Deadline: 03-May-2026
The Global Consortium for Death Penalty Abolition provides grants to civil society organisations working to advance the worldwide abolition of the death penalty. The programme supports advocacy, legal reform, research, awareness campaigns, and coalition-building across 30 countries during 2026–2028, with grants ranging from €200 to €45,000. Priority is given to projects promoting human rights, fair trials, and protection of marginalized groups, including women and LGBTQIA+ communities.
What is the Death Penalty Abolition Funding Programme?
The Global Consortium for Death Penalty Abolition is a multi-donor initiative supporting civil society efforts to eliminate capital punishment worldwide. It is launched in 2024 by a consortium of 13 abolitionist organisations and co-funded by the European Union. The programme runs across 30 target countries and regions, with its second phase implemented from April 2026 to March 2028. It strengthens the global abolition movement through legal reform, advocacy, research, and public awareness initiatives.
Core Objectives of the Programme
1. Reduce Use of Capital Punishment
- Limit executions in retentionist countries
- Increase transparency in judicial systems
2. Promote Legal Abolition
- Support abolition in law and practice
- Prevent reinstatement in abolitionist states
3. Strengthen Human Rights Systems
- Improve fair trial standards
- Support judicial reform initiatives
4. Expand Global Advocacy
- Build stronger abolitionist coalitions
- Increase public awareness and engagement
Priority Areas of Funding
Advocacy and Legal Reform
- National and international advocacy campaigns
- Strategic litigation support
- Engagement with human rights mechanisms
Research and Evidence Building
- Data collection on death penalty use
- Documentation of legal violations
- Policy analysis and reporting
Capacity Building
- Training for legal professionals
- Strengthening civil society organisations
- Government stakeholder engagement
Awareness and Public Engagement
- Public campaigns and media outreach
- Educational initiatives
- World Day against the Death Penalty activities
Additional Support Areas
- Improving conditions for death row prisoners
- Supporting families of affected individuals
- Coalition-building and movement strengthening
- Youth engagement initiatives
Who Can Apply?
Eligible Applicants
- Non-profit civil society organisations
- Informal human rights networks
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Work in human rights or justice reform
- Demonstrate commitment to abolition of the death penalty
- Operate in eligible target countries or regions
Funding Details
Grant Size
- Minimum: €200
- Maximum: €45,000 per project
Cumulative Funding Limit
- Up to €60,000 per organisation across grants
Geographic Focus
Priority regions include Africa, Asia-Pacific, South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA), Caribbean, and selected countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Malaysia, Malawi, Niger, United States). Some calls may be restricted or invitation-only.
Key Thematic Focus Areas
Projects are especially encouraged if they address:
- Intersectional discrimination in justice systems
- Gender-based discrimination affecting women in detention
- LGBTQIA+ rights in criminal justice systems
- Voices of exonerees and wrongful conviction cases
- Youth-led advocacy initiatives
- International human rights compliance
Why This Programme Matters
The death penalty remains a major global human rights concern. This programme supports movement toward global abolition, strengthens fair trial protections, reduces executions and wrongful convictions, amplifies marginalized voices, and builds sustainable civil society capacity. It contributes to long-term justice reform and human rights protection systems globally.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications are assessed based on:
- Clarity of objectives
- Feasibility of implementation
- Relevance to abolition goals
- Cost-effectiveness
- Innovation in approach
- Potential for long-term impact
- Inclusion of marginalized groups
- Strategic partnerships and collaboration
- Strong planning and risk management
- Sustainability of outcomes
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organisation is a non-profit or human rights network.
Step 2: Align with Programme Goals
Your project must contribute to abolition of the death penalty.
Step 3: Define Activities
Include advocacy or legal reform actions, awareness or research components, and target countries or populations.
Step 4: Prepare Budget
Ensure costs fall within €200 to €45,000 per project.
Step 5: Submit Application
Apply under the relevant call for your region or focus area.
Step 6: Review Process
Applications are evaluated for impact, feasibility, and alignment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects unrelated to death penalty abolition
- Weak alignment with human rights objectives
- Poorly defined target groups or regions
- Overbudget or ineligible cost structures
- Lack of measurable outcomes or indicators
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly show how your work contributes to abolition
- Include data-driven or evidence-based approaches
- Highlight partnerships and coalition-building
- Address intersectional discrimination explicitly
- Demonstrate sustainability beyond project funding
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the main goal of this programme?
To support global abolition of the death penalty through civil society action.
2. How much funding is available?
Between €200 and €45,000 per project.
3. Who can apply?
Non-profit organisations and informal human rights networks.
4. What is the funding period?
April 2026 to March 2028.
5. Can one organisation apply for multiple grants?
Yes, up to a total of €60,000.
6. Which regions are prioritized?
Africa, Asia-Pacific, SWANA, Caribbean, and selected countries including the United States.
7. What types of projects are funded?
Advocacy, legal reform, research, awareness campaigns, and coalition-building.
Conclusion
The Global Consortium for Death Penalty Abolition funding programme is a major international initiative supporting civil society efforts to end capital punishment. By funding advocacy, legal reform, research, and awareness campaigns across 30 countries, it strengthens global human rights systems and advances the long-term goal of universal abolition.
For more information, visit WCADP.
