First Call for Thematic Projects on Democratic Values and Human Rights (Poland)

Deadline: 29-Jul-2026

Civil society organisations in Poland can apply for funding to implement thematic projects that strengthen democratic values, promote the rule of law, and protect human rights. Grants ranging from EUR 10,000 to EUR 80,000 are available for eligible organisations, with additional support for bilateral cooperation initiatives and organisational capacity building.

About the Funding Opportunity

This funding programme supports civil society organisations (CSOs) in Poland that are working to strengthen democracy, protect human rights, and promote the rule of law.

The initiative funds thematic projects that contribute to creating a more inclusive, democratic, and rights-based society. In addition to project implementation funding, organisations may also receive support for institutional development and international cooperation activities.

The programme uses a two-stage application process consisting of a project outline stage followed by a full application stage for shortlisted applicants.

Program Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen democratic values in Poland.
• Promote and protect the rule of law.
• Support the protection and advancement of human rights.
• Increase civic participation and citizen engagement.
• Strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations.
• Encourage cooperation between organisations across Europe.
• Support sustainable and impactful social initiatives.
• Improve organisational resilience and effectiveness.

Focus Areas

Projects must contribute to one or both of the following outcomes:

Democratic Values and Rule of Law Strengthened

Activities may focus on:

• Civic participation and engagement.
• Democratic governance.
• Transparency and accountability.
• Public participation in decision-making.
• Rule of law promotion.
• Legal awareness initiatives.
• Citizen rights education.
• Monitoring and advocacy activities.

Human Rights Strengthened

Activities may focus on:

• Human rights protection.
• Equality and non-discrimination.
• Social inclusion.
• Fundamental freedoms.
• Access to justice.
• Rights awareness campaigns.
• Protection of vulnerable groups.
• Human rights advocacy and education.

Funding Information

Medium Grants

Applicants may request:

• Minimum grant: EUR 10,000.
• Maximum grant: EUR 25,000.

Eligibility requirement:

• Organisation must have been registered for at least 12 months before submitting the project outline.

Large Grants

Applicants may request:

• Minimum grant: EUR 25,001.
• Maximum grant: EUR 80,000.

Eligibility requirement:

• Organisation must have been registered for at least 24 months before submitting the project outline.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Applicants may also request support for:

• Bilateral cooperation activities.
• Partnership development with organisations from Iceland.
• Partnership development with organisations from Liechtenstein.
• Partnership development with organisations from Norway.
• Organisational capacity-building activities.
• Institutional strengthening initiatives.
• Staff and organisational development activities.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include civil society organisations registered in Poland.

Eligible legal entities include:

• Associations.
• Ordinary associations.
• Foundations.
• Unions of associations.
• Social cooperatives.
• Rural housewives’ circles.
• Legal entities of churches registered in the National Court Register (KRS).

All applicants must meet the relevant registration period requirements for the grant category being requested.

Eligible Project Activities

Examples of eligible activities include:

• Human rights education programmes.
• Civic engagement initiatives.
• Community participation projects.
• Democracy promotion campaigns.
• Advocacy and awareness activities.
• Legal education programmes.
• Capacity-building workshops.
• Research and policy initiatives.
• Public dialogue and consultation activities.
• Citizen empowerment projects.
• Cross-border cooperation activities.
• Organisational development initiatives.

How the Application Process Works

The programme uses a two-stage application process.

Stage 1: Submit a Project Outline

• Review programme priorities and eligibility requirements.
• Develop a project concept aligned with programme outcomes.
• Prepare a project outline.
• Submit the outline through the Online Application System.

Stage 2: Full Application

• Selected applicants receive an invitation to continue.
• Prepare a detailed project proposal.
• Submit the full application through the Online Application System.
• Applications undergo final evaluation and selection.

Only applicants successfully passing Stage 1 can proceed to Stage 2.

Application Submission Requirements

Applicants must:

• Submit applications through the Online Application System.
• Ensure all required information is complete.
• Meet registration and eligibility requirements.
• Demonstrate alignment with programme objectives.

Applications submitted through other methods will not be accepted.

The following submission methods are not eligible:

• Postal applications.
• Email applications.
• Incomplete submissions.

Selection Criteria

Applications are expected to be assessed based on:

• Relevance to programme objectives.
• Contribution to democratic values.
• Contribution to rule of law initiatives.
• Contribution to human rights protection.
• Quality of project design.
• Organisational capacity.
• Feasibility of implementation.
• Sustainability of outcomes.
• Expected social impact.
• Value for money.

Why This Funding Matters

Strong civil society organisations play a critical role in promoting democracy, protecting rights, and strengthening community participation.

This funding programme helps:

• Strengthen democratic institutions.
• Support civic engagement.
• Protect fundamental rights and freedoms.
• Improve organisational sustainability.
• Encourage international cooperation.
• Increase community participation.
• Build stronger and more resilient civil society networks.
• Promote long-term social impact.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly connect your project to programme outcomes.
• Demonstrate measurable impact.
• Present realistic objectives and timelines.
• Show organisational experience and capacity.
• Include strong monitoring and evaluation methods.
• Develop a clear sustainability plan.
• Explain how beneficiaries will be engaged.
• Highlight opportunities for cooperation and partnership.

Common Application Mistakes

• Applying for the wrong grant category.
• Failing to meet registration requirements.
• Submitting incomplete project outlines.
• Providing unclear objectives.
• Weak links to programme priorities.
• Unrealistic budgets or timelines.
• Insufficient evidence of organisational capacity.
• Attempting to submit applications outside the Online Application System.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for this funding?

Civil society organisations legally registered in Poland, including associations, foundations, social cooperatives, rural housewives’ circles, and eligible church legal entities.

What is the minimum grant amount available?

The minimum grant available is EUR 10,000 under the medium grant category.

What is the maximum grant amount available?

The maximum grant available is EUR 80,000 under the large grant category.

Can organisations receive funding for capacity building?

Yes. Funding may be requested for organisational capacity-building and institutional development activities.

Are international partnerships supported?

Yes. Additional support is available for bilateral cooperation activities involving organisations from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

How are applications submitted?

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Online Application System.

Is there more than one application stage?

Yes. The programme uses a two-stage process consisting of a project outline stage followed by a full application stage for shortlisted organisations.

Conclusion

The Civil Society Organisations in Poland Thematic Projects Call provides valuable funding opportunities for organisations working to strengthen democratic values, uphold the rule of law, and protect human rights. Through project implementation grants, capacity-building support, and international cooperation opportunities, the programme helps civil society organisations create lasting democratic and social impact across Poland.

For more information, visit EEA Civil Society Fund.