Deadline: 05-Jan-2026

This funding call supports grassroots civil society organisations (CSOs) in Indonesia, Kenya, the Philippines, and South Africa to advance rights-based, community-driven transitions to green and equitable economies. Eight CSOs will receive up to EUR 87,500 each for 18-month projects focusing on corporate accountability, human rights, and policy transformation. The program strengthens resilience, access to remedy, and local advocacy for structural change.

Corporate Accountability, Resilience, and Participation for an Equitable Transition — Funding Call

The Corporate Accountability, Resilience, and Participation for an Equitable Transition Project Call provides financial support to grassroots CSOs addressing human rights, environmental justice, and corporate accountability. The initiative aims to accelerate a fair, community-centered shift toward sustainable green economies across four countries.

Purpose of the Funding Call

The program is designed to help CSOs scale up or replicate successful local initiatives that tackle business-related human rights harms, strengthen community voices, and influence policy reforms.

Key Objectives

Support a just and rights-based green economic transition
Enhance access to remedy for communities affected by corporate or governmental misconduct
Strengthen local resilience through community-driven action
Promote structural change in business practices and public policy
Facilitate responsible, transparent, and sustainable economic development

Funding Overview

Total available funding: EUR 700,000
Number of CSOs supported: 8
Maximum per organisation: Up to EUR 87,500
Project duration: Up to 18 months (April 2026 – September 2027)
Funding supports activities that deliver measurable impact at both community and policy levels.

Thematic Areas

1. Corporate Accountability and Human Rights

Projects may include:

Documenting business-related human rights abuses
Supporting affected communities
Developing accountability strategies
Pursuing remedy through advocacy or formal complaint mechanisms

2. Policy Change and Business Model Transformation

Eligible actions include:

Policy advocacy with companies, investors, and regulators
Improving human rights and environmental due diligence
Promoting transparency and fairer business models
Strengthening governance in environmental and social protection

Geographic Scope

Projects must take place in one or more of the following:

Indonesia
Kenya
Philippines
South Africa
Single-country projects are preferred. Multi-country projects must justify added value, feasibility, and relevance.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all criteria:

Grassroots or local civil society organisation (CSO)
Non-profit, non-partisan, non-violent
Legally registered before 1 January 2020
Experience in business and human rights or human rights defender protection
Active in relevant fields: agriculture, renewable energy, mining, environmental justice, gender equality, Indigenous rights, or labour rights
Strong inclusion of women-led, youth-led, Indigenous, and disability rights organisations

Ineligible Entities

For-profit organisations
Academic and professional institutions
Informal or non-registered groups
International organisations
Individuals
Organisations with bankruptcy, legal violations, or professional misconduct

Why It Matters

This call strengthens local leadership in climate justice, corporate accountability, and community resilience. It elevates voices directly affected by environmental and economic decisions and supports equitable green transitions that do not leave vulnerable populations behind.

How to Apply

Follow these steps for a strong submission:

Confirm eligibility using the criteria above.
Choose your thematic focus (corporate accountability, policy reform, or both).
Define the problem your project will address and its relevance to local or national challenges.
Develop a project plan with activities, outcomes, and measurable indicators.
Prepare a clear budget aligned with objectives and compliant with funding rules.
Demonstrate organisational experience in human rights or environmental advocacy.
Submit only one proposal per organisation.
If multi-country: provide justification, methodology, and feasibility evidence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting more than one application
Proposing activities outside the four eligible countries
Weak justification for thematic relevance or community need
Lack of evidence of past human rights or advocacy experience
Unrealistic budgets or timelines
Applying as an ineligible entity (e.g., academic institution, for-profit company)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available per organisation?
Up to EUR 87,500 for a single 18-month project.
2. Can an organisation submit more than one application?
No. Only one proposal is permitted per CSO.
3. Are multi-country projects allowed?
Yes, but they require strong justification and clear feasibility.
4. Do applicants need experience in human rights work?
Yes. Prior experience in business and human rights or human rights defender protection is mandatory.
5. Are new organisations eligible?
No. Organisations must have been registered before 1 January 2020.
6. Can international NGOs apply?
No. Only grassroots, local CSOs are eligible.
7. What sectors are prioritized?
Sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, mining, Indigenous rights, labour rights, and environmental justice.

Conclusion

The Corporate Accountability, Resilience, and Participation for an Equitable Transition Project Call offers an important opportunity for grassroots CSOs to drive impactful, community-led environmental and human rights initiatives. By supporting accountability, policy change, and resilience-building, the program helps shape fair, transparent, and sustainable transitions across four key countries.

For more information, visit Business and Human Rights Resource Centre.