CFPs: Civil Society Funding for strengthening Governance (Guatemala)

Deadline: 06-May-2026

The European Commission has launched a funding call under the Thematic Programme for Civil Society Organizations 2021–2027 to support civil society initiatives in Guatemala. The programme offers grants from EUR 575,000 to EUR 1,150,000 to strengthen governance, policy participation, and inclusive development, with a total budget of EUR 2.3 million.

About the Funding Opportunity

This call for proposals supports national civil society actions in Guatemala that improve:

• Good governance

• Democratic participation

• Public policy dialogue

• Sustainable development

• Local CSO engagement in development planning

The programme is part of the EU’s wider NDICI–Global Europe framework and supports stronger roles for civil society organizations (CSOs) as independent development actors.

Funding Available

• Total indicative budget: EUR 2,300,000

• Minimum grant per project: EUR 575,000

• Maximum grant per project: EUR 1,150,000

Note: The contracting authority may decide not to award the full available budget.

Key Priority Areas

Projects should strengthen the ability of local CSOs to engage in policy formulation, development implementation, and governance processes.

Priority themes include:

• Green transition

• Digital transition

• Gender equality

• Human rights

• Respect for indigenous peoples

• Decent work for youth

• Youth participation

• Community engagement

• Inclusive and democratic development

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible lead applicants must be:

• Legally established

• Non-profit

• One of the following:

  • Civil society organizations (CSOs)

  • Networks

  • Platforms

  • Coalitions

Applicants must also:

• Be established in:

  • Guatemala

  • An EU Member State

  • Another eligible country under NDICI–Global Europe

• Have been established for at least 5 years

• Have carried out regular relevant actions for at least 3 years before applying

• Take direct responsibility for preparing and managing the project

Can You Apply with Partners?

Yes.

The lead applicant may:

• Apply individually, or

• Apply with co-applicants / co-beneficiaries

If selected, the lead applicant becomes the project coordinator and:

• Acts as the main contact with the contracting authority

• Represents the partnership

• Coordinates implementation across all co-beneficiaries

Why This Programme Matters

This funding is important because it helps:

• Strengthen civil society participation in governance

• Improve policy dialogue between CSOs and public institutions

• Build stronger local partnerships

• Support inclusive development in Guatemala

• Advance EU priorities on democracy, youth inclusion, gender equality, and human rights

What Projects Should Do

Strong proposals should aim to:

1. Build CSO capacity for policy engagement

2. Strengthen dialogue with government institutions

3. Support participation in:

   • Development plans

   • Public programmes

   • Policy analysis

   • Local and national governance processes

4. Promote work in thematic areas such as:

   • Climate / green transition

   • Digital inclusion

   • Indigenous rights

   • Youth employment

   • Gender equality

Tips for a Strong Application

• Show clear local relevance in Guatemala

• Demonstrate experience in governance, advocacy, or development

• Include a realistic policy engagement strategy

• Build partnerships with credible local actors

• Explain how the project improves the enabling environment for CSOs

• Align activities with EU civil society and democracy priorities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without meeting the 5-year legal establishment rule

• Weak evidence of 3 years of relevant work

• Submitting a project outside the grant size range

• Proposing activities that do not clearly strengthen CSO participation

• Unclear partnership roles between lead applicant and co-applicants

• Overly broad proposals without measurable governance outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is this EU funding call for?

It supports civil society organizations in Guatemala to strengthen good governance, policy participation, and sustainable development.

2. How much funding can applicants request?

Projects can request between EUR 575,000 and EUR 1,150,000.

3. What is the total budget for the call?

The total indicative budget is EUR 2,300,000.

4. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are non-profit CSOs, networks, platforms, and coalitions legally established in Guatemala, an EU Member State, or another eligible NDICI–Global Europe country.

5. How long must applicants have been established?

Applicants must be legally established for at least 5 years and have at least 3 years of relevant operational experience.

6. Can organizations apply in partnership?

Yes. The lead applicant may apply alone or with co-applicants.

7. What themes are prioritized?

Priority themes include:

• Green transition

• Digital transition

• Gender equality

• Human rights

• Indigenous peoples’ rights

• Decent work for youth

• Youth and community participation

Conclusion

The EU Civil Society Organizations funding call in Guatemala is a major opportunity for eligible non-profit CSOs and civil society networks to secure large-scale grants for governance and development work.

With grants of up to EUR 1.15 million, the programme is especially relevant for organizations working on policy dialogue, democracy, youth inclusion, human rights, and sustainable development in Guatemala.

For more information, visit European Commission.