society Organisations Call for Proposals provides a major opportunity for CSOs to strengthen sustainable development efforts across India. By supporting governance improvements, climate action, inclusive economic growth, and community-led solutions, the programme aims to build stronger partnerships and create long-term positive change.